2021 NAMBA Nats Race Program

Frank Hu - Inducted 1989 (deceased 2020) Frank started in model boating while living in Hawaii and was one of the original members of the Hawaiian Horde. Frank also attended races in Japan, and was responsible for getting the Japanese team to attend several of our Na- tionals. He served as an assistant to the first President of NAMBA, Gary Johnson, and represented NAMBA at events throughout the country. Steve Muck - Inducted 1990 Steve Muck started in his model boating career in the Los Angeles area, and was one of the original members of NAMBA. He later left Los Angeles and moved to Dallas, Texas, but his participation in boating did not stop. Long a model boating competitor, he then became a manufacturer, providing competitive boats and hardware to model boaters around the country. Richard Hazlewood - Inducted 1990 When one thinks of outboards, one thinks of Richard Hazlewood. Getting started in model boating in Needles, California isn't easy, but Richard did it in a big way. He has numerous National Championships to his credit, either as a driver or as the mechanic and pitperson to his family members. Richard served several terms as NAMBA's Outboard Chairman. Al Prather - Inducted 1991 (deceased) Al's first introduction to model boating was in the late 1970's, when his son Terry received a model boat hull from Bill Bennett. From that point on, Al was hooked, and was instrumental in the design and marketing of numerous model boat hulls and related equipment. Al raced actively for many years in District 19, and spearheaded the campaign to raise money and gain permission to build a permanent drivers stand at Legg Lake. Many new boaters started off with a Prather boat, and their easy to follow instructions made building virtually fool-proof. Bob Plumley - Inducted 1989 (deceased) Bob spent many years in model boating in the Los Angeles area, being one of the founding members of one of the first organized clubs in that district, the Pirates Model Boat Club. Bob always supported NAMBA events, and participated in various classes throughout the years. Even after Bob stopped running boats actively, he always took an interest in local events, and came to help out when needed. No Photo Available 2021 NAMBA Nationals Page 75 Buzz Passarino - Inducted 1988 (deceased) Buzz started modeling in 1931 by constructing rubber powered model airplanes. By 1938 he had graduated to gas powered planes, and in 1940 he switched to U-control planes and tether speed boats. In 1970 he switched to R/C sailboats, and with the appearance of K&B's outboard, he started designing and building tunnel hulls. He has also run hydros, monos, deep vees, and scale unlimiteds. He served for many years on the Technical Committee, and has introduced countless boaters to NAMBA. Jack Oxley - Inducted 1994 (deceased 2015) It seems like Jack Oxley has been a fixture in District 19 as long as anyone can remember. For years, his distinctive Wing Dings dominated the hydro classes. Jack ran just about every type of boat imaginable, from outboards to inboards, monos to hydros to unlimiteds, nitro to gasoline. In addition, he held records in almost all of these classes at one time or an- other. Jack could be seen almost every weekend at Legg Lake, and he was the guy to beat in most of the classes he ran. Al Wood - Inducted 1994 (deceased) Al started his model boating career in England, sailing model yachts with his father. His modeling career in this country spanned many years, mostly in the Los Angeles area. While he spent some time running tether boats, he also moved into the R/C arena. His prop designs were renowned. Al was also able to turn his hobby into a profession, making radio controlled boats and ships for the movie industry. Al could always be counted on for a helpful hint, a kind remark, and a hug. Pat and Charlie Pottol - Inducted 1994 (deceased) Charlie and Pat began model boat racing in the 1960's in northern California. Charlie saw the need for better boating hardware, and created a company called Marine Specialties. Pat served as the order desk, where she literal- ly talked to boaters from around the world, many of whom she talked into coming to regattas in the United States.