The Miss Budweiser were 22 hydroplanes sponsored by Budweiser beer that raced in the unlimited class under the U-12 banner. They were owned (some were leased backups) by Bernie Little. Anheuser-Busch sponsorship began in 1963, thanks to the friendship of Little and A-B president August Busch III.
After Little's death in April 2003, his youngest son Joe ran the operation for the two final seasons. Following the 2004 season, changes in Anheuser-Busch leadership resulted in the end of their 42 successful years of sponsorship in which the boat(s), drivers and crews accrued over 130 wins.
Notable drivers Bob Schroeder 1963 Chuck Hickling 1964–1965 Bill Brow 1966–1967; 1 win Mike Thomas 1967; 1 win Bill Sterett 1968–1969; 5 wins Dean Chenoweth 1970–1972, 1973, 1979–1982; 23 wins Terry Sterett 1972 Howie Benns 1974; 3 wins Mickey Remund 1975–1977; 6 wins Ron Snyder 1978; 1 win Jim Kropfeld 1983–1989; 22 wins Tom D'Eath 1988–1991; 13 wins Scott Pierce 1991; 3 wins Chip Hanauer 1992–1996; 22 wins Mike Hanson 1994; 1 win N. Mark Evans 1995–1996; 2 wins Mark Weber 1997; 1 win Dave Villwock 1997–2004; 30 wins
References
External links Bernie Little Companies – King of Boats