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Class of 1999
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Henry E. Lauterbach
Henry Lauterbach set the pace in racing hydroplane boats for nearly 50 years. The builder and former champion racer, whose name is respected worldwide, continued to hone his skills in Portsmouth. In the 1950’s as a driver, Lauterbach dominated inboard racing, winning big in three classes and earning national championships in 1954. In 1956, Lauterbach won high points in three competitive classes: 135, 235, and 266 cubic inch Hydro Division. He was named the sport’s top driver that year.
Lauterbach’s fastest boat was The Boss, which averaged 178 mph on a two-way straightaway run, reaching almost 200 mph at one point. His most successful boat was the Miss Washington, a 266 cubic inch motor, which won 51 of 52 races in a single stretch. His Lauterbach Special has been sold all over the world.
Lauterbach, a Norfolk native, built his first boat at the age of 12. His first hydro was a 14? footer that was built in 1947. Lauterbach was inducted into the National Hydroplane Racing Hall of Fame and was named to the American PowerBoat Association Elite Honor Squadron in 1974.
After retiring briefly in 1956, Lauterbach returned to the sport in 1959 to race the Wa Wa. It was one of the most dominating boats in what was then the biggest and fastest class other than the Unlimited. He proved to be the best once again by winning the national championship. Lauterbach built over 200 boats in his lifetime.
(To Sports Inductees List) |
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