Overview

Bernie Little (born about 1926 in McComb, Ohio) built one of the most successful racing operations in American motorboat sport. He remained active as the owner and leader of the Miss Budweiser team until his death on April 25, 2003. Under his stewardship the team became synonymous with excellence in Unlimited Hydroplane racing.

Team, sponsorship and operations

Little secured long-term backing from the Anheuser-Busch brewery, which branded the team Miss Budweiser. That partnership provided resources to hire top crew, invest in hull and engine development, and operate year after year at the highest level. The team combined professional management, skilled mechanics and focused testing to maintain competitive advantage.

Achievements and records

Miss Budweiser's record is remarkable: the team won 134 of the 354 hydroplane races it entered and captured the series high points championship 22 times during a 40-year span of competition. They also won the prestigious Gold Cup 14 times. These statistics are widely cited as evidence of the team's dominance in the sport (statistics) and have become benchmarks for success in Unlimited Hydroplane racing (championship history).

Characteristics of the operation

Rather than relying on a single formula, Little's operation continually adapted to changing technology and rules. The team worked with designers, engineers and engine specialists to refine hull shapes, weight distribution and power delivery. Safety procedures and professional crew organization were also priorities, helping sustain high performance over decades.

Legacy and importance

Bernie Little is widely regarded as the most successful owner in the history of Unlimited Hydroplane racing. His approach—combining stable sponsorship, technical investment and professional leadership—helped professionalize the sport and influenced how other teams were run. The Miss Budweiser name remains one of the most recognizable in hydroplane history.

Notable facts

  • The Miss Budweiser team operated for roughly four decades and is known for a sustained winning record.
  • Long-term corporate sponsorship was a defining feature of the program, enabling advanced development.
  • Its multiple Gold Cup wins and championship seasons set records that shaped the expectations for future teams.

For more detailed histories, season results and profiles of the boats and crews, consult specialized histories of unlimited hydroplane racing and archived race records linked above.