Norris Wins Catalina Powerboat Race

Actor Chuck Norris piloted a 50-foot Cougar Catamaran to victory Saturday in the Super Boat class during the Queen Mary-to-Catalina Express 1990 Offshore Powerboat Races.

Norris averaged 81.2 m.p.h. in the 140-mile race. John Gehret finished second with Peter Markey third.

There were two isolated incidents at the beginning of the race, officials said.

The Gentry Turbo Eagle momentarily lost its line in Turn 1, and driver Norman Gentry was taken to St. Mary’s Hospital where he was admitted with aspiratory pneumonia.

Gentry, 33, of Marin County, swallowed a large amount of water, hospital spokeswoman Mary Jane Foster said.

Also, Vincent Madelon Sr., 50, and his 26-year-old son, Vincent Madelon Jr., both from Hawthorne, Calif., were riding in the second boat that overturned.

Doctors were running tests late Saturday on the elder Madelon to determine the extent of injuries to his head and neck, Foster said. The younger Madelon was treated for a broken arm and released.

The racers were rescued by Long Beach lifeguards and medical teams from the Offshore Professional Tour, race officials said.

Competition was held in three other classes. Nuri Sabunco won the Open Class; Nicholas Cutro won the Pro I Class, and Bill Gazell won the Pro II Class.