Follow Powerboat News on Facebook & Instagram for daily updates

Powerboat News

Powerboat News

Powerboat news from across the globe

Powerboat News

Powerboat news from across the globe

General News

Seebold Family Thanks Racing World For Support

The Seebold family has released a statement thanking the global powerboat racing community for its overwhelming support following the death of Billy Seebold on 22nd October.

In a message posted on social media, the family announced plans for a celebration of life whilst paying tribute to the man they described as the complete package both on and off the water.

On behalf of the Seebold Family we would like to thank everyone from around the world for their overwhelming outpouring of love and support since the passing of our dad. His unequalled powerboat racing accolades across multiple disciplines defined an era as he earned a legend’s status.

Mr. Bill was powerboat racing, period. He was the complete package, as a driver he could manipulate his machine through traffic knowing what his competition would do before they even knew.

As a boat builder/designer he would push the performance envelope outside the box that had never previously been explored. As an innovator he would introduce safety features to protect his friends and competitors. And as the ultimate test driver/set up man he could feel the boat and water as no other could.

He continues to be the measuring stick that all drivers before and after him are measured against. This is why he is a legend on the water but he was so much more.

His infectious smile and cool demeanour off the water made everyone feel like family whether it be a chance encounter or a lifelong friendship.

He inspired all of us to be better than we could have ever been as he touched so many lives along the way.

His dedication and support for his family make it a privilege to call him dad. We are heartbroken as we navigate through this hardship without the head of our family. What he did on the water made him a legend, the man he was off the water will keep his legacy alive forever!

Celebration of Life

The family has invited the powerboat racing community to celebrate Seebold’s extraordinary life at Sunset Country Club, 9555 S. Geyer Road, St. Louis, Missouri 63127 on Friday, 7th November from 1:30pm to 3:30pm.

Those planning to attend are asked to register via the Seebold Sports website.

A Legend’s Passing

Seebold passed away following a battle with ALS at the age of 84. Over a 46-year career, he amassed more than 900 victories and 69 world and national championships, establishing himself as the most successful driver in tunnel boat racing history.

His eight world titles in international Formula One racing remain unmatched. Beyond his driving achievements, Seebold revolutionised tunnel boat design and construction, working alongside his father Bill Sr and later with his sons Mike and Tim to build custom powerboats that set new standards in the sport.

The Seebold racing dynasty spans three generations. Mike and Tim continue the family legacy through Seebold Sports and the NGK F1 Powerboat Championship Series.

John Moore

John Moore has a longstanding involvement in event organisation and powerboat racing journalism. He organised the historic Cowes–Torquay–Cowes races between 2010 and 2013 and was actively involved with British offshore racing from 2017 until 2025. In 2017, Moore founded Powerboat Racing World, a digital platform providing global powerboat racing news, insights, and event coverage. He is now Editor of Powerboat.News, continuing to contribute to the sport’s media landscape with in-depth reporting and analysis.

Follow Powerboat News on Facebook & Instagram for daily updates