Jake McKee
Boat Racer
Jake McKee #01
Driver Name: Jake McKee
Driver Age: 19
Hometown: Redlands , CA
Email: mckeejake018@gmail.com
Team Name: McKee Racing
Boat Class: Formula Light
Boat Number: 01
Crew Chief: John McKee
Engine Builder: Myself
Crew Members: Jarret McKee , Kailie McKee , Danielle McKee , Dylan Tait
Nickname: Bean
Years as a race driver: 6
What Got You Started Racing: My Dad
Sponsors: McKee racing , Clover Racing , Seaway marine, pci radios
Career Hilights: 3rd place in Baytown , TX
Racing Goals: Learn and have fun
Hobbies and Interests: Bird watching , Puzzles , I also race SprintCars and Crew on a Top Fuel Funny car team
Karissa Sadl
Boat Racer
Karissa Sadl #6
Driver Name: Karissa Sadl
Driver Age: 22
Hometown: St. Louis Missouri
Email: karissasadl@gmail.com
Team Name: Sadl Racing
Boat Class: F Light
Boat Number: 6
Crew Chief: Don Wilson
Crew Members: Matt Sadl, Don Wilson, Brayden Splinter, and Nick Bowers
Years as a race driver: 1
Occupation: Surgical Trauma Registered Nurse
Employer: University of Missouri Healthcare
What Got You Started Racing: My dad raced formula 1 when i was little and is now an official so i had to join the fun!
Sponsors: C and M Concrete and Rissa Flicks
Racing Goals: Win rookie of the year!
Kolby Crook
Boat Racer
Kolby Crook #82
Driver Name: Kolby Crook
Driver Age: 18
Hometown: Dawson Springs
Email: kolbgcrook@gmail.com
Team Name: Q&M Water sports racing
Boat Class: SST 45/ formula light
Boat Number: 82
Crew Chief: Corey Merrill
Engine Builder: Corey Merrill
Crew Members: Lee Jones, Kristin Merrill, Corey Merrill
Nickname: G-Man
Years as a race driver: 7
Occupation: I am in college at Kentucky Wesleyan to play golf and study business admin. Over the summer and winter breaks I work at Q&M Watersports
Employer: Corey Merrilk
Years On The Job: 1
What Got You Started Racing: When my step dad and step brother stepped into my life they raced boats and so they introduced it to me. I have always been an adrenaline junkie so it was juts a year or 2 after I started racing J-Hydro and then made my way up some classes and as soon as I turned 16 I hopped in a SST 45.
Sponsors: Q&M water sports, All Aboard Pontoon Rentals
Career Hilights: One of my career highlights was in 2022 when I got 3rd place in AXH at the northern American Championships
Racing Goals: My goals are to finish on the podiums have a good clean season, and have fun while doing all of it.
Hobbies and Interests: I play golf, and ride fourwheelers
Marshall Gildermaster
Boat Racer
Marshall Gildermaster #78
Driver Name: Marshall Gildermaster
Driver Age: 72
Hometown: Ponchatoula, LA
Email: gildermasterm@gmail.com
Team Name: Molgaard Racing
Boat Class: SST 45
Boat Number: 78
Engine Builder: Mark Schmerbaugh
Crew Members: Richard Sage
Spouse Name: Suzanne Gildermaster
Years Together With Spouse: 35
Years as a race driver: 20
Occupation: Pilot
Employer: Southwest Airlines
Years On The Job: 25
What Got You Started Racing: Building Hydroplanes
Career Hilights: 2018 East Coast Challenge Champion 2.5 Mod Hydro
Racing Goals: Improve my driving skills in the SST 45 Tunnel Boat Class
Hobbies and Interests: Flying, inboard racing, Aircraft Mechanic and Inspection , Bicycling
CHRIS HUGHES
Boat Racer
Chris Hughes #17
Age : 48
Hometown : Santa Fe, TX
Team Name : Makin’ Waves Racing
Boat Class : SST 45 Formula Lights
Boat Number : #17
Crew Chief : David Johnigan
Engine Builder : Hal Brooms Only The Best
Crew Members : Tim Kraft Gavin Kraft
Nickname : Chris
Spouse Name : Julie Vaughn
Years Together With Spouse : 11
Years as a Race Driver : 13
Occupation : Outboard Mechanic
Employer : Suncoast Marine Works
Years On The Job : 12
What Got You Started Racing : The Love of Boats and Competition
Sponsors : Suncoast Marine Works. JJJ Firearms
Career Highlights : Keep’n My Opinions Mine.
Racing Goals : WIN WIN WIN and Win Some More
Hobbies and Interests : Tunnel Boat Racing, Duck Hunting, Deer Hunting Tarpon Fish’n
JAMES KLEIN
Boat Racer
James Klein #91
Driver Name: James Klein
Driver Age: 29
Hometown: Davisburg, Michigan
Email: halffasthydro@gmail.com
Team Name: Half Fast Racing
Boat Class: F-Light
Boat Number: 91
Crew Chief: Andrew Luchenbach
Engine Builder: Brinkman Marine
Crew Members: Larry Klein(Father, radioman), Eric Wienczak(media manager)
Years as a race driver: 20
Occupation: Controls Engineer
Employer: Fanuc Robotics
Years On The Job: 3
What Got You Started Racing: My father
Sponsors: Crane Technologies
Career Hilights: 2026 Hall of champions inductee, 2026 podium finish at Alton, IL
Racing Goals: Get faster and challenge the front runners for the podium
Hobbies and Interests: Backcountry Skiing and backpacking
Steve Lee
Boat Racer
Steve Lee #26
Driver Name: Steve Lee
Driver Age: 53
Hometown: Ocala, FL
Email: slee@purvisgray.com
Team Name: Gran Prix Tunnel Boats
Boat Class: Formula Lights
Boat Number: 26
Crew Chief: Mike Lee
Engine Builder: Mike Lee
Crew Members: Tim Toole, Scottie Toole, Kurt Osborn
Nickname: Steve
Spouse Name: Kendra Lee
Years Together With Spouse: 32
Years as a race driver: 18
Occupation: Certified Public Acxountant
Employer: Purvis, Gray and Company
Years On The Job: 28
What Got You Started Racing: Family History with Grandfather and Father racing
Sponsors: Lee Motorsports
Career Hilights: Won Bay City, Springfield, Marietta, Orange
Racing Goals: Improve
Hobbies and Interests: Gator Sports
SHELBY LOVE
Boat Racer
Shelby Love #24
Driver Name: Shelby Love
Driver Age: 20
Hometown: Camarillo
Email: shelbyjolove24@gmail.com
Team Name: Clover Racing
Boat Class: SST 45
Boat Number: 24
Crew Chief: Todd Anderson
Engine Builder: Spencer love
Crew Members: Jake Nelson, Easton B , Bill Rucker, Troy Nelson
Years as a race driver: 7
Employer: Clover construction
Years On The Job: 4
What Got You Started Racing: My dad
Sponsors: Clover construction, Moorpark auto collision
Career Hilights: Winning my first race in Port Neches and winning in Springfield along with my dad
Racing Goals: Win series points
HANS MCCAULEY
Boat Racer
Hans Küffner-McCauley # 42
Driver Name: Hans Küffner-McCauley
Driver Age: 35
Hometown: Vienna, Austria
Email: hans.kmcc@yahoo.com
Team Name: McCauley and Son Racing
Boat Class: Formula Lights
Boat Number: 42
Crew Chief: Joe McCauley
Engine Builder: various
Crew Members: Cornelia Küffner, Justin Marcus
Nickname: Hans
Spouse Name: partner’s name is Camille (French)
Years Together With Spouse: 2-3
Years as a race driver: onece/year since 2012
Occupation: mechanical engineer
Employer: University of Vienna, Austria
Years On The Job: just switched jobs, 3-4 years on first job as simulation engineer
What Got You Started Racing: 3rd generation of McCauley Racing
Sponsors: Mama and Papa
Career Hilights: 3rd at Nationals at Windsor 2019, won a heat
Racing Goals: To stay dry and safe
Hobbies and Interests: salsa dancing, long distance hiking in Norway
CARLOS MENDANA
Boat Racer
Carlos Mendana #27
Driver Name: Carlos Mendana
Driver Age: 34
Hometown: Miami, Fl
Email: donzifreak@gmail.com
Team Name: Mendana Enterprises
Boat Class: SST45/Formula Lights
Boat Number: 27
Crew Chief: Jose Mendana
Years as a race driver: 16
Employer: MarineMax
What Got You Started Racing: Fourth generation boat racer
Sponsors: Mike Scott Pulmbing
Career Hilights: 2011 USF1 Formula Lights rookie of the year, 2013 USF1 F1 rookie of the year, 2018 Powerboat Nationals Formula Lights “Global Champion”
Hobbies and Interests: SCCA Road Course Racing, Spec Miata
JOSE MENDANA JR.
Boat Racer
Jose Mendana Jr. #21
Driver Name: Jose Mendana Jr.
Driver Age: 41
Hometown: Lutz, FL
Email: mendanaracing@gmail.com
Team Name: Gran Prix Tunnel Boats
Boat Class: Formula Lights / SST-45
Boat Number: 21
Crew Chief: Jose Mendana Sr
Engine Builder: Mike Lee / Carlos Mendana
Crew Members: Jose Mendana Sr., Carlos Mendana , Kevin Pasch, Kurt Osborn, Steve Lee, Mike Lee, Scott Toole, Tim Toole, Kevin Keith, Joy Keith, Steve Ward
Nickname: Miami Madman / Tampa Terror
Spouse Name: Lesma Baez
Years Together With Spouse: 13
Years as a race driver: 24
Occupation: CPA / Director of Finance
Employer: Pepin Distributing Company
Years On The Job: 10
What Got You Started Racing: 4th Generation
Sponsors: Mike Scott Plumbing, Mendana Enterprises
Career Hilights: 2006, 07, 08 F lights World Champion, 2007,08,10 F Lights National Champion, 2008 F2 Rookie of the Year, 2010 F1 Rookie of the Year, 2023 Powerboat Nationals Champion, 3 APBA Hall of Champion Inductions
Racing Goals: Win as many Formula Lights events as possible
Hobbies and Interests: Traveling, R/C Boating
J.W. Nelson
Boat Racer
J.W. Nelson #18
Driver Age : 37
Hometown : Live in Atlanta,, GA but I’m from Syracuse, NY
Team Name : Screamin’ Eagles
Boat Class : Formula Lights – SST45
Boat Number : 18
Crew Chief : Tom Wein
Engine Builder : Mark Schmerbauch
Crew Members : Tom Wein, Daryl Balcom, Gary Pugh, Chad Lee, Rob Dinic’, Randy Spitler, Derek Smith, Lisa Balcom, Farmer B, Bill Hesson, Fred “Grandpa” Nelson, Wyatt Nelson Racing
Nickname : J Dubb
Years as a race driver : 22
Occupation : CPA – Public Accountant
Employer : Frazier Deeter, LLC
Years On The Job : 16
What Got You Started Racing : My father, Wyatt Nelson; grandfather, Fred Nelson and Bill Hesson; I’m a 3rd generation boat racer
Sponsors : Frazier Deeter, LLC (Jason Nelson, Partnet); Wyatt H. Nelson Architecture; Dewald Propellers; Pugh Boat Works; Interskate 88
Career Highlights : 2018 Powerboat Nationals Series Champions; 2018 North American Champions; 2009 World Champions; 2008 Algonac Chris Craft Regatta Champions
Racing Goals : Win more championships and series championships
Hobbies and Interests : Basketball and Golf
Mark Schmerbauch
Boat Racer
Mark Schmerbauch #35
Driver Name: Mark Schmerbauch
Driver Age: 68
Hometown: Greenfield Wisconsin
Email: mschm@milwpc.com
Website: Mark Schmerbauch google ,com
Instagram Link: mschmerbauch
Team Name: BB Racing
Boat Class: Formula Lights (SST 45)
Boat Number: 35
Crew Chief: Rick Bobalik
Engine Builder: Mark Schmerbauch / Ron Thomas
Crew Members: Rick and Marie Bobalik, Brandon Bobalik, Jay and Paula Carothers
Nickname: Schmer
Spouse Name: Mary
Years Together With Spouse: 46
Years as a race driver: 48
Occupation: Retired
What Got You Started Racing: Living near a lake and like boats
Sponsors: Pizza Inn, Jerry’s Marine, Ron Thomas – The Foot Doctor
Career Hilights: See Media Kit
Racing Goals: Enjoying Racing
Hobbies and Interests: Weight Training, Collector of Lionel Trains
RANDY PARTCH
Boat Racer
Randy Partch #66
Driver Name: Randy Partch
Driver Age: 50
Hometown: Port Charlotte
Email: randy@liquidrevolutions.com
Team Name: Liquid Revolutions
Boat Class: Formula Light
Boat Number: 66
Crew Chief: Ted Partch
Engine Builder: Self
Crew Members: Britney Cox, Richard Dyess, Dave “Gonzo” Gonzales
Spouse Name: Britney Cox
Years as a race driver: 6
Occupation: Self
What Got You Started Racing: Seeing my first race in Windsor
Sponsors: Gen-Y Hitch, Antigravity Batteries, Klotz, WeinerWraps
Racing Goals: Continue refining my skills as a driver and helping promote and grow our class/sport
Hobbies and Interests: BBQ / Smoking, Crab Fishing, Scuba Diving, International Travel
TRAVIS THOMPSON
Boat Racer
Travis Thompson #2
Driver Name: Travis Thompson
Driver Age: 38
Hometown: Houston Tx
Email: tkt7195@gmail.com
Team Name: Thompson Racing
Boat Class: Formula Light
Boat Number: 2
Crew Chief: Davey Thompson
Engine Builder: Dave’s Thompson
Crew Members: Taylor Thompson ,Tyler Thompson
Spouse Name: Taylor Thompson
Years Together With Spouse: 8
Years as a race driver: 18
Occupation: Wine Sales
Employer: Maverick
Years On The Job: 4
What Got You Started Racing: Dad raced in the late 60s in Sports J, crewed for SST 120 team 2000-2004. Two seater ride plus a few laps in a SST 45 got me hooked
Career Hilights: Bunch of podiums and a lot of fun!
Racing Goals: Top podium spot at a series race
Hobbies and Interests: Travel and raising two young kids
JARED WALLACH
Boat Racer
Jared Wallach #69
Driver Name: Jared Wallach
Driver Age: 28
Hometown: Redondo Beach, CA
Email: jaredwallach18@gmail.com
Team Name: Peterson Racing
Boat Class: Formula Lights
Boat Number: 69
Crew Chief: Todd Peterson
Engine Builder: OMC
Crew Members: Diane Peterson, Zach Peterson, Nic Peterson, Tom Kargus
Years as a race driver: 17
Occupation: Commercial Real Estate Broker – Mobilehome & RV Parks
Employer: Wilmer – Danny Group
Years On The Job: 6
What Got You Started Racing: Father had been involved since he was a kid.
Sponsors: Latitude Dispensary, Peterson Racing
Career Hilights: 2015 WFLS Rookie of the Year, 2017 Gulfport Grandprix Winner, 2026 Port Neches Riverfest Winner
Racing Goals: Win
Hobbies and Interests: Surfing and playing drums
Francis Lapina
Boat Racer
Francis Lapina # 79
Driver Name: Francis Lapina
Driver Age: 59
Hometown: Milton, FL
Email: frankie.lapina@gmail.com
Instagram Link: ‘@hi_im_francis
Team Name: Nyne Racing Team (NRT)
Boat Class: Formula Lights
Boat Number: 79
Nickname: Frankie
Years as a race driver: 0
Sponsors: NRT, Rock Oil
Hobbies and Interests: VMX
Addison Dumford
Boat Racer
Addison Dumford #52
Driver Name: Addison Dumford
Driver Age: 29
Hometown: Franklin
Email: addison_dumford@yahoo.com
Facebook Link: Team Dumford Racing
Instagram Link: Addison_6.7
Team Name: Team Dumford
Boat Class: Formula lights
Boat Number: 52
Crew Chief: Chris Dumford
Engine Builder: Spencer Love
Crew Members: Hailey LaCoste, Josh Newcome, Raeni Dumford
Years as a race driver: 2
Occupation: Self employed
Years On The Job: 10
What Got You Started Racing: John J. Rinker (grandfather)
Racing Goals: Podium
Hobbies and Interests: Hunting
Ashten Cafarelli
Boat Racer
Ashten Cafarelli #30
Driver Age: 20
Hometown: Champaign Illinois
Email: ashtencafarelli@icloud.com
Team Name: MC Racing
Boat Class: Formula Lights SST45
Boat Number: 30
Crew Chief: Brian Cafarelli
Engine Builder: Brian Cafarelli
Crew Members: Jason McBain
Years as a race driver: 11 years
Occupation: HVAC New Construction
Employer: Lanz Heating & Cooling Plumbing & Underground Solution
Years On The Job: 2
What Got You Started Racing: My Father (Brian Cafarelli) introduced me to racing when I was 5 and always wanted to be a racer myself.
Sponsors: JMcBain Construction
Career Hilights: Winning first race at New Martinsville WV
Racing Goals: Top 5 at the end of the year
Hobbies and Interests: On off time I love to golf.
Brandon Bobalik
Boat Racer
Brandon Bobalik #60
Driver Age: 40
Hometown: Crosby, Texas
Email: lefty8514@aol.com
Team Name: BB Racing
Boat Class: Formula Lights
Boat Number: 60
Crew Chief: Rick Bobalik
Years as a race driver: 2
What Got You Started Racing: My Dad
Dominick Trolian
Boat Racer
Dominick Trolian #94
Driver Age: 18
Hometown: Milan, Michigan
Email: djt473@gmail.com
Website: Teamracecraft.com
Team Name: Team Racecraft
Boat Class: Formula Light
Boat Number: 94
Crew Chief: Brian Trolian
Engine Builder: Ben Thompson and Mac Pfalzer
Crew Members: Caleb Perez, Joe Edmunds, Cooper Thompson, Jackson Gallagher
Nickname: The Man in Black
Years as a race driver: 11
What Got You Started Racing: Its in my blood, my grandfathers on both sides of the family raced, my parents grew up racing and it was passed down to me
Sponsors: Bam Bam Powersports, Mac’s Mobile Marine, Full Pipe Motorsports
Career Hilights: 6 national championships in kneel down outboards, 2022 Hall of Champions Induction
Racing Goals: F-lights national and world championship, F1 national and world championdhip
Hobbies and Interests: Wrenching on anything, custom work and machining on power sports units, restoring and modifying old trucks and cars, 2-stroke engine development
Jack Schubert
Boat Racer
Jack Schubert #12
Driver Age: 18
Hometown: Richmond
Email: jack_s1106@icloud.com
Team Name: Outlaw f1
Boat Class: 45
Boat Number: 12
Crew Chief: Michael
Engine Builder: Evinrude
Years as a race driver: 9
Occupation: Ace hardware
Employer: Jill powers
Years On The Job: 3
What Got You Started Racing: Legacy
Sponsors: Ace hardware