Episode 61- Powerboat Talk with Alan Stoker Mod VP Pioneer & Parker Enduro Champion

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Alan Stoker: Mod VP Racing Pioneer and Parker Enduro Champion
Alan Stoker is a world-renowned boat racer and the founder of Stoker Boats, widely recognized as a key innovator during the formative decades of Mod VP outboard racing and tunnel-hull development. Raised in Southern California, Stoker’s lifelong connection to performance boating has made him one of the most respected figures in high-performance outboard racing. This episode was recorded shortly after his third consecutive victory at the 2024 Parker Enduro, further cementing his legacy at one of powerboat racing’s most demanding endurance events.

Early Life and Racing Roots at John’s Custom Marine
Stoker grew up immersed in the boating world through his father, John Stoker, owner of John’s Custom Marine. By just 11 years old, Alan was working weekends at the shop, gaining hands-on experience that would shape his future as both a racer and builder. His racing career began when his father purchased a kneel-down racer from Ron Hill, while his early exposure to elite competition came in the pits as his father crewed on the world speed record-holding Hustler jet boat. John Stoker also competed in the Parker Enduro with a Chrysler-powered Patterson, firmly establishing racing as a family tradition.

Breakthrough Years in Mod VP and V-Bottom Outboard Racing
In 1976, with the introduction of the first Evinrude V-6 outboards, the Stokers purchased a wood-plug Kona bottom, built a wood deck, and entered the Parker Enduro. The following year marked a major step forward with a move to a Witchcraft hull, driven alongside Earl McKinney, resulting in an impressive 12 wins in 13 races. As competition intensified in the V-bottom outboard ranks, a partnership with Jerry Baker of Baker Boats provided the Stokers with increasingly competitive equipment.

The Stoker Sport Tunnel and Mod VP Hull Innovation
As modified V-bottom designs evolved into full tunnel boats within the hugely popular Mod VP class, the Stokers turned their focus to hull development. This effort led to the creation of the Stoker Sport Tunnel (SST) Mod VP, one of the most successful and enduring designs in the class. Notably, Stoker SST hulls are still being produced today by Eliminator Boats, a testament to their performance and lasting influence on tunnel-hull design.

OMC Loyalty and Engine-Building Excellence
Throughout its 45 years in operation, John’s Custom Marine remained a loyal Outboard Marine Corporation (OMC) dealer. During an era often dominated by factory-supported Mercury teams, Alan Stoker was frequently the lone competitor powered by an OMC Evinrude. While his on-water achievements in Mod VP racing were significant, they were matched by his reputation as a highly skilled and innovative engine builder, respected throughout the performance boating industry.

Parker Enduro Dominance and Recent Success
Stoker returned to the driver’s seat years later alongside longtime friend and competitor Greg Foster, capturing Parker Enduro victories in 2012 and 2017. A new chapter began with the introduction of Mercury’s V-8 outboard, prompting Stoker to campaign one of his 22-foot SST hulls with boat owner John Roth. That partnership proved dominant, winning the Parker Enduro from 2022 through 2024.

An attempt to match Todd Bowden’s record of four consecutive Parker Enduro victories came to an abrupt halt in 2025, when back issues forced Stoker to withdraw at the last minute.

A Legacy Still in Motion
If history is any indication, Alan Stoker’s story at the Parker Enduro, and in high-performance outboard racing, is far from finished.

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