Derebery Performance opened for business in 2001 near Lake Texoma, one of the largest inland lakes in the Unites States.  Initially the business was devoted to the marine industry where owner, Leon Derebery, has more than 30 years of experience building and maintaining high-performance engines for all types of boats from pleasure to professional race boats.  Over the past few years automotive engines have been added to the types of engines being built at Derebery Performance.  In 2004 Art Zunker acquired an interest in the business.  Art's expertise is in the business and financial side of the enterprise and he has knowledge and experience with engine building.

On the marine side, Leon served as consultant for Mercury Marine in upgrading their Bravo outdrives and he has also worked with other manufacturers, including Crane Cams, B&M Blowers and PFM, in the development of high-performance marine products.  Prior to opening his own business, Leon held the position as Service Manager for one of the largest inland marinas in the US where he managed all types of service for everything from small pleasure boats to high-performance race boats to  large cruisers, and everything in between.  Leon is one of a select few in the United States to hold the coveted certification of  Master Technician awarded by MercCruiser.  He also holds certifications for OMC, Detroit Diesel, Onan Generators, Kohler Generators and Crusader.  Leon also served as Crew Chief for two APBA professional race teams from 2000 through 2002; Carlos 'n Charlie's and Hidden Agenda.

Leon and Art both have an ongoing passion for horsepower and a need for speed. In 2000 they joined forces in the acquisition and building of a 32 foot (open cockpit) Skater from Douglas Marine to be used in Poker Runs. This boat, appropriately named B'yond Reason, went into the water in January 2002 and from the first test run its potential was apparent.  B'yond Reason became known as the fastest 32 foot Skater in the world.  She was powered by twin 1200hp engines and reached speeds in excess of 165mph.  Derebery Performance built and maintained these engines.  With this achievement in hand, Leon and Art are moving onto their next goal in the boating world which is to go after the World Kilo Record.  They are currently building engines for and rigging a new B'yond Reason.  This one is a custom built 36 foot (enclosed cockpit) Skater from Douglas Marine  and encompasses the latest technology in safety and performance and will be capable of achieving speeds in excess of 200mph. This boat should make her debut in the winter of 2009.  B'yond Reason is based at Derebery Performance.

In the meantime, Art and Leon have focused on another outlet for their love for horsepower and speed  - Drag Racing.  They run two cars, a 1968 Camaro and a slingshot dragster.  All the engine work and maintenance is done by Derebery Performance and the cars are based there.  Leon's son, Daniel, drives the Camaro and Art's son, Randy, drives the rail.  This passion emphasizes the automotive products available at Derebery Performance and the diversity and expertise of this business and of its employees who serve as the teams crew members.