If you have ever been to the New Martinsville Regatta Fest in September, chances are you’ve heard of Sam and Sherron Winer. The Winers’ are well known around the American Power Boat Association circuit for their knowledge and dedication to the sport of Powerboat Racing and tireless year round work to help make the Regatta Fest a top notch event that draws racers from one end of the country to the other. Together the Winers’ have been involved in boat racing in New Martinsville for over 40 years, the Regatta Fest is in its 15th year, while boat racing has been an event the community looks forward to since the 1950’s.

A few months back the Winers’ received notice from the APBA that Sherron, President of New Martinsville Regatta Fest had been chosen as a recipient of the APBA’S Honor Squadron award to be presented during the Association’s annual awards banquet held in New Orleans, on January 31, 2026. The honor places her in the company of a gifted group of past and current APBA members who have received recognition of one the association’s highest awards, acknowledging their contribution to advancing the sport of powerboat racing.

Established in 1953 as part of APBA’s 50th anniversary celebration, the Honor Squadron pays tribute to members who exemplify excellence and commitment to significantly advance the organization both on and off the water. The Squadron sets the criteria, which has not changed since its inception, and allows only two inductions per year.

The private announcement arrived in late October last fall surprising Winer and her family. “My immediate reaction was disbelief. I had to read the opening paragraph more than once before the words were real,” she admitted. In part, APBA revealed the honor was “earned through years of dedication, leadership, and unwavering commitment, leaving a lasting impact.” The letter continued, “Your integrity, work ethic and enthusiasm have set a standard of excellence. Few individuals have given so freely of their time and talent for the betterment of others and your induction serves as a fitting acknowledgement of that lifetime of service.”

According to Winer: “This honor must be shared with countless individuals, those who have supported and mentored me throughout my career within APBA at the national level as I served (and still serve) in the capacities of Club Support Committee Chair, the OPC Category Chair, OPC Commissioner, and marketing. Locally, I must thank the Regatta Fest Board of Directors, both current and past, for believing in the idea of a community-based, free festival, and the quiet support of both the City of New Martinsville and the Wetzel County Commission for the past 14 years. Together, we look forward to celebrating our 15th anniversary this coming September. However, this national award and recognition would not be possible without the unwavering support from Sam (Winer). He asked the critical question years ago: ‘Who is stopping you?’ when I was faced with complex decisions. I am humbled and grateful as I stand with the giants.”

Since 1980 the Winers’ have attended the national convention either together or separately. They have spent countless hours of their own time and energy promoting powerboat racing and making acquaintances with the top names in the sport. Besides holding many positions with the APBA, Sherron has worked tirelessly to make the Regatta Fest in New Martinsville an event that people from all over can enjoy. Not just Wetzel County, not just West Virginia, not just New Martinsville, but a welcome venue for people from California, Florida, Minnesota and everywhere in between.

Being named an APBA Honor Squad Inductee, puts her in the company of the best of the best in APBA history. Included in those named to the Honor Squadron are famous inductees like Guy Lombardo, the famous band leader and gold cup champion who was in New Martinsville twice in 1942-1945. Gav Wood, outstanding gold cup driver of the 1920’s. Sir Malcolm Campbell, who set the jet straightaway record, Ted Jones, who invented the three point hydroplane, Gib Bradfield, Barnesville, Ohio, the first inboard driver to race in New Martinsville, Bill Muncey, eight time gold cup winner, Charlie Strang, former VP outboard marine corp, Lee Schoenith, Famous gold cup winner, Alber Bauer, olympic champion announcer in NM for 30 years, Henry Lauterbach, most famous hydroplane boat builder, Bill Seebold, Jr., all time winningest tunnel boat driver, George (Buddy) Byers, 7 litre driver who set the straightaway record in NM in 1958 at 151.271 mph., and many many more great names of the APBA.

The American Power Boat Association was started in 1903 and has evolved into one of the greatest racing events in the country. Several of the inductees also have ties to Nascar racing.

Sharron Winer is well known throughout the country for her exemplary knowledge of the sport. Those who have worked alongside her locally and nationally will attest to her ability to bring people together for the betterment of the sport. New Martinsville and West Virginia can be proud to have someone with her understanding of the sport to represent the hometown community as she and her husband Sam continue to bring top notch power boat racing to the Ohio Valley.