APBA Promotes More Than Just Winning

USPA NEWS - It does the heart good to see third generations involved in a great sport like boat racing! Grand dad, mom, dad & son! Soon to be both sons! They can start as young as age 9!

While covering the Third Annual Dayton Motor Boat Association boat races at Eastwood Park in Dayton, Ohio, I couldn't help not to notice the great family atmosphere! Competitive? You bet! It's racing! In one case I can truly say it's in the blood! That DNA runs deep in the Ivie Boat Racing family. Mom Darshan's dad, Charlie Gonyea aka Grand dad started when he was twelve.Mom started at age nine. Husband Justin has been racing six years now, while this is son Price's first year. Charlie Gonyea a multiple Champion, highly respected mechanic and mentor to his family and the boat racing community continues to be very active in the sport. Darshan & Justin meet in the military while stationed in Gun Barrel, Texas. As I spoke with Darshan she explained about the uniqueness of the boat racing family. You see, they don't run for any prize money, but rather a true love of the sport.Traveling over 10,000 miles, competing in 12 to 20 races a year, while dad and mom both handle full time jobs! All the members finance their own ways. Every once in awhile there may be what is called "towing money"! The average cost to enjoy this great family sport starts around $2500.00 and can be up around $14,000.00 plus. Just depends how fancy you want to get. Members and boating clubs save and share equipment to help those young folks just staring up. Part of the rule is when you're finished or out grow that phase, you save it and pass it on. Several clubs will hold driving schools for young kids who want to get involved and start racing. There are truly so many folks that want to help kids and parents get involved. As they say 'It's truly not about the money" first because there isn't any! And second, it is one of the largest families I've been around. So if you get a chance, visit a boat race and see for yourself.