1995 | Dan Kirts
Kirts is from a family of boat racers. His father Mel (PRO Vice President when he died in 1980) and mother Mary were involved in PRO racing. His brothers Tom and Jerry and his son Jim also raced.
Kirts started racing at 13, in 1955. As a PRO champion, his accomplishments include 24 APBA national championships, seven NOA championships, three UIM world championships, 16 U.S. Title Series championships and 10 speed records. He was inducted into the Hall of Champions four times and received the Colonel Green Round Hill Trophy twice - all while competing in the 250, 350, 500 and 700cc classes.
He also competed in Europe and won the South African OC International Trophy. Kirts also made Yachting Magazine's 1970 All-American Racing Team, the 1980 Evinrude 100 MPH Club, the Jack Maypole Memorial Trophy, the Governor's Cups of Iowa (1983) and Wisconsin (1969).
Always available to anyone seeking advice, Kirts was an approved PRO inspector and referee and served on the U.S. Title Series Board of Directors.