1982 | Dan Arena
Arena dominated Unlimited hydroplane racing for 20 years as a designer and builder while delivering some stunning performances as a driver. He won or placed in every major Unlimited race in the 1940s including the President's Cup and the National Sweepstakes Regatta.
Arena also set a one-mile record of 100.987 MPH in 1940, the first 100-MPH-plus mark for a limited engine displacement boat. Lending his golden touch to Gale, Miss U.S. and Such Crust, Arena designed many of the outstanding Gold Cup class Thunderboats of the 1940s and 1950s. He was a true innovator in the sport.