Bernie Little Sr., 77; Owned, Raced Power Boat Miss Budweiser

Bernie Little Sr., 77, a leading figure in unlimited hydroplane racing and owner of the famous Miss Budweiser boat, died Friday night in Lakeland, Fla. He had been in declining health for several months.

An entrepreneur who had sold cars, boats and airplanes and hobnobbed with the rich and famous, Little was hydroplane racing’s most successful owner.

Under Little, Miss Budweiser amassed 22 championships, 134 Unlimited victories and 14 American Power Boat Assn. Gold Cups -- the Super Bowl of unlimited racing. All are records.

Little’s friendship with August Busch III, the scion of the St. Louis brewing family, led to the Anheuser-Busch sponsorship of his Miss Budweiser boat.

Before Little and Busch came on the scene, safety for the powerful 200-plus mph unlimited division was almost nonexistent.

Little’s racing team pioneered the enclosed cockpit, similar to those of an aircraft cockpit, which has been credited with saving lives.

Born in McComb, Ohio, Little served in the merchant marine and Navy during World War II.