Racing

Rich Luhrs Appointed APBA Offshore Racing Commission Chairman

ByMatt Trulio December 23, 2019May 16, 2020

A longtime observer of offshore racing, noted raceboat safety expert and former broadcaster for the sport, Rich Luhrs has been appointed chairman of the American Power Boat Association’s Offshore Racing Commission. Luhrs, who is 72 years old and lives in North Carolina, was closely involved with the sport for more than five decades and brings extensive knowledge to his new role. He is offshore racing’s most well-versed historian.

Rich Luhrs brings a wealth of knowledge—and a steadfast belief in offshore racing unity—to his new role. Photo courtesy/copyright Pete Boden/Shoot 2 Thrill Pix.

The force behind the former Shadow Cat and Conquest Cat lines and a well-known, knowledgeable figure in vintage raceboat circles, Luhrs is replacing outgoing commissioner Rick Felsen of Hawk Race Consultants, Ltd./Felsen Associates, Inc., a New York-based outfit that specializes in high-performance powerboat event insurance. Luhrs was a founding member of the Lavin Safety Foundation as well as one of the founders of the North American Championship Comission, which included industry legends Charles Strang and Bob Nordskog.

“I have many friends in offshore racing and look forward to working with the entire community,” Luhrs wrote in a post on his Facebook page late last week. “As many of you know I am a staunch advocate of unity, but have a pretty clear picture of the issues which stand in the way of all of us pulling our oars in the same direction.

“I will be reaching out for assistance and guidance in this regard and am hopeful that a cooperative resolve can be created,” he continued “Wish me luck, and I hope to see old friends and meet new ones at the races.”

Rich Luhrs Appointed APBA Offshore Racing Commission Chairman

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