John Broge – Hometown Hero

John Broge: A Testament to Passion and Community
Written by: Craig Hutchinson
Courtesy of Dot Com Web Productions

John Broge has provided his share of excitement to local boating enthusiasts over the years, as well as donate his time and energy to numerous worthwhile causes. In many ways, his life has been formed out of the boat racing he loves so much. But to hear John tell his story, the boat racing community has given to him much more than he has contributed to it.

Broge, born and bred in Wyandotte, became interested in anything with a motor early on. His Dad raced boats and some of Broge’s earliest memories are of watching his Dad compete in local races. Whether through genes, environment, or both, John started riding motor bikes, tinkering with anything mechanical, and eventually, climbing inside a boat. As a result of a great deal of hard work and sponsorship support, Broge was able to race on the American Power Boat Association outboard hydroplane circuit, where he excelled for several years becoming one of the top-rated racers in the country in the SST 120 racing class.

Broge won the Trenton Roar on the River in 2005, and was hoping to get things back on track after a couple of rough outings in 2006. But on July 22, in the first heat of the 2006 120 competition, Broge’s boat flipped during a turn, causing spinal injuries that left him without movement in his legs and resulting in a more than two-month stay in the hospital.
The support that rushed in from the community was overwhelming. The Trenton Rotary and several friends wanted to help Broge with his recovery. A special fundraiser was held which raised enough money to renovate Broge’s home to make it handicap accessible. Mike McCullough, a longtime Rotarian who co-chaired the event, described the organizers as “a coalition of concerned and caring citizens who want to provide a handicapped accessible environment for John Broge and his family to enjoy. We want to provide a cushion to pay for medical supplies and cutting-edge therapy that may not be covered by insurance.”

Broge will always be grateful for the support he has received and he believes it speaks to the spirit of the boat racing community and the greater Downriver area. McCullough agrees, “I have never seen such a spontaneous outpouring of enthusiasm, support and action by the different segments of our community.” McCullough commented, at the time, how people from all walks of life wanted to help: “The private sector, public sector and the volunteer sector is stepping up to do whatever it takes. Everyone seems to want to be a part of this amazing story. As tragic as this accident was, we are hopeful for a positive outcome. John’s family, friends and fans rolling up their sleeves and reaching into their pockets to help one of our own.”

For the past several years, he has been employed by BASF Corp. in Wyandotte. However, even though he did not make his living as a racer, it is what racing has and can provide for himself and others that has given him heart:  “Over the years, John has demonstrated a compassion and empathy for those in need,” McCullough said. “He was injured in our race, on our water, after providing fun and funds for Downriver spectators for years.”

Broge’s sons, J.R. and Leland, have picked up the mantle and are now involved in racing, each in their own way. J.R., now 16, looks like he possesses his Dad’s talent for driving and with hard work, is becoming a really good driver in his own right. Leland, 13, has a bent towards the mechanical side and loves tinkering with engines. Their father could not be more proud and excited that they are carrying on the legacy that started with his father.

When asked about the Trenton Roar on the River, Broge glows. He “considers it to be his hometown race and one of the most challenging I have ever been a part of.” He stays close to the sport and his advice to aspiring racers is to connect with those involved. “Come down to a race and talk to people: drivers, mechanics, officials, and start gaining firsthand knowledge,” says Broge. How much has changed from when he first started? “One of the big changes,” he says, “is a driving school that is run by the Trenton Outboard Racing Association. This really gives an aspiring driver a leg up in learning the business and how to race. When I started, you had to find someone to set up a course and hopefully find a boat someone would let you try to learn.”

Overcoming adversity is something Broge knows about firsthand. He believes the key factor that has allowed him to overcome in his journey has been a strong support system. Sometimes people have family and friends that can help, but according to Broge, the best thing a person can do is to “get involved in something they are passionate about in order to create a support network.” In his case, it was the boat racing community, but each person should create their own community that will be there for them in times of need. His story is an inspiration to what can happen when an individual focuses on a passion, connects with others who have that same passion and is determined to never let that passion go.