BOCA RATON, FL / ACCESSWIRE / May 5, 2021 / For those who are familiar with the requirements of a professional powerboat race, the concept of a driver and a throttleman co-piloting these sometimes 50-foot-long boats around courses at speeds of over 180 mph comes as no surprise. However, for those starting to learn about the sport, the concept of two pilots may come as a novel idea.
"I've been a powerboat racer for two decades and I always find myself time after time describing to newcomers the differences between the role of the driver and throttleman," says Hugh D. Fuller Jr. As a former car racer, and now lauded powerboat driver, Fuller is quick to point out the importance of a good throttleman.
"The most important part of powerboat racing is teamwork between the driver and throttleman," notes Hugh D. Fuller Jr. "One cannot exist without the other, so winning is always a combined effort. Their abilities to control the throttle and gauge varying nautical measurements on the fly is a skill few can master."
From Hugh D. Fuller Jr. himself, continue reading to learn more about the esteemed throttlemen he's worked with through the years.
Jerry Gilbreath
"Jerry's a smooth operator of the highest order," laughs Hugh D. Fuller Jr. "Jerry and I are both type-A personalities that just want to win. We ran each lap to the maximum and gave every race 110%."
The pair have scored many victories together on the Super-Cat powerboat racing circuit, recording dominant streaks of performance from as far back as 2000. As league-leading racers, they have recorded victories at contentious races including the Chesapeake Trophy Major, a race that requires its contestants to reach speeds of up to 180 miles per hours on the tight Patapsco river outside Baltimore.
"In addition to being a lauded throttleman, Gilbreath is also a phenomenal setup guy. His knowledge of how to set up a boat is unmatched," says Hugh Fuller.
Johnny Tomlinson
"When you're looking for a throttleman who knows his way through every possible inch of any and every boat, you'll want Johnny Tomlinson in your corner," says Hugh D. Fuller Jr. "Everyone admires Johnny because he's extremely talented and an all-around great guy."
Johnny has been in the boat business for more than 34 years, working as a co-owner of the TNT Custom Marine, while also winning races and breaking records on the water as an offshore throttleman.
Randy Scism
"Another throttleman who knows the industry like the back of his hand is Randy. While I've only raced with him once, I can say that he knows the industry like the back of his hand," remarks Hugh D. Fuller Jr. "On top of being an esteemed racer, he's also an extremely talented boat builder."
As a manufacturer of some of the fastest boats in racing, Randy Scism has worked for years to make a name for himself in the powerboating industry and isn't nearly done yet. In fact, his newest family of boats is set to be unveiled at the 2021 Miami International Boat Show, another powerboat that will surely break records wherever it's raced.
Rich Wyatt
"Rich is a guy who never fails to convince me to take a route I'd never normally explore," says Hugh D. Fuller Jr. "And yet, he's always somehow right. Together, we won 1 national title and 2 world titles on unlimited courses of up to 190 mph"
A professional racer since the age of 18, Rich has been a dominant figure in the powerboat racing circuit for the duration of his career. After holding a spot as a first-place racer in the Super Vee Class, Rich has been known to navigate some of the most challenging routes at speeds other racers would never attempt.
"Rich Wyatt is a real throttleman, as are the rest of my former partners," remembers Hugh D. Fuller Jr. "These guys have been essential to my career, and I can't wait to see what each one of them will accomplish next."
Be sure not to miss any more insights into the incredible world of powerboat racing from Hugh D. Fuller Jr.!
Contact: Andrew Mitchell, [email protected]
SOURCE: Hugh Fuller