2021 NAMBA Nats Race Program

John Brodbeck Helped Get Me Hooked - by Tracy Osborne John Brodbeck is probably remembered by most as the guy that started K&B, and that would be a fair assessment but he contributed to model boating in another important way. In 1982 John, or as we more affectionately known him “Mr. B”, introduced the “Kids-R-Boaters Too” class, which offered a starting place for so many kids and has lead to so many memorable moments. Over the years many kids, and in some cases their kids have graduated from this 5-minute enduro and are still racing and involved in boating today (including myself though I am far from being a kid any more). In the event’s inaugural running 9-year-old Marcus Hooks won the gold. For many years Ricky Fish at 4 years old held the title as the youngest driver to ever race at a nationals, however that record was broken in 2000 and now belongs to Al Water’s grandson Dylan - who was just shy of 2 years old when he first ran. Mr. B and K&B Engines also sponsored a Ladies’ Day and Kids ‘R Boaters event for years in District 19. He was inducted into the NAMBA Hall of Fame in 1982, and will always have a special place in my heart - they just don’t make them like him any more! 2021 NAMBA Nationals Page 42