Tammy Wolf, FRN Blogger Introduction

They say it’s the journey, not the destination. After 16 years of pursuing my passion, I can honestly say the journey has been amazing and I look forward to continuing to pursue my ultimate dream of one day racing, Formula 1 tunnel boats.

My name is Tammy Wolf and I am a Formula 3 powerboat race driver. I am very grateful to have this opportunity to blog on FRN about my experiences as a professional powerboat race driver. Thank you for taking the time to read my introductory blog, I look forward to updating you on our 2012 season and events.

Growing up in Canada, my father worked at a company called Mercury Marine. Mercury provided motors and factory support for powerboat racers. In the summer, my family traveled to boat races across the country. When we weren’t at races we were up at our cottage with race boats and drivers, my father helped them perfect there boats, motors, props and racing set-ups.

I had a pretty incredible childhood, watching these wonderful athletes and machines compete, even today I am astonished at the beauty and graces of a tunnel boat gliding on top of the water balancing on a cushion of air.

At the age of 18, I started racing in a smaller, slower Formula–V class and through the years progressed up the ranks. Competition was great in Canada and I learned a lot racing. In 2004, I joined friends on a trip to a boat race in the United Stated. It was exciting to see the tough rivalry in Formula 3, boats were fiercely competitive and the series had three times as many racers then the Canadian circuit.

During the fall of 2004, I purchased my first Formula 3 (SST 60) boat, registered as a racing member of that American Power Boat Association (APBA) and prepared to compete in ’05. My first Formula 3 season was unbelievable. I was amazed at all the camaraderie in the pit area and how supportive the competing teams were. At the conclusion of 2005, racers had welcomed me into the series and I was honored to win the Canadian Cup Award for highest-ranking Canadian driver on the circuit.

In 2006, I met legendary motor builder Sam Haraway, as a boat owner or co-owner, he’s won seven National championships, three American Powerboat Superleague Series championships. In addition, as an engine builder, Sam has six National Championships and two American Powerboat Superleague championships. I was taken-back by the kindness and how incredibly humble this iconic man was. At the end of the weekend, Sam said, “Maybe I can help you!” Within a month, I had ordered a new boat from Pugh Boat Works in Knoxville, TN. By early the next spring, Sam—now a co-owner of the team and crew chief—picked the boat up and rigged it. In mid-spring, I made trip down to Georgia, this time to test the boat. It was unlike anything I had ever driven before, and it was phenomenal. Despite some growing pains with the new boat, our incredible team worked hard to progress at each and every race. Sam’s constant support, mentorship and guidance were the fundamental to the team’s success.

As the years progressed, the team continued to strive for improvement. It was always a challenge for us, we live 15-hours apart, because of the distance, we had less test times then other teams. We were forced to learn, adapt and fine tune our skill at the race site.

As the years passed, with a lot of hard work and support of numerous people we climbed to the top of the class. In 2010 we received our first win at The Roar of Thunder in Minnesota then other win at the Regional Championships in Indiana. With the continued dedication of the  team, we won a second place finish at the National Championships, as well as a second place points series’ standings and were ranked second in the USA (APBA US-2). Last season, we fought our way to a Divisional Championship in West Virginia. I am so proud of the team and what we have accomplished together.

This past September, I received a message from a team owner overseas. They have invited me to the 24-hour Rouen, France powerboat races to be held in May 2012. I think I was in shock for 3 days, it had been a dream of mine to go over to France and watch this event, I never imagined I would be able to compete against the worlds’ best powerboat racers. It is such an honor to be recognized on an international level for the sport that I love. The team owner in France plans on putting together the first and only all-women racing team to compete at this world-renowned event. I will be accompanied by champion drivers and now teammates Bimba Sjoholm from Sweden and Frances’ Marie-Line Otr.

Although, I am obviously not much of a writer and drfinately feel much more comfortable in the cockpit of a race boat I will keep you updated on the teams’ progress here in the USA as well as in France. I am honored to be a member of Female Racing News and am extremely grateful that they have given me a chance to tell you about my story and our team.

I would like to take this time to thank FRN for creating such an amazing site and the dedication they have given to female races everywhere. Thank you for reading and if you have any questions for me please feel free to send me a message through my Facebook or Twitter and I will be glad to respond.

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Tammy Wolf