Rocky Aoki dies

Jon Fuller · 17-07-2008, 11:48 AM

Rocky Aoki of Benihana restaurant / Offshore racing fame died on the 7th July. He was 69 years old.

Mr Aoki, the founder of the Japanese steak house chain 'Benihana', was famous for some spectacular accidents, one of which nearly took his life.

Captain Chaos · 17-07-2008, 12:51 PM

time for that steak then?

Jon Fuller · 17-07-2008, 01:06 PM

Yeah, just been reading up on his family fued, seems the (many) children have been fighting over his dosh/will for a long time, bet it's getting bloody ugly now!!

http://nymag.com/guides/money/2006/23465/

so we best help fill their pockets

TimB-C · 17-07-2008, 03:50 PM

Very sad news, raced against him many times, enjoyed his company and his amazing "do's", fabulous food great fun, great racer mad as hell.......Fondest memores and wishes to the family...................

Jon Holmes · 17-07-2008, 08:02 PM

More sad news.

Are those pics copyright jon?

Got my signed copy of Searace delivered today. Great book.

Jon Fuller · 17-07-2008, 08:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Turnip1

More sad news.

Are those pics copyright jon?

I got them from Google images.

I 'think' they're crouse pics, or at least a couple are.

Top Banana · 17-07-2008, 09:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jon Fuller

I got them from Google images.

I 'think' they're crouse pics, or at least a couple are.

Rocky was one of the all time toughest guys in a boat. Brownie was telling me the other day that he thought Rocky was one of the most fearless guys he ever met. He tried all kinds of boat racing from Offshore to GN Marathon boats and he was a wild man in them all.

The first race Smitty had with him, after Rocky bought the 35 Cigarette and Smitty came with the deal, the boat took a wave really wrong and Smitty thought the boat was going to roll.....he got down on the floor and looked up...Rocky was just hanging on to the wheel smiling and going for the win.

July 31 at the NY Athletic club a celebration of Rocky's life will be held.

Here are some shots of him winning his own race in NJ and another of Elswick's win and Rocky giving him the trophy.

Black_Tornado · 17-07-2008, 10:52 PM

Sad sad news.
Rocky was a very special racer.
Another piece of Offshore History has gone forever.
My heart cries.......

littlenige · 29-07-2008, 11:56 PM

As a kid it was great to read in Powerboat and Waterskiing of his adventures/woes during various races. I never got to see him race unfortunately. Shame about the bickering now - true colours shine bright when someone pegs it. Rest peacefully Rocky!