After a 44-year racing career, Tim Seebold, a successful USF1 powerboat driver, will retire following the 2016 season. Coming off of a winning season in 2015 where he won the USF1 Powerboat Championship, the focus has shifted to his final season driving competitively.

“I feel like I’ve accomplished more than I could ever dream of as far as a driver,” said Seebold. “After a long career, you’re always going to remember the last of it and how the end played out. My goal is to go out on top one more time this year to showcase what our team is capable of.”

NGK Spark Plugs will serve as the title sponsor for a fourth straight season, and 2016 will be the final year of a 77-year Seebold Racing lineage that spans three generations.

“My grandfather, my father, my older brother Mike and I have spent our lives dedicated to this sport,” said Seebold. “One of the things that made our family thrive was that we all did it together. We all were heavily involved and active in the sport and racing was a family affair. I’d like to leave racing in a better position than it was when we first got involved.”

Tim’s grandfather, Bill Seebold Sr., began racing in 1939. His father, Bill Seebold Jr., enjoyed a 46-year racing career that included 69 world and national championships and more than 900 race victories. His sons, Mike and Tim, started racing at ages 13 and 8, respectively. Mike is a multi-time national and world champion in a variety of different powerboat classes and Tim has won 16 world championships and boasts the most race wins in USF1 history, including his most recent title as the 2015 USF1 Powerboat Champion.

“To carry on a family tradition has always been an honor for me. Just being mentioned in the same sentence as my family is still special, there’s no better company in powerboat racing.”

Team Seebold is going gold in 2016 for the Last Lap Tour, sporting a different look in conjunction with an important milestone for NGK Spark Plugs (U.S.A.) Inc.

“2016 marks NGK’s 50th year doing business in the United States,” said Mark Sprague, general manager of marketing at NGK Spark Plugs (U.S.A.) Inc. “In 1966, Seebold Sports had a well-established racing legacy and has since become the winningest family in professional motorsports. We are proud to have Tim fly the NGK flag for his final season, as his successful career aligns itself with the Art of Fast; inspired by passion for perfection and personal achievement in racing.”

The partnership between NGK Spark Plugs and Seebold Racing began more than 15 years ago and the sponsorship has grown as Tim’s career has succeeded.

“One of the things that motivates me is having a sponsor like NGK and the great people who work there supporting me, appreciating the sport as much as I do. That admiration of hard work helps promote the brand and lends to a great working relationship. I look forward to partnering again with NGK Spark Plugs in 2016,” said Seebold.

“Partnering with Tim and the Seebold Racing family all these years has been fantastic,” said Mike Schwab, senior vice president of aftermarket sales and marketing at NGK Spark Plugs (U.S.A.), Inc. “The winning spirit of Seebold Racing fits perfectly with our products and helping this team win so many races and championships has been a very special experience for all of us at NGK Spark Plugs. We wish Tim the best of luck during his final year driving the NGK Spark Plugs boat in 2016.”