2013 | Steve Warnock

Steve, Warby as many knew him, had boat racing and APBA tattooed to his forehead. He started racing in APBA in 1971 at Beloit, Wisconsin. Ever the competitive driver, Steve was APBA National Champion in the 25SSH class in 1985, 1986, 1988, 1990 and 1991. He was also National High Point Champion in 1986, 1987, 1988, 1990, 1991 and 1994. In 1987, he was the National Champion in 15SSH. Steve set competition records in 1981 and 1983 in the BSH class. In 1990, Steve was inducted into the APBA Hall of Champions. Steve was the UIM/APBA World Champion in the 25SSH class in 1986 and 1988.

Steve along with his father, Don, Daddy Warbucks, built and designed the Hawk Hydros he raced. These boats were offered in kit forms to other racers.

Some people stop driving, and then channel their energies towards the APBA Organization. Steve however, was able to drive and contribute to APBA and its membership. Steve was the Vice-President of the Stock Outboard Category from 1990 to 1994. Later, he was a Stock Outboard Commissioner. He continued his national involvement with being an APBA Board of Director and Council Member at Large. He served on the APBA Promotions Committee and APBA Insurance Committee including a term as Chairman of the Insurance Committee. He was also on the APBA By-Law Committee Task Force to help streamline APBA's by-laws. Steve coordinated the first joint Stock Outboard and Modified Outboard National Championships at Wakefield, MI. in 1992. This has now become a routine joint championship venture for the Stock and Modified Categories.

Steve involved himself in selling Region 7 races at such sites as: Merril, WI.; Beloit,WI.; Burlington, WI.; Oshkosh, WI.; Pleasant Prairie, WI.; Lake Zurich, IL.; and Wakefield, MI. from 1984 to 2011. He loved to work with groups in order to obtain sponsorships and to conduct races. He was Race Chairman at endless local races and the Wakefield National Championships. Steve obtained sponsorship from the Bureau of Tourism for Beloit, WI., the Chocolatefest Committee for Burlington, WI., along with other local sponsorships. He secured a $13,000.00 sponsorship package from Coors area distributors for a six race sponsorship, with $8,000.00 being distributed on a high point system to 25 different drivers.

In his local club, Badger State Outboard Association(BSOA), he held almost all offices including Sargent-of-Arms, Board of Directors, Secretary, Vice Commodore and Commodore. At the Region level, Steve helped coordinate diver and driver capsule training. He was the Stock Outboard Category Chair. He also served as the Region 7 Secretary for over 25 years. Steve was BSOA Commodore and Region 7 Secretary at the time of his untimely death.

Steve is fondly remembered by the APBA racing family. His wife, Darlene, is a scorer at many races, including the Wakefield Nationals. His daughter, Rachel, an AXSH National Champion in 2005 had him beaming with pride. His son, Michael, is right there with the rest of the family supporting and participating at APBA races.

Steve always had a positive outlook on APBA racing. He not only made races happen, he was just a great guy to be around. Steve wanted all racers to enjoy the races. He was there to help before the races, during the races and he was certainly there for the parties and companionship after the races. Steve was an enormous asset to the APBA Organization and the Boat Racing Family.