Fred Bowden

**racer** · 02-20-2018, 10:25 AM

On Saturday boat racing lost a great competitor and a long time friend as Fred passed in his sleep while on a hunting trip in Mexico. Fred was a pioneer in MODVP and team owner of California Gold. He was also the first to offically go a 100mph in a MODVP rig. Fred and his team did more for the sport we all love than this page will hold. He helped many and never asked for it in return but most helped because of the kind of guy Fred was. Those of use that knew Fred knew him as very deticated to his family and friends and as a person that got things done in business or in racing. We have all lost a great mentor to our sport and my family and I along with others a great friend. My heart goes out to his family and may he RIP

Facebook has several posts, if you did not know Fred you can see how much he was liked.

**Superbender** · 02-20-2018, 11:04 AM

RIP Fred,lost a good man,prayers sent

**rude tim** · 02-20-2018, 11:28 AM

RIP Fred, preyers to the family.

**Dave Strong** · 02-20-2018, 11:40 AM

Sorry for your loss, RIP Fred.

Dave

**GETBOATS** · 02-20-2018, 12:40 PM

Originally Posted by racer

On Saturday boat racing lost a great competitor and a long time friend as Fred passed in his sleep while on a hunting trip in Mexico. Fred was a pioneer in MODVP and team owner of California Gold. He was also the first to offically go a 100mph in a MODVP rig. Fred and his team did more for the sport we all love than this page will hold. He helped many and never asked for it in return but most helped because of the kind of guy Fred was. Those of use that knew Fred knew him as very deticated to his family and friends and as a person that got things done in business or in racing. We have all lost a great mentor to our sport and my family and I along with others a great friend. My heart goes out to his family and may he RIP

Facebook has several posts, if you did not know Fred you can see how much he was liked.

Well said Al, Fred always had a kind wave even though we were competitors. I recall this last Parker endure at the ramp exchanging a nod with Fred, It was as if he was saying "be careful out there, but I hope we beat you!"
found this in my files

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**Instigator** · 02-20-2018, 01:06 PM

Watched many of his races.
A class act from all I could see.

RIP Mr Bowden.

**"HITMAN"** · 02-20-2018, 01:19 PM

RIP, Prayers go out to his friends & family..

**Da Bull** · 02-20-2018, 06:03 PM

Fred Bowden was a true racer. Always a winner as both driver and later on as team owner/manager.

RIP Fred Bowden

**Schramer** · 02-20-2018, 08:16 PM

Al, is there a specific place/charity his family would like to donate to in his honor??

**Spectre Powerboats** · 02-20-2018, 09:00 PM

Fred was a wonderful guy and would help in anyway he could. I miss racing with him and Todd. Race in Heaven my friend. Todd

**CUDA** · 02-20-2018, 09:10 PM

I met Fred 1982 laying on my back, I was tightening my trailer bunks and he yells that we had a party to go to , he acted like a old friend the first time I met him...

**CUDA** · 02-21-2018, 06:35 AM

The first time I remember Fred was at Stockton, 1979...I had a "HIGH DOLLAR" sponsor...motorhome, good equipment....

Fred showed up at this race with an old red Taylor MOD VP with a Johnson 200...everyone knew you needed a 235...and they worked on his truck, in the parking lot, all weekend. I thought to myself, "How does this sport attract THOSES kind of people??? He's trying to race a boat and doesn't even have a truck to get home with...".

Fred was an electrician, and had been laid off about this time... He and his late brother Larry, decided they buy a triangle piece of property on a freeway off ramp and build several buildings....Larry was a sheriff, but Fred needed a job...

I guess, we could say the rest is history...last I heard Bowden Development was building 300 to 600 homes a year, plus a high rise here and there...

I do know that when Eliminator Boats was trying to get their building done, that they were having troubles....the season was coming, Fred needed a race boat or two...Bob Leach asked Fred to help...and in short order, the factory was open...Fred was/is a man who gets things done.

Fred has opened his wallet to many, many new and old drivers...Sergio Calva, Chris Bush, John Castelli, Chad Hill to name a few. He was great competitor in MOD VP.

He has brought Todd, his son, through the ranks...Sport C, SST 60, SST 120 and now Champboat. I should add, Todd is about the nicest young man in the world....

Fred and his wife, Diane, have been married for a long time, but it seems they are still very close. At San Diego, every year, Bowden Development...throws a Pit Party...and everyone is invited....and I mean everyone...

Fred has been very loyal to Grand Prix Boats and Bruce Borequin. Their team runs the best equipment money can buy and Todd and Fred feel Grand Prix boats are the best.....Their ChampBoat standings show they are right...

Todd says it isn't true, but Diane says it is....Diane says that Todd had an autographed picture of Ron Hill when he was just a little guy....I choose to believe his mom...

The Bowden's are very active in ChampBoat Racing today and they plan to stay. Boat racing is lucky to have "THOSE TYPE" of people...

Thanks, Fred!!!!!

This is a copy /paste from Ron Hills boat racing facts .com

**stokernick** · 02-21-2018, 09:29 AM

Originally Posted by CUDA

The first time I remember Fred was at Stockton, 1979...I had a "HIGH DOLLAR" sponsor...motorhome, good equipment....

Fred showed up at this race with an old red Taylor MOD VP with a Johnson 200...everyone knew you needed a 235...and they worked on his truck, in the parking lot, all weekend. I thought to myself, "How does this sport attract THOSES kind of people??? He's trying to race a boat and doesn't even have a truck to get home with...".

Fred was an electrician, and had been laid off about this time... He and his late brother Larry, decided they buy a triangle piece of property on a freeway off ramp and build several buildings....Larry was a sheriff, but Fred needed a job...

I guess, we could say the rest is history...last I heard Bowden Development was building 300 to 600 homes a year, plus a high rise here and there...

I do know that when Eliminator Boats was trying to get their building done, that they were having troubles....the season was coming, Fred needed a race boat or two...Bob Leach asked Fred to help...and in short order, the factory was open...Fred was/is a man who gets things done.

Fred has opened his wallet to many, many new and old drivers...Sergio Calva, Chris Bush, John Castelli, Chad Hill to name a few. He was great competitor in MOD VP.

He has brought Todd, his son, through the ranks...Sport C, SST 60, SST 120 and now Champboat. I should add, Todd is about the nicest young man in the world....

Fred and his wife, Diane, have been married for a long time, but it seems they are still very close. At San Diego, every year, Bowden Development...throws a Pit Party...and everyone is invited....and I mean everyone...

Fred has been very loyal to Grand Prix Boats and Bruce Borequin. Their team runs the best equipment money can buy and Todd and Fred feel Grand Prix boats are the best.....Their ChampBoat standings show they are right...

Todd says it isn't true, but Diane says it is....Diane says that Todd had an autographed picture of Ron Hill when he was just a little guy....I choose to believe his mom...

The Bowden's are very active in ChampBoat Racing today and they plan to stay. Boat racing is lucky to have "THOSE TYPE" of people...

Thanks, Fred!!!!!

This is a copy /paste from Ron Hills boast racing facts .com

Well said. A great insight on a truly nice guy. RIP, Fred, and God comfort the family!