Gang Bios - click on the pictures for larger images
Dave Bell
Dave met Nate through their kids' quarter midget racing and they have worked
together on several boat projects since then. One of their projects was the
complete restoration of a vintage Lauterbach hydroplane (and yes, that's Dave
all geared up for take off in the completed project) which tops out at around
160 mph.
Jamie Bernard
Jamie is a skateboarding and boat building enthusiast, but not necessarily in
that order. He is one of several expert 'glass-guys' on the team. He helped
fabricate the unique air intake cowling on the U-17..
Kip Brown
Kip is our primary driver. He has been racing competitively since 1995.
His experience as a driver includes 2.5 Stock, 2.5 Mod, 5 Liter, E-Racing
Runabout, Super Stock Runabout, and Pro Stock Runabout. Some of Kip’s
racing accomplishments include: Rookie of the Year, Seattle Drag and Ski;
Inspirational Award, Seattle Drag and Ski; Neil Yapachino Award Winner,
Spanaway Regatta; Sportsman Award, Tacoma Inboard; 3 time High Point
Champion, E-Racing Runabout; 2nd place, APBA National High Point, Pro Stock
Runabout; 3/4 Mile Course World Record, NBRA Outlaw Flatbottom; 1 Mile Course World Record, NBRA
Outlaw Flatbottom; and Officer and Board Member for Tacoma Inboard and Seattle Drag and Ski.
Nate Brown
Nate is our Crew Chief and Managing Partner. He's also our backup driver.
Nate has over 30 years of experience in boat building, racing, and driving. As a
driver in 1992 Nate was named the rookie of the year when he drove the Miss
Rock. In 2001, he drove the Miss Elam Plus to victory in Seattle and he set a new
world speed record in San Diego. In 2004 Nate won the 100th running of the
Gold Cup, the most prestigious and oldest motorsports trophy. To download a
more detailed version of Nate's bio, click here: NateBrownBio.pdf
Ken Eng
Fifteen years ago, Ken Eng founded the Thunder Valley Racing Team with a group
of high school friends from Rainier Valley, in Seattle. “The hydroplanes were
called Thunder Boats when we were growing up in the ‘60s. You could hear them
throughout Rainer Valley, from Seward Park to Beacon Hill. I merged the name of
the boats with our neighborhood stomping grounds.” The team has campaigned
four different limited hydroplanes in the Grand National and Unlimited Light
series, competing in Montreal, Evansville, Detroit, San Diego and throughout Washington. The Thunder
Valley group was also responsible for starting the Tastin’ n Racin’ limited hydroplane festival on Lake
Sammamish, Washington, now in its eleventh year. Ken is known throughout the circuit as the only
Chinese crew chief in the sport. He was named Crew Member of the Year by the UL group in 2003. Last
season, the Thunder Valley crew won the regatta they started, Tastin’ N Racin’. Says Ken, “We were very
proud to win the trophy on its 10th anniversary. That is something that no one can ever take away from
us.” Ken is married to Dr. Freida Eng, has seven children and three grandchildren, with more grandkids
on the way. His e-mail address says it all “bigdaddyeng.”
John O'Brien
John O’Brien was one of those little kids towing a wooden hydroplane behind his
bike in the ‘60s. “I grew up about a mile from the Stan Sayres pit on Lake
Washington Boulevard. Every time I would hear a boat testing on the lake, I’d
jump on my Stingray and off to the pits I’d go. Seafair was a week long event back
then, so it really got in your blood”. Fifteen years ago, John helped found the
Thunder Valley Racing Team. The team has campaigned four different limited
hydroplanes in the Grand National and Unlimited Light series, competing in Montreal, Evansville, Detroit,
San Diego and throughout Washington. The Thunder Valley group was also responsible for starting the
Tastin’ N Racin’ limited hydroplane festival, on Lake Sammamish, in Washington, now in its eleventh
year. “My first venture into Unlimited hydroplane racing was with Mike Jones in 1998.” Thunder Valley
sponsored his boat as the Miss Lake Watch with the goal of raising money for life guards at Lake
Sammamish State Park. “The boat barrel rolled after 21/2 laps during a test season on Friday and we
were done”. We are looking forward to a much longer relationship with the great team Nate has put
together”.
Geno Rogers
Geno’s grandfather worked on hydros when he was a kid and got him hooked.
His family would move the TV out into the yard for his uncle’s birthday and his
family all watched the Seafair races. From their yard, they could even hear the
real boats racing (and they were a long ways from Stan Sayres' pits). As a kid,
Geno built many a plywood hydro to tow behind his bike, which he would ride
down to Rainier Beach and talk to the Hydro Gods that were testing the real
hydroplanes These were boats like the Gale Boats and Such Crust. Now, a little later in life and after
meeting Nate, Geno’s enthusiasm is re-energized as he’s building a hydro again, although this time there
is not much plywood, nails and string like his earlier ones. As for pleasure boating, Geno had many good
experiences with his 19’ GlasPly and has had many projects on his 1985 Bayliner 3270 Sea Shanny.
Rob Schommer
Rob graduated cum laude from the University of Washington with two degrees
(Computer Science and Chemical Engineering). Rob is a registered
Professional Engineer in Control Systems in Washington State and the Vice
President of Systems Interface, a company that designs, manufactures and
programs custom industrial control systems. With the U-17, Rob gets to combine
his expertise in control systems with his passion for boating.
Mike Simons
Mike began boating, fishing, and scuba diving as a kid and enjoys them all to this
day. He now lives in Preston (where he became a neighbor and friend of Nate’s)
with his wife, Jennifer, and daughters, Katie and Natalie. Mike is also a founder
and owner of Glacier Management, a real estate management firm for larger
multifamily and commercial properties in the Pacific Northwest. Mike jumped at
the chance to join Our Gang, as the U-17 is a perfect environment for Mike to mix
his business expertise and enthusiasm for all things marine related.
Robert Summers
Born and raised in Western Washington, Hydroplanes and Seafair were an every
year event for Bob and his family. As Nate's neighbor and friend, Bob has
observed with great curiosity his participation in various stages of his sport from
boat building, repairing, and unlimited racing. Bob and his wife were at Lake
Washington for Seafair on August 5th, 2001 when Nate piloted the Miss E-Lam
Plus to a first place victory. The small community of Preston was buzzing for
weeks following his victory that year. Bob says it's a great feeling and honor for him to be working with
"Coach Nate" and the team members of Our Gang Racing and he looks forward to this great opportunity
and challenges ahead.
Kurt Wagner
Kurt has loved boats ever since his first trip to Parker, Arizona as a teenager. In
1986 he crewed on a K-Boat team (K211 & K216) and quickly decided racing was
for him. The next year Kurt raced a Mod VP and in 1988 he bought an ST 40
which he raced for several years. In 1994 Kurt moved to Redmond, Washington
and started AquaMarine Services, a mobile boat repair business where he met
Nate Brown. Today, Kurt’s marine mechanical expertise and need for speed
makes the U-17 the perfect project for him. This project is a true labor of love and
an exciting experience. Kurt would also like todrive again in the near future.
Joe Yandell
Joe, like Dave Bell, met Nate through his kid's quarter midget racing. He has
worked with Nate on other boat projects as well, including the vintage
Laterbach and (contemporary) Elam hydroplanes.
John Gunderson
Attending events such as Tastin 'n' Racin and Seafair for several years, John has had a great interest in
hydroplanes. Given the opportunity around 3 months ago to be part of the U-17 crew in the building of a
new hydro, he has been hard at work putting his education in diesel mechanics and experience with steel
fabrication at Pacific Top Soil to help make this hydro. Being the first boat that John has worked on, his
interest is still growing and he is gaining lots of knowledge that he hopes to use in future seasons.
Jim Pletz
Born in Nov. of '52, Jim got his introduction to hydro racing from a stroller at the
1953 Seafair. Slo-Mo IV was the winner. Jim spent every August on the shores
of Lake Washington watching the likes of Slovak, Musson, and Muncey.
His dad was a sponsor of the "Miss Seattle", with his uncle a crew member.
Jim has continued to follow the sport and has volunteered at Seafair with the
Seattle Boat Club. Now retired, Jim has made one of his life long dreams
come true, being a crew member of a competitive Unlimited Hydroplane team.
Dave Bell
Dave met Nate through their kids' quarter midget racing and they have worked
together on several boat projects since then. One of their projects was the
complete restoration of a vintage Lauterbach hydroplane (and yes, that's Dave
all geared up for take off in the completed project) which tops out at around
160 mph.
Jamie Bernard
Jamie is a skateboarding and boat building enthusiast, but not necessarily in
that order. He is one of several expert 'glass-guys' on the team. He helped
fabricate the unique air intake cowling on the U-17..
Kip Brown
Kip is our primary driver. He has been racing competitively since 1995.
His experience as a driver includes 2.5 Stock, 2.5 Mod, 5 Liter, E-Racing
Runabout, Super Stock Runabout, and Pro Stock Runabout. Some of Kip’s
racing accomplishments include: Rookie of the Year, Seattle Drag and Ski;
Inspirational Award, Seattle Drag and Ski; Neil Yapachino Award Winner,
Spanaway Regatta; Sportsman Award, Tacoma Inboard; 3 time High Point
Champion, E-Racing Runabout; 2nd place, APBA National High Point, Pro Stock
Runabout; 3/4 Mile Course World Record, NBRA Outlaw Flatbottom; 1 Mile Course World Record, NBRA
Outlaw Flatbottom; and Officer and Board Member for Tacoma Inboard and Seattle Drag and Ski.
Nate Brown
Nate is our Crew Chief and Managing Partner. He's also our backup driver.
Nate has over 30 years of experience in boat building, racing, and driving. As a
driver in 1992 Nate was named the rookie of the year when he drove the Miss
Rock. In 2001, he drove the Miss Elam Plus to victory in Seattle and he set a new
world speed record in San Diego. In 2004 Nate won the 100th running of the
Gold Cup, the most prestigious and oldest motorsports trophy. To download a
more detailed version of Nate's bio, click here: NateBrownBio.pdf
Ken Eng
Fifteen years ago, Ken Eng founded the Thunder Valley Racing Team with a group
of high school friends from Rainier Valley, in Seattle. “The hydroplanes were
called Thunder Boats when we were growing up in the ‘60s. You could hear them
throughout Rainer Valley, from Seward Park to Beacon Hill. I merged the name of
the boats with our neighborhood stomping grounds.” The team has campaigned
four different limited hydroplanes in the Grand National and Unlimited Light
series, competing in Montreal, Evansville, Detroit, San Diego and throughout Washington. The Thunder
Valley group was also responsible for starting the Tastin’ n Racin’ limited hydroplane festival on Lake
Sammamish, Washington, now in its eleventh year. Ken is known throughout the circuit as the only
Chinese crew chief in the sport. He was named Crew Member of the Year by the UL group in 2003. Last
season, the Thunder Valley crew won the regatta they started, Tastin’ N Racin’. Says Ken, “We were very
proud to win the trophy on its 10th anniversary. That is something that no one can ever take away from
us.” Ken is married to Dr. Freida Eng, has seven children and three grandchildren, with more grandkids
on the way. His e-mail address says it all “bigdaddyeng.”
John O'Brien
John O’Brien was one of those little kids towing a wooden hydroplane behind his
bike in the ‘60s. “I grew up about a mile from the Stan Sayres pit on Lake
Washington Boulevard. Every time I would hear a boat testing on the lake, I’d
jump on my Stingray and off to the pits I’d go. Seafair was a week long event back
then, so it really got in your blood”. Fifteen years ago, John helped found the
Thunder Valley Racing Team. The team has campaigned four different limited
hydroplanes in the Grand National and Unlimited Light series, competing in Montreal, Evansville, Detroit,
San Diego and throughout Washington. The Thunder Valley group was also responsible for starting the
Tastin’ N Racin’ limited hydroplane festival, on Lake Sammamish, in Washington, now in its eleventh
year. “My first venture into Unlimited hydroplane racing was with Mike Jones in 1998.” Thunder Valley
sponsored his boat as the Miss Lake Watch with the goal of raising money for life guards at Lake
Sammamish State Park. “The boat barrel rolled after 21/2 laps during a test season on Friday and we
were done”. We are looking forward to a much longer relationship with the great team Nate has put
together”.
Geno Rogers
Geno’s grandfather worked on hydros when he was a kid and got him hooked.
His family would move the TV out into the yard for his uncle’s birthday and his
family all watched the Seafair races. From their yard, they could even hear the
real boats racing (and they were a long ways from Stan Sayres' pits). As a kid,
Geno built many a plywood hydro to tow behind his bike, which he would ride
down to Rainier Beach and talk to the Hydro Gods that were testing the real
hydroplanes These were boats like the Gale Boats and Such Crust. Now, a little later in life and after
meeting Nate, Geno’s enthusiasm is re-energized as he’s building a hydro again, although this time there
is not much plywood, nails and string like his earlier ones. As for pleasure boating, Geno had many good
experiences with his 19’ GlasPly and has had many projects on his 1985 Bayliner 3270 Sea Shanny.
Rob Schommer
Rob graduated cum laude from the University of Washington with two degrees
(Computer Science and Chemical Engineering). Rob is a registered
Professional Engineer in Control Systems in Washington State and the Vice
President of Systems Interface, a company that designs, manufactures and
programs custom industrial control systems. With the U-17, Rob gets to combine
his expertise in control systems with his passion for boating.
Mike Simons
Mike began boating, fishing, and scuba diving as a kid and enjoys them all to this
day. He now lives in Preston (where he became a neighbor and friend of Nate’s)
with his wife, Jennifer, and daughters, Katie and Natalie. Mike is also a founder
and owner of Glacier Management, a real estate management firm for larger
multifamily and commercial properties in the Pacific Northwest. Mike jumped at
the chance to join Our Gang, as the U-17 is a perfect environment for Mike to mix
his business expertise and enthusiasm for all things marine related.
Robert Summers
Born and raised in Western Washington, Hydroplanes and Seafair were an every
year event for Bob and his family. As Nate's neighbor and friend, Bob has
observed with great curiosity his participation in various stages of his sport from
boat building, repairing, and unlimited racing. Bob and his wife were at Lake
Washington for Seafair on August 5th, 2001 when Nate piloted the Miss E-Lam
Plus to a first place victory. The small community of Preston was buzzing for
weeks following his victory that year. Bob says it's a great feeling and honor for him to be working with
"Coach Nate" and the team members of Our Gang Racing and he looks forward to this great opportunity
and challenges ahead.
Kurt Wagner
Kurt has loved boats ever since his first trip to Parker, Arizona as a teenager. In
1986 he crewed on a K-Boat team (K211 & K216) and quickly decided racing was
for him. The next year Kurt raced a Mod VP and in 1988 he bought an ST 40
which he raced for several years. In 1994 Kurt moved to Redmond, Washington
and started AquaMarine Services, a mobile boat repair business where he met
Nate Brown. Today, Kurt’s marine mechanical expertise and need for speed
makes the U-17 the perfect project for him. This project is a true labor of love and
an exciting experience. Kurt would also like todrive again in the near future.
Joe Yandell
Joe, like Dave Bell, met Nate through his kid's quarter midget racing. He has
worked with Nate on other boat projects as well, including the vintage
Laterbach and (contemporary) Elam hydroplanes.
John Gunderson
Attending events such as Tastin 'n' Racin and Seafair for several years, John has had a great interest in
hydroplanes. Given the opportunity around 3 months ago to be part of the U-17 crew in the building of a
new hydro, he has been hard at work putting his education in diesel mechanics and experience with steel
fabrication at Pacific Top Soil to help make this hydro. Being the first boat that John has worked on, his
interest is still growing and he is gaining lots of knowledge that he hopes to use in future seasons.
Jim Pletz
Born in Nov. of '52, Jim got his introduction to hydro racing from a stroller at the
1953 Seafair. Slo-Mo IV was the winner. Jim spent every August on the shores
of Lake Washington watching the likes of Slovak, Musson, and Muncey.
His dad was a sponsor of the "Miss Seattle", with his uncle a crew member.
Jim has continued to follow the sport and has volunteered at Seafair with the
Seattle Boat Club. Now retired, Jim has made one of his life long dreams
come true, being a crew member of a competitive Unlimited Hydroplane team.
| Nate in 1971 |
Geno and Sweet Pea
Our Gang
Our Gang Racing was the brainchild of Nate Brown, a veteran in the world of hydroplane
racing. In 2006, Nate wanted to put together a group of individuals with varied talents and a
shared passion for boat racing – with the goal of designing, constructing, and racing an
unlimited hydroplane from the ground up. After a few phone calls and meetings, “Our Gang
Racing” was born.
Our Gang Racing could also not exist without the dedication, support, and donations provided
by many individuals and organizations. A few of the key people we want to thank include:
The Ellstroms, Mark Evans, Tracy Bratvold, Fred Leland and Dale VanWieringen as without
their generosity this project could not be possible. Of course, we also wish to thank our
families and friends for their part in supporting (and understanding) of Our Gang Racing.
Our Gang Racing was the brainchild of Nate Brown, a veteran in the world of hydroplane
racing. In 2006, Nate wanted to put together a group of individuals with varied talents and a
shared passion for boat racing – with the goal of designing, constructing, and racing an
unlimited hydroplane from the ground up. After a few phone calls and meetings, “Our Gang
Racing” was born.
Our Gang Racing could also not exist without the dedication, support, and donations provided
by many individuals and organizations. A few of the key people we want to thank include:
The Ellstroms, Mark Evans, Tracy Bratvold, Fred Leland and Dale VanWieringen as without
their generosity this project could not be possible. Of course, we also wish to thank our
families and friends for their part in supporting (and understanding) of Our Gang Racing.
Kurt's Eliminator 250 XP
| The original Our Gang cruiser that Nate's dad built at age 10. The boat was constructed out of "wood from the old goat house." |
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