National Powerboat Association - New York City Poker Run 2003

It rained for 40 days and almost 40 nights, then on Saturday, June 14th at 11 am, the sky miraculously cleared for just 4 hours…and off went the National Powerboat Association’s infamous NEW YORK CITY POWERBOAT RALLY with 131 contestants from all over the nation competing on the Hudson River.

The 1st segment of the event was the Patriotic Parade from the Statue of Liberty to the George Washington Bridge, which was lead by the Cigarette Racing Team, the Official Paceboat for the 100+ mph class. Then followed the Speedboat Class led by the Sonic Paceboat and finally the Cruiser Class lead by Freedom Marine’s Mustang Express Cruiser. All powerboats took the start at the George Washington Bridge to commence the 2nd segment of the event, the Hi-Speed Run to the Tappan Zee Bridge. After completing this 15 mile leg, all boats navigated the 3rd segment of the event, the Poker Run, which took the fleet to Ossining Boat and Canoe Club, Haverstraw Marina, and finally returning to Liberty Landing Marina, the host marina and headquarters for the show.

Gary Montano’s 46’ Sterling powered Cigarette grabbed the early lead, but was quickly pulled down by Bob Russell and Mike Fiore in their 42’ Outerlimits GTX, until one of their 557” Sterling engines failed. Bob Christie took the lead in his 36’ Nor-Tech Cat until Jim Leonardo “hooked-up” his 50’ Nor-Tech, “Extreme Exhibit” and scorched the fleet, claiming speeds approaching 190 mph. Hard to verify the “King of the Hudson’s” speed, since he pulled away from our Jet Ranger helicopter too. Jim Courtney in his 36’ Nor-Tech was the 3rd cat to the bridge followed by Charlie Amorosi/ProRoc’s 36’Spectre Cat, “Tsunami”.

Scott Applegate’s 42’ Outerlimits GTX, “Jus Truckin”, edged out Oliver Bock’s 123 mph 47’ Outerlimit’s GTX from Canada to be the 1st V-Bottom to the bridge earning him the title, “King of the V-Bottoms”. Brad Benson ran a close 3rd place in the V-Bottom competition in his 42’ Outerlimits, “Pass Blocker”, with 540/900HP Mercs, Herring Props, and Merc #6 speedmasters, at 115+mph.

For the 4th consecutive year, Ron Bender’s, “Wild Thing” from Ohio, won “Best Looking Crew”, all costumed up as the Flintstones. The “Best Looking Boat” Award went to Jeff and Ryan Friedman in their new 38’ Cigarette Top Gun, “Water Damage”…what a pretty boat! Mark Jameson’s Cigarette, “Too Hot” won “Queen of the Show” with its dazzling paint job. Our “Youngest Captain Award” was passed on from Ryan Friedman to Barrett Friedman in his 42’ Cigarette Tiger, “Barenboo”. He is quite a driver at 13 years old! (Can you remember what boat you were driving when you were 13?) Adam Habib earned “Furthest Traveled” by leaving from Santa Ana, California 5 days ago to compete in his Formula . Bob Leach, President of Eliminator Powerboats also came from California with his raceboat and had great support from his newest distributor FASTBOATS, INC., located on Long Island, New York.

The real winner of the day was Tommy Fancher in his 37’ Outerlimits…but speed did not matter. He pulled a straight and won the Five Thousand Dollar Grand Prize. That should help to keep gas in his Fountain, Cigarette, and his Outerlimits.

With support and sponsorship from the Cigarette Racing Team, Offshore Performance, Outerlimits, Ocean Performance, Eliminator by FASTBOATS, INC., Trenton Marine Center, Sonic, Hustler, Formula, Tiger Performance, Livorsi Marine, Skater, Mercury Racing, MRD Motorsports, Huber Marine, Kurt’s Competition Marine, Bravo Shop, Total Dollar Insurance, OffshoreOnly.com, Myco, Cassatto Airbrushing,

S & S Propellers, Double Tree Club Suites, Liberty Landing Marina, Chillybear, ThinkFast Films, and of course FRENZY PERFORMANCE, this event was the epitome of,

FAST BOATS…PRETTY GIRLS…GOOD MUSIC!!!

…the ingredients that make this the greatest powerboat adventure in the world.

THE NEW YORK CITY POWERBOAT RALLY!!!

Make your reservations now. Next year’s date is June 19, 2004.

The National Powerboat Association is a company dedicated to the advancement of powerboating in America through event promotions and productions as a purveyor of powerboats, powerboat equipment, videos, and sportswear.

Conceived in 1976 with regional events and upgraded in 1982 to national events, the N.P.B.A.'s boating experience assures premium shows and quality products.