In this episode of Powerboat Talk, we visit with Bob Wartinger, one of the most accomplished powerboat racers of all time. With 148 world and national records to his credit, Wartinger has spent more than 60 years in outboard racing, setting his first record in 1971 and his most recent in November 2025 at age 80.

A University of Washington engineering graduate with a master's degree in Aeronautics and Astronautics, Wartinger also built a long career at Boeing while becoming one of the most respected figures in boat racing.

He is best known for setting the world outboard speed record of 176.556 mph on the Colorado River in Parker, Arizona, in 1989, a mark that still stands today. But Wartinger's story goes far beyond speed. He has won major international endurance races, earned six inductions into the APBA Hall of Champions, and become one of the sport's leading advocates for safety.

A past chairman of the APBA Safety Commission, Wartinger has also served as president of the UIM International Medical and Safety Commission (COMINSAFE) since 1990. Today, he continues to share his knowledge through consulting, writing, and his lifelong passion for powerboat racing

Follow Bob Wartinger on Facebook @Bob Wartinger or online at www.bobwartinger.com

Visit our website at www.powerboattalk.com

View the video for this episode: www.youtube.com/@powerboat_talk

Contact me: powerboattalk@gmail.com