Billy BoatBirthdate: February 2, 1966, Phoenix, Ariz. Residence: Phoenix, Ariz. Ht./Wt.: 5-7,140 Marital Status: Married (Andrea) Children: Trisha, Chad, Brooke, Emily IRL Races: 0 1996 IRL Rank: 38 1996 Prize Money: $5,000
Boat, of Phoenix, Arizona, was born February 2, 1966. His entry into racing came in 1989, at the USAC midget event. In 1993, he tasted victory for the first time, winning three USAC Western States features in four states-May 1 at Hanford, July 2 at Calistoga and October 8 at Hanford. He had an outstanding performance record in 1995. Beginning May 20 at Madera, Boat broke all the USAC records for consecutive single-series feature wins, with 11 straight Western states midget victories. His streak ended September 23 at Madera, when he finished runner-up to Davey Hamilton.
His Indy debut came in 1996, when he took the track on day 11 in a backup Pagan entry. He became the 19th driver to pass the driver's test two days later. He was the first qualifier of third time-trial day with a four lap average of 221.824. He finished the 1996 IRL season ranking 38th.
