| ARTICLE written by Liam Holland Feb 25 – Photos supplied by Liam Published by: Paula Gill (GillGirl Media) – GILFLITE Boats |
“Like Father, Like Son”
Grand Father, Father, Sons – The HBR Boys – 3 Generations of Boat Racers
Three Generations of Holley’s in the boat racing fraternity.
Ken Holland the start of the early pioneering era of Australian Power Boat Racing…..
Being brought in to the Victorian Speed Boat Club through a good friend, & club legend Bob Found.
Kenny purchased a hydroplane with Bob found called Loco, while Bob Raced, Ken nominated & become the Commodore of the club.
Highly considered one of the best commodores we’ve ever seen quoted by Racing Legend “Ben Fox”
Kenny later becoming a Life Member of the club.
Son Greg ‘Holley’ Holland quickly followed, but enjoyed the racing side more following mentors like Ben Fox & Graham Rodgers.
Holley Teamed up with Doug Smith ( VSBC LIFE MEMBER ) & the rest is history, from 4.2ozboat all the way up to GP having the opportunity to race for Ron Burton, Big Chief & successfully making the trip to NEW ZEALAND & bringing home our Holly Grail – The E.C. GRIFFITH Cup in 2002
The Sons – Third generation racers!!! As soon as Brad & Liam were old enough to race, Holley hung up the boots & quickly adapted to crew chief allowing them to start their racing careers & make a name for themselves.
Above: The HBR Shed
Brad Holland, started in the 1.6ozlites where he still campaigns his own boat Twister & both sons are V.S.B.C. Members and their boats are, (of course) V.S.B.C. BOATS !!
Liam Holland, commenced in the 1.6 category & after a few seasons stepped up to what we know as DESPERADO, the 6ltr Hydroplane.
Successfully following in dad’s footsteps, 20 Years on, claiming his own EC Griffith cup win in 2022 @ YARRAWONGA.
In 2022 the Holly Boys once again claimed the Holly Grail with Liam driving Desperado to Victory at Yarrawonga on Lake Mulwala – Hosted by the Victorian Speed Boat Club
History still being written stay tuned !
Thank you to everyone who supports Australian Power Boat Racing, past, present & future with information, time, stories and images.
Photos courtesy Liam – Above: Desperados E.C. Griffith Cup win, Lake Mulwala, Yarrawonga 2021
Below: An album of HBR racing over the decades
Post created by Paula Gill (GillGirl Media) #gillgirlmedia published by Paula Gill – GILFLITE copyright ©