Great Neck Native Shatters Record for Powerboat Circle of L.I.

World Champion Powerboat Racer of Sands Point shattered his own record for navigating around Long Island on Wednesday in an event designed to raise funds for cancer research.

Hayim, the owner of of Long Island, was accompanied by throttle-man John Tomlinson in the feat accomplished in two hours, 11 minutes.

The previous record, set by Hayim in 1989, was three hours and six minutes.

The new record was documented by the National Powerboat Association and by NPA’s Executive Director Billy Frenz, who was on hand to witness the race.

Hayim, who owns Experience Auto Group, returned to the sport after a 15-year hiatus as a way to raise money and awareness for the In 1979, the Great Neck native was diagnosed with Lymphoma and was a patient at the Don Monti Cancer Center at the on Long Island. After defeating the disease, he committed himself to racing his powerboat, which he named “Recovery,” and donated all of his winnings to the foundation.

Hayim, who lives in Sands Point, and Tomlinson rode at an average speed of 121.3 mph, but at times the team reached speeds over 150 mph. The route began and ended at Buoy 27 in Manhasset Bay.

Recovery traveled east through Long Island Sound, then into the ocean around Orient and Montauk Point toward New York Bay. From there, the journey continued beneath the bridges crossing the East River and "Hell Gate" and back home to Manhasset.

Upon returning from the 262-mile circuit of Long Island, Hayim was greeted at the Manhasset Bay Marina by family members and close friends as well as Caroline Monti-Saldino and Richard Monti of the Don Monti Memorial Research Foundation.

On September 12, a Finish Line Fundraiser will be held at the showroom to celebrate Hayim’s success in breaking the record and to raise additional funds for the foundation. The event will consist of cocktails, a scotch tasting, live music and DJ, VIP gift bags and a luxury silent auction.

Indie car driver Paul Tracy and other sports figures and celebrity guests will be in attendance to show their support. Tickets will be sold for $125 each and can be purchased by calling Laura Fisher at (516) 671-7575 or emailing lfisher@ferrarili.com.

Donations can also be made up until September 12 made by visiting www.breakingrecords.org. 

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