In the late 1990s and early 2000s, the Factory 2 class was one of the most popular in offshore racing. The boats were stock models off the production line, powered by twin Mercury Racing HP500s and HP500 EFIs. Then, a canopied 35-foot Fountain powered by class-legal engines showed up at the Superboat International world championships. It was throttled by veteran racer Ben Robertson Sr. and driven by Steven David, best known for his success in Unlimited hydroplane racing.
“Everyone was saying, ‘Reggie’s going to kill the class, you don’t need a canopied boat in Factory 2,” said Robertson. He and David ran the 35-footer, and the following year, Reggie Fountain II and Reggie Fountain III campaigned a 38-foot canopied boat that rolled in the harbor turn in Key West. Fortunately, they were unharmed.
