Racing Legend Reggie Fountain to be honored at Reggie Day

Published 11:26 am Thursday, April 18, 2024

By Staff Reports

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Reggie Fountain at his Chocowinity home in March 2023. (Ashley Vansant / Washington Daily News)

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Washington, NC — Boating industry legend and world champion boat racer Reggie Fountain will be honored for his 45+ years of civic and economic contributions in a special ceremony as the Beaufort County Commissioners officially declare April 23 as “Reggie Day” throughout the county.

In addition to the Beaufort County Commissioners, festivities will include recognition from numerous local civic and county executives.

The tribute celebration begins at 11 a.m. at the Fountain Powerboat manufacturing facility in Washington, NC.

A native of North Carolina, Reginald Morton Fountain Jr. grew up in Tarboro and in his formative years, became known as an accomplished water skier, barefooter and local racing hero.

As his racing career progressed, he eventually became part of the vaunted Mercury Factory Racing team where he won Formula One world championships in 1976 and 1977.

After retiring from Formula One, Reggie transitioned to start Fountain Powerboats in a used-car dealership in Washington.

Over the last 45 years Fountain Powerboats has accounted for more than $1.5 billion in sales with more than 10,00 boats on the water.

Fountain Powerboats is widely acknowledged as the world’s premier builder of high performance fishing and sport boats. The company has also dominated the offshore racing world with numerous world, national and speed records.

Reggie’s video on YouTube ‘King of Offshore’ has over 1.6 million views.