This weekend’s Atlantic City Sports Offshore Grand Prix powerboat racing marks the continuation of a legacy that stretches back nearly 40 years.
Local beachgoers have been hearing the roar of the boats as they speed through and over waves since the late 1980s, when celebrities such as former “Miami Vice” star Don Johnson and the late Popeye’s Chicken founder “Big Al” Copeland competed in the American Power Boat Association.
One of the top teams was local, however.
Atlantic City native Mac Seelig, sons Jason, Jeff and Jerry Seelig, and former NFL quarterback Joe Theisman dominated the C Class for almost a decade, ultimately winning the World Championship in 1995.
“I loved every minute of it,” Theisman said. “Racing with Mac and his sons was a special time.”
Mac Seelig, who turns 84 in August, got into racing in the mid-1980s.
The American Power Boat Association started holding events in Atlantic City in 1987 at the request of current President Donald Trump, who was seeking ways to promote Trump Castle at the time.
Race weeks were filled with parties and casino events, with Trump hosting celebrities and guests aboard his yacht, Trump Princess, which was docked across the street at Frank S. Farley Marina.
In 1989, Trump outbid Key West, Florida for the right to host the World Championships in Atlantic City.
A rival casino contacted Seelig, a 1960 Atlantic City High School graduate who founded A.C. Coin & Slot at his home in 1978.
“Harrah’s reached out to me because they wanted to compete with Trump in powerboat racing,” Seelig said.
Growing up in the area proved to be a valuable asset in his first race.
The boat he had at the time wasn’t nearly as fast as the others, but he still managed to finish third.
“It was extremely foggy and no one else had any idea where they were going,” Seelig said.
Not long afterward, Seelig was at a trade show in Las Vegas and encountered Theisman, who was signing autographs.
Seelig was seeking someone to serve as a spokesperson and bring attention to his racing team and thought Theismann, a Super Bowl champion and NFL Most Valuable Player during his 12-year career with the Washington Redskins, would be perfect.
He offered Theismann, who grew up in South River, New Jersey, a chance to take a ride in his boat. He jumped at the opportunity.
“I had always loved speed,” Theismann said. “I had muscle cars as a kid. My first car was a yellow GTO and I owned seven (Corvettes) when I was playing for Toronto (in the Canadian Football League).
“I went to Atlantic City to visit Mac and as soon as he turned that engine on, I was hooked. We couldn’t race that day because the ocean was too rough. But all I needed was to hear the roar of that engine.”
Despite the encouraging start, Mac and his team didn’t have much early success.
But each race served as a learning experience, a chance to develop the chemistry that is so vital in the ocean.
Mac Seelig was the driver, Jason Seelig was throttleman and Theismann was a navigator.
“We were absolutely terrible at first,” Seelig said. “We finished last a lot. But as time went on, we became pretty good.”
They were also cocky and colorful.
The clothing company Zubaz became as sponsor. The team sported the baggy, bright pants at press conferences and appearances and had the personalities to match.
“Not a lot of people liked us,” Seelig said. “To be honest, we were kind of (obnoxious).”
But they back up the bravado.
Their Harrah’s 777 boat won four straight C-Class National Champions in 1993-96. In 1995, they captured the Offshore Powerboat Racing World Championship in Key West.
Jason Seelig was a two-time Throttleman of the Year. Both Jason and Mac were selected for the 1996 APBA Hall of Champions.
All these years later, Mac still harbors a need for speed. Now living in Florida, he never turns down an invitation to climb aboard a powerboat for a ride.
Sometimes, he even takes the wheel.
Theismann, now 76, splits his time between Virginia and Nashville. He got rid of his Corvettes long ago, but still feels the occasional need for speed.
“I can’t drive sports cars, anymore,” he said. “And I haven’t been on a boat in a while. But I’ll always remember those days. Being on that powerboat was the thrill of a lifetime.”
Local MLB update
Angels outfielder Mike Trout (Millville High School) is dealing with another injury.
The three-time American League Most Valuable Player is on the 10-day injured list with a strained right hamstring.
Trout was enjoying a solid season. He was only batting .234, but has 17 home runs and 36 RBIs.
His status for the All-Star game remains up in the air, though it’s fair to assume he’s hoping to participate, considering it’s being held in Philadelphia.
Reds pitcher Chase Petty (Mainland Regional) threw a scoreless ninth inning last Saturday in a 10-2 victory over the New York Yankees. He allowed one hit and no walks with a strikeout.
David is a nationally recognized sports columnist who has covered Philadelphia and local sports for over 40 years. After 35 years with The Press, he has served as a columnist for 973ESPN.com and created his own Facebook page, Dave Weinberg Extra Points. Send comments to weinbergd419@comcast.net.
