In the summer of 2002, Unlimited Hydroplane’s winningest owner, Bernie Little, toured his vaunted Miss Budweiser for a 40th and final competitive season. His 134th and final victory came on Lake Washington in Seattle. Little died the following April at age 77. Trent Ling covered the legend’s final racing campaign across the ESPN networks.
“Bernie is one of the very few shooting stars that I’ve seen and known,” Trent recalls. “There has never been anyone like Bernie; what an interesting character! Beyond that, he greatly appreciated and accommodated my love for hydroplanes from the time I was a teenager until his passing. He graciously put up with my comprehensive interviews, taking me into his comfortable luxury coach for lengthy sit-downs. For years, he also sent world pit pass credentials to me to legitimize my presence at all race sites though I was nothing but a glorified fan. Even in failing health, he remained overly friendly and cordial as you’ll see here.”
For Trent’s interview with Bernie following Little’s final victory, watch the video below:
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Very cool! They little bit I’ve seen of hydroplane racing I have to wonder how anyone in the sport could make it to aged 77 🙂 Good for Bernie Little for going after his dreams and leading such an exciting and kind life.
Like my kids always say “hey, we know famous people!” I had a privilege, being Trent’s wife, to meet Bernie Little in person a couple times. I first met him in San Diego, he impressed me with his charm, warm, and friendly attitude. He welcomed us and posed for a photographer to take a picture of us with him and his wife; what a classy act that was. Of course, I felt like I’d known Bernie ever since I met Trent and his family. Just like Meme shared, his signed poster of Bernie with Papa that Trent took has been a part of Pasco house. What a legend Bernie Little was!
I also agree with Pat. Bernie’s drive, determination, and love for the sport can be perceived in this short clip and it is a real inspiration. How much more should our drive, determination, and love for the Cross amaze people and make them want to ride God’s hydroplane instead of sailing in the paddle boats of contentment? I choose living the thrilling life of going 220 km/h with the Lord at the driving seat than just going with the current down the river waiting to see where it takes me.
Whenever I am showing someone around our house, I always pause in the ‘wolf room’ bedroom to show them the signed poster of Papa with Bernie Little that Trent took in 1990 on Papa’s birthday in Evansville, Indiana. Some are impressed because they remember who he was. Others are bewildered by the importance and respect we show off that poster. But we will always remember! Just another exciting example of the experiences we have had riding Trent’s coattails and indulging his passions.
I agree Pat, it’s awesome to see someone spearhead their fears and conquer all sorts of obstacles. It reminds me of Roman 8:37 in how we are called to be “more than conquerors”. love you!
I so much respect those who ‘go for it’ in all they do. It’s not really a characteristic that describes me since I’m so calculated and planned in everything I do. The ambition, spontaneity and not giving way to fear is noble. Even at an age where retiring and just enjoying the fruit of his labor would probably be easier, Bernie still had determination in his voice and his demeanor in this clip.
I’m so glad that Trent has had the opportunity to ‘really participate’ in a sport he loves at an unimaginable level. Meeting and befriending his childhood heroes, interviewing them, broadcasting the sport itself, enriching his family with the sport rather than ignoring his family with a sport; only Heaven can write such a life!