1991 | Gilberty Petermann

Few drivers contributed more to PRO racing over such a long time as Gilbert Petermann of Malvern, NY, an innovator and a champion since 1938.

Beginning with a Jacoby hydroplane and a Johnson KR racing engine, Gib won an astonishing 28 consecutive heat wins. His first APBA championship came in 1953 in 250cc Hydro. After the 1954 season Gib retired from competition, but came back in 1978 to win the C Service Hydro Nationals.

As hulls and engines came and went, he won with whatever was currently hot. At age 66, Petermann began competing in the U.S. Title Series and often beat drivers half his age. He also set an APBA kilo record in C Service Hydro. At the PRO Nationals he won titles for three consecutive years, each in a different class.

He was one of the first drivers to float a hydro, and also experimented with aerodynamic devices to help improve stability. Petermann often shared his wealth of racing knowledge, even with his competitors. The man was a living legend and an inspiration to young drivers.