2002 | Pete Hellsten

Hellsten began a 50-year racing career at 16, when he repaired a motor and designed a soapbox runabout. He won many PRO High Point titles and set speed records with engines he designed and built.

A PRO Commission cornerstone for years, Hellsten was an original member of the Long Island Eastern Outboard Racing Club. He served in most every official capacity in many clubs and chaired Region 5 and APBA Annual Meetings.

Helsten earned a 1980 Hall of Champions induction and brought his children Chris, Curt and Kristi into racing. Just before he lost his battle with cancer in August of 2001, Pete was setting up his new racing shop. Racing Outboard hydroplanes was truly Pete Hellsten's passion.