The Honor Squadron recognizes members who have made a significant contribution to the APBA. Unlike the hall of champions, members do not have to be drivers to be inducted and there are not new members inducted every year. The maximum number of inductees a year is limited to three members, with special approval required for additional selections. Induction into the Honor Squadron is the APBA’s highest honor.
The Honor Squadron program was established in 1953 as a feature of the APBA’s 50th Anniversary Celebration. A special committee was created to set up guidelines for selecting inductees and, with the help of several prominent boating Journalists, the committee selected 10 charter members from the APBA’s first 39 years of competition.
1953— (Charter Members)
Adolph Apel - Refinements of the early three-point suspension designed by Apel have resulted in the dazzling speeds displayed by today’s modern hydroplane in all racing classes.
J. Stuart Blackton - Winner of the 1914 Gold Cup with Baby Speed Demon II, Blackton built six separate boats for international competition in the Harmsworth Trophy races.
Charles F. (Chap) Chapman labored unstintingly with other farsighted officials in behalf of orderly administration and standardized rules for the sport of boat racing.
Jack Cooper- Always noted for his skill and determination, “Pop” was the undisputed dean of Inboard hydro drivers when fatally injured driving Tops III in 1948.
W. D. Edenburn - For many years until his death, Eddie was the spark plug behind the successful Gold Cup and Harmsworth races that focused world attention on Detroit.
Harry Greening - An eminent Canadian sportsman, Harry is well remembered for the endurance records he set with Rainbow III.
Fred Jacoby, Jr. - Outstanding member of the Jacoby racing family, he was a top competitor in Outboard racing and was described by one selector as the word’s greatest Outboard driver.
George Reis - At the wheel of his own El Lagarto, George won the Gold Cup in 1933-34-35 and held the record for total Gold Cup wins by any one owner-driver.
Chris Smith - Among the famous boats designed or built by this master craftsman of the 1920s was the Miss America speedsters raced so successfully by Gar Wood.
Gar Wood - From 1920 to 1933, this world-famous driver with his various Miss Americas completely dominated the international competition for the Harmsworth Trophy.