Jackhammer Team Throttleman Maldonado Sidelined With Leg Injuries

With the 2024 American Power Boat Association Super Stock National Championship title under their belts, Jackhammer team owner/driver Reese Langheim and throttleman Julian Maldonado were well-positioned to defend their 2023 world title in Key West, Fla., this week. The cockpit duo dominated the Super Stock ranks this season, and momentum was on their side.

Thanks to leg injuries sustained in a golf-cart crash, Julian Maldonado’s 2024 Key West Worlds experience most likely will be limited to the Sunday raceboat parade and cheering on his teammates. Photo by Pete Boden copyright Shoot 2 Thrill Pix.

At least until last night, when Maldonado was involved in a golf cart incident in Key West. Now the veteran throttleman is in a Miami hospital recovering from leg injuries sustained in the crash.

Maldonado was with Langheim’s oldest son, Connor, when the incident occurred.

“They weren’t going fast or anything like that,” said the senior Langheim. “It was just one of those things. It happens.”

Maldonado’s father, Ricky, will throttle the Jackhammer cat alongside Langheim while he is recovering. No one involved has placed a timeline for his return. But the younger Maldonado plans to replace his father, who throttled with Langheim for two seasons, in the cockpit as soon as possible.

“Julian is eager to be back in the boat and we can’t wait to have him back,” Langheim said. “In the meantime, Ricky and I will be fine.

“It’ll be like old times,” he added then laughed.

As for Julian Maldonado, he has not counted himself out of the boat completely.

“Being back in the boat this week is my goal,” he said. “Surgery is done and we are undergoing physical therapy now, and if all checks out I will jump in my seat.

“Of course, I am more than confident my dad and Reese can get the job done,” he added. “But I’m doing my best to make it.”