Porter Family Out of Hydroplane Racing

After a successful six-year run on the Air National Guard Hydroplane Series, the Ted Porter and his family announced Thursday that it is leaving the sport and selling the team’s boats and equipment, according to a press release from the organization. Ted Porter is member of Decatur, Ind.-based family that owns and operates Formula Boats, which builds high-performance V-bottoms and recreational pleasure cruisers.

The team, which like Formula is based in Decatur, Ind., campaigned three boats on the 2011 tour.  During the Porter’s tenure, they won two world championships, a national championship and several races in addition to numerous heats. Porter is credited with developing drivers and developed a driver- training program to expand the number of Unlimited hydroplane drivers.

“It is with heavy heart and fond memories I announce that the Porter Family is exiting the sport to pursue other interests,” Porter said in the release. “It is our choice to leave the sport in healthy times. We entered the sport to help make it stronger. Now that the sport has the staying power to last for generations, we feel we can move on.”

H1 Unlimited Chairman Sam Cole said the Porter family was a major part in helping rebuild the sport, especially after legendary owner Bernie Little passed away and Budweiser left the series.

“This is very sad news,” Cole said in the release. “Ted and his family have been a major, very positive part of our sport on and off the racecourse and we will miss them personally and professionally. I want to personally thank Ted for all he has contributed to the growth of the sport and wish him and the Porter family all the best in their future endeavors.”