2008 | Robert Trolian SR

Robert, “Ponch” or “Pops”, Trolian of Alexandria, Kentucky, started racing Outboards in 1964 and built his first boat in 1966 from plans in Popular Mechanics magazine. What made Trolian’s boats distinctive was his choice of materials: plastic! He learned design and manufacturing while working for a plastics company.

In the 1970s he worked for Genmar's Wellcraft Division and the Glastron Division. He began making very competitive, lightweight fiberglass runabouts and hydroplanes. Trolian also pioneered carbon fiber hulls from open molds. He has built over 500 racing hulls, which have won dozens of championships and set records.

All this time, Trolian had raced Stock Outboard; but his hydro plus the new OMC engine earned him championships, records and induction into the APBA Hall of Champions. However, all this success in designing, building and racing pales in comparison to Bob Trolian's generosity. He has been known to deliver a new boat to a racer with a "pay-me-when-you-can" bill of sale. He helps any young racer who needs some racing part, boat repair or advice.

Recently, he donated a new runabout to the APBA Junior Classes. Four of his five children have raced, and his sons Paul and Brian continue Racecraft Racing Hulls. Team Racecraft is often the largest contingent at an APBA Outboard event. After retiring from competition in the 1990s, Trolian became a Race Director and one of our most respected race officials. He ran nearly 100 APBA races, including many championships.

In the last five years, he has directed three Stock Outboard National Championships. He can pull together a diverse group of officials and give all competitors a well-run, fair event.

Robert Trolian, Sr. contributes to the APBA not only with state-of-the-art hulls, but with talent, time and treasure.