A Veterans Day Tribute to One of Our Own

This Veterans Day, Team Goatcher Racing is proud to recognize someone who has been an important part of our team's journey for the past six years: Duane Tucker, owner of VSS Countertops, U.S. Navy veteran, former jet ski racer, and our longest-standing team supporter.

As we launch our new TGR TV Sponsor Appreciation Series, there couldn't be a more fitting person to feature in our very first episode.

Sitting down with Harry and Cori in Lake Havasu City, Arizona, Duane shared stories about his military service, his history in jet ski racing, and the incredible relationship that has developed between VSS Countertops and Team Goatcher Racing.

It's a story about much more than sponsorship. It's about friendship, loyalty, passion for racing, and creating opportunities for the next generation.

From Serving Our Country to Racing on the Water

Duane Tucker proudly served in the United States Navy from 1981 to 1986, traveling around the world three times during his military career.

Following his military service, Duane remained deeply connected to the sport of personal watercraft racing. An accomplished old-school competitor, he raced in Expert Modified, Expert Superstock, and Expert Veterans classes.

His connection to the racing community goes back decades, including working alongside Cori's father, Steve Stricklin, at Jet Sports of L.A.

In May 2000, Duane established VSS Countertops in the Sacramento area of Northern California. Over the years, his business success gave him an opportunity to reconnect with the sport he loved, this time by supporting racers and helping build something bigger. Learn more about his company and its connection to the team on our VSS Racing partner page.

Six Years of Loyalty and Support

When Harry and Cori returned to competitive jet ski racing approximately six years ago, rebuilding their racing program wasn't easy.

Harry spent much of his first season back on the 800 learning what it would take to become competitive again. That meant investing in equipment, finding the right mechanical support, and putting in the work necessary to compete at a higher level.

That's when Duane reached out.

He had been following the team's progress and wanted to find a way to contribute to the sport again.

What started as a conversation quickly developed into a lasting partnership.

Duane initially helped support Harry's racing efforts before sponsoring the team's 1500 race ski. As Harry and Cori transitioned away from their own competitive racing to focus on building Team Goatcher Racing as a team, Duane continued supporting their vision.

His contributions included helping provide the team's large race trailer, which remains an important part of the operation today.

Through every stage of the team's evolution, VSS Countertops has remained a committed supporter.

The Fast Powersports F-16: A Sponsor With a Vision

One of the most memorable examples of Duane's dedication came when he decided to invest in a top-of-the-line Fast Powersports F-16 factory edition race ski, working with Dustin Motzouris to make it happen. Our Fast Powersports partner page shares more about the company behind the machine.

The stunning yellow F-16, carrying VSS branding, quickly became one of the team's standout machines.

But Duane had a particular goal in mind.

He wanted to see Harry racing again.

Harry made it clear that while he appreciated the opportunity, there was a real possibility he might never race the F-16 competitively.

Duane's response summed up his belief in the team:

"But there's a chance you will."

That simple statement captures the kind of supporter Duane has always been. Someone willing to invest in potential, even when the outcome isn't guaranteed.

Although Harry ultimately remained focused on developing the team rather than returning to full-time competition, the F-16 delivered value in ways neither of them could have fully anticipated. Harry is not intending to race; today, his focus is supporting the team and enjoying the sport.

The machine helped generate exposure for Team Goatcher Racing and its sponsors, including a feature on the cover of *Pro Rider* magazine.

More importantly, it opened the door to opportunities for other talented riders.

Giving Young Racers the Opportunity to Succeed

Rather than allowing the F-16 to sit unused, Harry and Duane recognized an opportunity to help promising competitors gain access to exceptional racing equipment.

Harley Ritchie and the Wild West Series

In an earlier chapter of the F-16's story, when Harley Ritchie found himself battling for a championship in the Wild West racing series, he reached out about the possibility of racing the F-16. This is a past example of the machine's impact; Harley is not on the current TGR roster.

Borrowing a highly modified race ski is no small request, particularly one representing such a significant investment.

But Harry and Duane saw an opportunity to help.

Harley was given the chance to compete on the machine, and Duane was able to attend the race in Northern California to watch his investment in action.

For Duane, seeing the ski out on the racecourse and helping a competitive rider was an incredibly rewarding experience.

It reinforced something important: the true value of sponsorship isn't always measured in trophies or advertising exposure. Sometimes it's measured in the opportunities created for others.

Parker Toth and the Next Generation

The F-16's story didn't end there.

Team Goatcher Racing subsequently developed a relationship with the Toth family, including talented young racer Parker Toth.

Harry had been watching Parker's development and was impressed by both his abilities and the dedication of his family.

When an opportunity arose to help Parker while he waited for his own new race ski, Harry reached out to Duane with another idea.

Why not put Parker on the VSS-sponsored F-16?

Duane agreed.

Parker was able to spend valuable time training and riding the machine, gaining experience on competitive equipment before receiving his own new ski through Dustin Motzouris.

In the interview, the team recalls Parker later achieving success at the World Finals, including a race victory on his new machine. That recollection is separate from his recorded overall event finishes, which are shown on his rider page.

For Team Goatcher Racing, these experiences represent exactly what the team is working to accomplish: supporting talented riders, developing the next generation, and helping the sport continue to grow.

More Than a Sponsor: Part of the Team Goatcher Racing Family

Over the past six years, Duane Tucker and VSS Countertops have supported Team Goatcher Racing through equipment sponsorships, race programs, team development, and opportunities for emerging riders.

But his contribution goes well beyond financial support.

Duane brings decades of racing knowledge, genuine enthusiasm for the sport, and a willingness to help wherever he can.

His continued involvement reflects the relationships and community that make jet ski racing special. Those relationships are also at the heart of The Partners Behind Team Goatcher Racing, another look at the people and businesses helping the team move forward.

The VSS-sponsored F-16 is currently being refreshed, and while its next chapter hasn't been announced, one thing is certain: there are more exciting opportunities ahead.

With new plans taking shape for the upcoming racing season, Duane remains an important part of the team's future.

Introducing TGR TV: Sponsor Appreciation

This interview also marks an exciting milestone for Team Goatcher Racing with the launch of TGR TV, a new video series on GoatcherRacing.com.

Made possible with the support of Bruce Stander, TGR TV will give the team a platform to share more of the stories, personalities, partnerships, training insights, and behind-the-scenes experiences that make the racing community unique. Watch this interview and explore more videos on Team Goatcher TV.

Our Sponsor Appreciation Series will recognize the individuals and businesses whose commitment helps keep the team moving forward.

And there's no better way to launch the series than by recognizing Duane Tucker.

Thank You, Duane, and Thank You to All Our Veterans

On Veterans Day, Team Goatcher Racing extends its sincere gratitude to Duane Tucker for his service in the United States Navy and his unwavering support of our team.

We also honor every veteran who has served our country and recognize the sacrifices made by military members and their families.

To Duane, thank you for believing in our vision, supporting our riders, investing in the future of jet ski racing, and being part of the Team Goatcher Racing family.

Six years of support, countless memories, and plenty more racing ahead.

From Harry, Cori, and the entire Team Goatcher Racing team, thank you for everything.

Stay tuned to [Team Goatcher TV](/tgr-tv) for more episodes, sponsor spotlights, racing updates, and behind-the-scenes stories.

Together We Win.