Congradulations to Tom Utman

[stu_racing]

I want to take this time to congradulate my father on his award at the CBF convention on Saturday night for outstanding sportsmanship during his time around hydroplane racing.
I can't think of a person more deserving than him for this award.
After racing stock outboard in the ASH, BSH, and 25ssh classes between '67 and '82, and running 2.5l inboard from '86 until '98, and ran 5L inboard a few times in '99 he has been a great role model for many boat racers, and specifically me, his son. Even after his driving career he has demonstrated the same sportsmanship in helping out Dan Naegele with his 5L inboard, and the Deep Water Special Grand Prix team in the past year. This is not to mention his contribution and support to my enthusiasm in running stock and mod outboards.
My father is truly a positive influence on this sport and I congradulate him in recieving this award after many years of hard, clean racing, and great support as a crew member.
I am sorry I could not be there to see him get this award but I am very proud of his accomplishment.

[Wayne mtl qc]

Congradulations Tom, an award like this was created for persons like you. When I started racing back in the seventies I always thought of you as one of the good guy's someone who was approchable and freindly.Well I started racing again after 28 years,alot has changed but you my friend still a class act.

[tomu]

Congratulations Honey!

I am so proud to be your wife

After 29 years around boat racing, I can truly say that you are so deserving of this award. You have been a wonderful example of how one should boat race. You have been level headed, mature, and a true sportsman even in the midst of some the craziness the sport can fling at you. You have influenced many people who have gone on to be great boat racers in their own right, including our son, Spencer.

You have a deep concern for the sport, not only in racing yourself, but helping those around you, and making the sport better for the future. This is a lifetime achievement award and is truly deserved.

I look forward to many more years of boat racing with you and because of you. It is people like you who make the sport what it is today.

Judy

[Andrew 4CE]

Helping people across Outboard and Inboard whether you were actually racing or not.

Well deserved!!

Congrats Tom!

[Hydroglobe17J]

Way to Go Tom! You and Judy have raise a fine young gentleman too! Keep up the good input!

[Kants3]

Congrat's Tom

[werners racing]

congrats tom

[daGiz]

Congratulations,Tom on a well deserved award ...

[ddalton]

Congatulations Tom...U deserve it!!!!!!

[STEVE FRENCH]

Having met you at Waterford, Ont......It was a privilege to have met someone with so much support for yer son and his competators.......

SEE YA IN MY WAKE...................

19P

[Steve Warnock]

Great Award Tom

Tom,
It was GREAT to see you again with the help of your son at the Nationals this year. He is truely a chip off the block, a gentleman you should be proud of.

Hard to believe it has been 30+ years since we competed. As I remember my only year on the East coast with my 1st year at the General Elec.

To those that don't know, the Thompson East divisionals Tom and I tied for 2nd behind the famed Bill Giles in 1977 in BSH. Tom took the 2nd on time.

There are more stories from this adventure with Tom from this Wisco driver, but no time here to explain.

Tom, it was great seeing you again. This award is truely deserving of your consistant contributions to our sport both in the CBF/APBA and boat racing in general.
Andy Hanson is still racing Stock - you can still do it!!!!!!
Your Friend,

Steve Warnock

[ottawamercguy]

Tom's Award

Tom,
You are a credit to the sport. There is a long history of boat racers
and racing for the seaway valley and Brockville and even though
our numbers are low just now your enthusiasm shines through.
Many of us were inspired by the legend, Gord McCrady and now
your are in turn an inspiration to those following. Congratulations Tom
Regards Michael Rorke

[TPLACE31]

Kudo's

I can not think of a more deserving person for this Award. It is not about wins and points, it's about the intangibles, the character and integrity of who a person really is. A great competitor on the race course, Tom is first the person to offer assistance or advice whenever needed.

I first met Tom at Silver Lake, NY in September of 1974. Tom, Gord McGrady, Buzz Godfrey and John McManus adopted this 21 year old from Massachusetts as one of their own and to this day that weekend is a vivid memory. It was an encounter that many in racing have experienced, resulting in what has become a lifelong friendship. So much so that our family considers Spencer to be our adopted son and probably the main reason that we continued to race the past couple of seasons.

Quiet and soft spoken, I am sure that Tom is embarrassed by all of this attention, but that would be the character of the receipient of this Award. I am truly honored to call Tom Utman my friend.

Steve Noury

[aojesus]

Mr. Utman,

Congratulations on this achievement. You are a genuine person of character both on and off the race course. I have many great memories watching you race in Canada and the US. Many times I stood on the beach and studied your driving style. Many times I stood in the pits and watched you be a true gentleman. No matter what situations arose you were always calm, cool, collected, and willing to help in any way. You always had time for my questions and always gave me great advice. When you look in the mirror I hope you are well pleased with the man looking back at you because he is a class act.
You are a wonderful ambassador for our sport!

Congratulations also to you and your wife on having raised such an outstanding gentleman for a son. Spencer is a great testimony to you and your wife's ethics, principals, and character.

[bh/]

Tom;
Congrats; -just goes to show that nice things do happen to good people, once in a while, usually when you are least expecting it.