Kelly Stocklin is a local legend when it comes to boat racing. Stocklin’s racing resume dates back to 1974 and includes decades of competition in the major flat bottom classes – super stock, pro stock and pro comp. He was a long-time record holder in the pro stock category.
He is part of the team that has set multiple runabout records in all classes. Kelly has been instrumental in the evolution and implementation of driver safety capsules in these classes.
In 1980, Kelly joined Squire Shop’s U2 unlimited team as crew member for four years. Shortly thereafter, he joined Ron Brown as an outside vendor on Budweiser’s first turbine attempt (T-1) while working in the nuclear energy field.
In 1997, Dave Villwock took over the Budweiser team and asked Kelly to join in starting a long-term, in-house propeller manufacturing project which ultimately produced the world’s fastest and most durable propellers. Today, Kelly and Dave continue to make the world’s fastest propellers.
In the early 1990’s, Stocklin’s first experience in the cockpit of a hydroplane came in the 7 liter class. He was an early participant in the Unlimited Light Class and long-time driver of Thunder Valley Racing’s supercharged UL.
At age 61, when most have retired, Kelly Stocklin started his driving career in unlimiteds and was named the 2012 H1 Unlimited Rookie of the Year.