Bruce Baker, Stahlman Motorsports Team Predator Engine Guru, Dies At Age 64

Though specific details have yet to emerge, Bruce Baker, the co-owner of Express Marine Engines USA in DeLand, Fla., and the engine builder for Stahlman Motorsports/Team Predator offshore racing, died yesterday morning at his nearby home. He was 64 years old.

Bruce and Kathy Baker were beloved members of the Stahlman Motorsports family. Photo courtesy/copyright Stahlman Motorsports

Team Predator member Nate Hunt reached to out speedonthewater.com yesterday morning to report the news, which we have since confirmed through multiple sources. The Stahlman Motorsports team posted the following announcement on its Facebook page.

Baker’s engines powered Team Predator to multiple offshore racing victories and championships. Photo by Pete Boden copyright Shoot 2 Thrill Pix.

“It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that Stahlman Motorsports regrets to announce the passing of Bruce Baker of Express Engines. Bruce has been the heartbeat of our team. Bruce kept us running through every race and championship. We owe so much of our success to Bruce.

“From the entire team, we offer our sincere condolences and love to Bruce’s loving wife, Kathy, and all the Baker family and friends. Race on, Bruce Baker.”

Hunt said he had a special nickname for Baker.

“I called him ‘Picasso’ because he created such works of art with the engines he built for us,” Hunt explained. “He also built the engines and rigged them for Ryan Stahlman’s Freebird raceboat.”

The owners of the Lucas Oil/SilverHook raceboat, Nigel Hook counted Baker among his most-cherished friends. Photo courtesy/copyright Powerboat P1.

During his long career, veteran offshore racer Nigel Hook, the main man behind the Ocean Cup Series of offshore endurance races, also tapped Baker for his engine-building services. Not only did Hook appreciate Baker’s expertise and ability, he admired his character.

“Bruce was one in a million, very talented, hard-working and trustworthy to a fault,” Hook said “But way beyond that, I always considered him a special lifetime friend.”

Editor’s note: Information on memorial/celebration of life events for Bruce Baker will be reported on speedonthewater.com as it becomes available.