Jean Theoret Will Drive the 96 Spirit of Qatar

We are very happy to announce that one of the most popular, most successful drivers in the recent history of the sport will be in our boat for the Oryx Cup. Welcome Jean!

52 year old Canadian Jean Theoret returns to the driver’s seat of an unlimited hydroplane for the first time since 2009. Prior to an unlimited career that produced six wins from 2005 to 2008, Theoret spent over 25 years in hydroplane racing as a crew member, an engine builder, a driver and a team owner and manager.

Jean was the most successful driver in the history of the Grand Prix class, Canada’s premier inboard hydroplane class with 43 wins and numerous Canadian, American, North American and World Championships and speed records.

Chosen by Bill Wurster to drive the U-8 in 2005, Theoret drove to victory in Seattle and Nashville and was the 2005 Unlimited Rookie of the Year at age 43.

Before the 2006 season, Wurster sold the U-8 to Billy Schumacher who rechristened it the U-37, with sponsorship from Beacon Plumbing. Theoret’s sophomore season produced three impressive victories including the APBA Gold Cup in Detroit and wins in Seattle and Nashville. Jean’s sixth win came in Evansville in 2008.

In 2011, Jean Theoret was inducted into the Canadian Motorsports Hall of Fame and was hailed as, “Canada’s most successful living hydroplane racer and one of the greatest powerboat racers Canada has produced.”

Jean and his wife Danielle make their home in Maple Grove, Quebec. They have two sons Pierre and Samuel.