John Brodge update

[D_Allen_III]

Along with Jay I can remember growing up watching and worshiping John at all the boat races. When I was about 5 years old, I won a Team Casual Skateboard with his autograph and thought it was the greatest thing ever. I never put wheels on it because I didn't want it to get scratched or ruined and still to this day it hangs up on my bed room wall.

Whether he was winning the marathon, just starting out in 45 or winning the world championship in 120, lots of people have followed his every move. On top of all his racing feats, he is probably the nicest guys I've ever met. Even with all his success and fame, it could be easy for him to separate himself from all the kneel downers that know him, but not John, he would give the shirt off his back for anyone and he'll always be a hero of mine.

Get well soon John!

[hydroracer25]

Oct. 1987 Propeller issue

For any of you that keep your old Propeller magazines around take a look at the Oct. 1987 issue for an article describing the story that Jay and Don mentioned above. The story really spoke volumes about John and what he did for a fellow racer in need. John's a great person and anyone that has met him would know.

[CSR4C]

In about 1990 I was hauling Jim Mackay's Champ Boat to races. The Merc Challenge race at Grand Rapids was on the weekend between Augusta & Bay City. I was at Grand Rapids walking through the pits, John asked if I had anything to run, my answer was no. He offered a spare boat & motor so I could race 25SSR. I think we had 6 25 runabouts running for Team Casual that weekend.
Linda & I wish John a speedy recovery, would like to see him racing at Top 'O in '07.

Darrell Sorensen 4-C

[charlie smith]

John Broge

I hope John Broge will be fine soon. The Top of Michigan Outboard Racing Club of Michigan had a meeting last night and said a prayer for him. He does'nt know me,but always said "Hi" at the races we were at. We will all be thinking about him at the Marathon Nationals in Indian River Aug.12th and 13th.Get Well Soon.
Charlie Smith 149-M

[race4kaos]

The latest on John-

He has been moved from SICU to his own room (#4127). He continues to get many visitors from his racing family. The Winers and Vidals will be there tomorrow. UofM is planning surgery for Friday to clean out bone chips, put in support rods, and investigate the condition of his spinal cord. The injury is severe and his recovery is not likely to be 'speedy' - but they will know more after the surgery. John and family are dealing with all possibilities at this very difficult time. Of course, we are all hopeful for the best - but the Broges' are also being realistic.

John appreciates the posts and prayers - my wife took her laptop in to show him these along with photos from the race just an hour ago. His Father could use some positive pep talks as well. As we all know, this seems so unfair to have happened to John - a true class act. He is talking racing as much as ever with his visitors.

I don't know that there will be anymore updates between now and the surgery. I will be with John's fans at the Soo and Wakefield to follow. Hopefully others can post some progress in the upcoming week.

-Kevin Ladd

[HRTV]

Get well soon John, I wish you all the best and a speedy recovery.

[dholt]

John,

We'll all be thinking of you at Wakefield. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Team Holt

[csh2z]

John,
You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Behold the power of positive thinking.
The Runne family

[Howie Nichols]

Injured driver updates from Trenton

I received this update in an email from Fred Miller:

John Broge;
John is in good spirits and is scheduled for surgery on Friday. Bill Toner has agreed to be the contact person for those wanting info on his progress. He can be reached on his cell 734-675-1425.

John's mailing address is 504 Plum Wyandotte, MI 48192

Fred can also be reached @ 847-356-2924.

I will attempt to see John Friday afternoon and report on his condition once we reach the hotel in Sault Ste Marie.

Bobby Briggs;
Bobby was the other 120 driver involved in a seperate incident where he was impacted by another boat. He suffered 4 or 5 broken ribs, a collapsed lung, and a broken shoulder. He is in St. Vincent's Hospital in Toledo, OH and has begun his recovery. His phone # is 419-321-4697 room 422.

Tiffany McKinley;
Tiffany was involved in an SST-45 accident where she suffered minor cuts and bruises to her face from the canopy breaking. She is doing well and was not admitted to the hospital to my knowledge.

Please keep all of these drivers in your thoughts through their respective recovery periods.

Howie

[Jose Jr. 21]

Broge Family,

Our thoughts and prayers go out to John and the family, along with Toner and rest of the crew. Wishing for the best.

Jose Jr & Mendana family.

[boots205]

Hometown Hero

Rob spoke to John on the phone last night and John mentioned that he appreciates all the visitors but it's almost too much right now. I'm not saying that no one should go visit but maybe we should coordinate our visits so as not to overwhelm him. Rob & I are going to visit Bob tomorrow and try to see John on Sunday afternoon.

Janet Zilka

[PURPLE HAZE]

I was there when John got his hair cut and my wife helped cut it. I also spent a lot of time running boats with him. It is sad that one of the good guys is hurt now. My prayers are with John and his family. Good luck John!

Jake Gottschalk

[Sheila Schaub]

John Broge

Just heard the news and just want to let you know that I'm thinking and praying for you. It's been a long time buddy. I have many good memories of you, Kurtsy McCourtie, and I from so many nationals. I'll never forget the nationals that you had the mohawk and you cut it off to raise money for Scott Man. Sharon and I still have all the pics of the three of us up on the picnic table. People like you are hard to come by, you are definately one of a kind. You are a wonderful person that always puts others before yourself and you're a friend to all. So get healthy quick, and remember, "you can't keep a good man down".
Love and my deepest respect,
Sheila Schaub

[Corrina]

Prayers for John

John and family.. Just wanted to let you know that your old friend and chief scorer from many years ago has you in her thoughts and prayers. I have many fond memories of spending time on the judging stand with your help and watching you race. We had lots of fun and many giggles watching you stuff your mohawk into your helmet with all the glue and goop you put in it to keep it up in the air. Your a good person and good people will be rewarded in the end, So stay strong!!!
Thoughts and Prayers
Corrina (Gottschalk)

[28M]

I briefly visited John in the Pre-op area this morning before surgery. He and his family are in good spirits, he said to tell everyone "GOOD LUCK" at the nationals!

His wife Lynn is going to call me later to give me an update on sugery and they said I could share that information with his boat racing family.

Let's keep him in mind as we crown national champions!

See you in Wakefield!
Tracy