Steve Michael received recognition for 30 years as F1H2O World Championship commentator during a reception in Sharjah on December 21, following the 2025 season finale. The Florida-based broadcaster, known throughout powerboat racing as “The Voice,” has maintained an unbroken attendance record across 210 races since joining H2O Racing in 1996.
Nicolo Di San Germano, H2O Racing founder and F1H2O promoter, presented Michael with the recognition at the post-race gathering. Di San Germano hired Michael away from NASCAR announcing in 1996, establishing a partnership that has taken the commentary team to 56 countries across six continents.
Michael works alongside co-commentator Jonathan Jones, the Welsh four-time F1H2O World Champion who won titles in 1986, 1989, 1991 and 1998. Jones brings driver insights to broadcasts, complementing Michael’s commentary with technical analysis from his championship-winning career.
Michael posted his reaction on Facebook following the ceremony, expressing gratitude to the Di San Germano family including Nicolo’s sons Casimiro, Raimundo and Paulo, who have grown into leadership roles within H2O Racing during Michael’s tenure.
From Minnesota Ice to Maine Waterfront
The Minnesota native’s broadcasting career began far from powerboat racing’s warm-weather venues. His first taste of sports commentary came in 1976 when he was invited to play his organ at an ice hockey match in Maine. After just ten games, organisers recognised his vocal abilities and he became the official commentator for the North American Ice Hockey League.
Michael’s Maine connection runs deeper than that first broadcasting opportunity. His father planned to sail around the world with the family, coming to Boothbay Harbor to practice sailing skills for three months. Michael returns to Maine regularly, honouring his father’s memory and maintaining ties to what he calls “a very special part of the USA.”
Michael’s broadcasting skills expanded across multiple sports including English Football, NASCAR and Track and Field events. His entertainment background includes work as a bartender during his college years, skills he humorously demonstrated on an Emirates Airlines flight when crew members discovered his mixology experience and recruited him to work a shift at 39,000 feet.
Early F1H2O Involvement
The career transition to full-time F1H2O commentary came in 1996. Working in NASCAR broadcasting, Michael received an approach from Di San Germano to join the F1H2O World Championship tour. Michael had last competed behind the wheel in 1985, leaving an 11-year gap before his return to racing environments.
Perfect Attendance Record
The 210-race attendance streak represents every F1H2O World Championship event since Michael joined H2O Racing in 1996. The championship typically runs six to eight rounds annually, though scheduling has varied based on venue availability and, more recently, pandemic disruptions.
The travel commitment has taken Michael across Europe, the Middle East and Asia.
Michael hosts pre-race press conferences alongside his commentary duties. These events bring together H2O Racing management, local organising committees and competing drivers, with Michael moderating discussions about championship standings, technical regulations and venue-specific challenges.
Michael’s commentary style has developed signature catchphrases that F1H2O fans recognise instantly. His enthusiastic “Oh My!” and “teetering on the brink of disaster” punctuate dramatic moments, The expressions have become part of F1H2O’s broadcast identity across three decades.
Life Between Florida and Maine
Michael divides his time between Florida’s Gulf Coast and regular returns to New England. His Florida base, which he refers to as “the toybox,” houses his growing collection of performance vehicles including a Ford GT40 and Lamborghini Revuelto that Michael describes as “Blues Magoo’s mobile” in his social media posts.
Health and Longevity
Michael’s Facebook post following the Sharjah recognition included his characteristic humour about recent physical examination results, joking he has “another 30 years in me to continue as your voice.” The commentator framed this as reassurance to F1H2O followers that his tenure will extend beyond the current milestone.
The November 2025 post acknowledged the difficulty of maintaining television hosting duties across three decades, crediting his success to “the professional people around us such as the H2o team, San Germano family and my great partner JJ Jonathan.”
Looking to 2026
Michael closed his Facebook post by noting “2026 off in a great way!…and you can tell it all is going to be a year of something special happening!”
The Sharjah recognition ceremony marked a milestone, but Michael’s social media activity makes clear his focus remains forward. After 30 years and 210 races, “The Voice” continues as the championship prepares for its next chapter.
John Moore’s involvement in powerboat racing began in 1981 when he competed in his first offshore powerboat race. After a career as a Financial Futures broker in the City of London, specialising in UK interest rate markets, he became actively involved in event organisation and powerboat racing journalism.
He served as Event Director for the Cowes–Torquay–Cowes races between 2010 and 2013. In 2016, he launched Powerboat Racing World, a digital platform providing global powerboat racing news and insights. The following year, he co-founded UKOPRA, helping to rejuvenate offshore racing in the United Kingdom. He sold Powerboat Racing World in late 2021 and remained actively involved with UKOPRA until 2025.
In 2025, he established Powerboat News, returning to independent journalism with a focus on neutral and comprehensive coverage of the sport.
