Boat Racing News

I got this emailed to me today
14...20
News and Racing Schedules:
1) SOA (Seattle Outboard Association) Dec 2005, PIT PREVIEWS Newsletter. Elections for Board of Directors.
Volunteers needed at races, such as race director, referee, inspector, scorer, and other duties. 5 records were
set on D-Lake; Randy Limbeck, Sport C, 60.023 mph, Jason Williams, D Mod Hydro, 94.269 mph, Aaron
Peterson, J Hydro, 38.830 mph, Dustin Echols, 2.5 Mod, 137.279 mph, Larry Lauterbach, National Mod,
152.274 mph. There were two region records set, one by Limbeck and one by Echols. Limbeck's record was
actually faster than his APBA record. John Read will be stepping down as Mod Chairman. Rockey Peterson
said there are 3 new rules for next season; lifting rules, restrictors need to be stamped APBA, and an open book
test for new J-drivers. November 27th date for the Banquet. Moses Lake: The Apple Cup was taken by Central
Washington. Oroville: Records for J. Michael Kelly in 25ss Runabout and Jim Nilsen in C Racing Runabout.
J. Michael Kelly was the weekend "iron-man," racing 18 heats. D-Lake Kilos: Dick Rautenberg said 5 records
were set, plus 2 region records. See http://www.seattleoutboard.org (John Paramore)
2) Eileen Crimmin, and Bob Carver built up a vast archive of boat racing photos. Eileen's son, Ned, is attempting
to put it in an indexed catalog so that boat racers can have a photo of their boat or their favorite boat from the archives.
Please help Ned to identify the photos and for a great Holiday gift for that boat racer, buy one of Ned's photos and
help this young man continue to do this HUGE task that he has set for himself. Ned's at khabt114@att.net
Letters:
3) Concerning Greg Barker's "E" Boat stuff...You wouldn't be talking about Roger Stull's Patterson-built
SUDDENLY would you? Talk about turn! Your formula makes some sense. (Don Rudy)
4) I really liked the article about the venues tearing themselves apart, and agree to what was said about the BRR
dumping you, after it was YOU that started it up in the first place! I helped get sponsorship (behind the scenes
with a friend representing Winston) for the 1997 IHBA Summer Nationals in Chowchilla, where both Tom Black
(props) and Tom Cantrell died on Saturday, in the TFH class. Dragboat Racing took a hard hit that sad day!
We had TNN, ESPN, and local CableTV there for the event, and from both eyewitness and insider information
that those killed should have not been allowed to race with their equipment! Tom Black's capsule had bad delam-
ination, and Cantrell's boat had violations in the mounting of his air bottle and other things inside of his capsule.
IHBA shouldn't have looked the other way, and if the races had been run safely, TV would have brought Dragboat
Racing into the homes of every avid watcher in the West. We all hustled and raised the money to over $45,000,
and that was more than the World Finals at Firebird Raceway in 1996, and those in charge did everything they
could to keep this event from being the greatest show ever put on in IHBA history! On Wednesday, the grass had
not even been cut so the pits could be layed out. Then the timing lights were mysteriously missing. Then the Pits
were rearranged by the Lion's Club on Thursday, and crews that had arrived early had to move their camps. On
Friday, the first Test and Tune ever was attended by over 8000 paying spectators, and the guards which were
Lion's Club members, said "something" to the Jetski operators, who we had to have on the water for safety on
Friday nite, NOT to come back or else. On Saturday, I got word to try and find at least 3 Jetski's for insurance
reasons, to get there asap, or the races could not start. The gate on Saturday was over 10-12,000 attendees by
rough count. (To be continued)
5) The following interview was continued from a previous newsletter with Richard Parks, co-founder of The Boat
Racers Reunion, by Ron Henderson, who sponsored the Boat Racers Reunion Lady Dragon Award for Out-
standing excellence in design.
RH: They roasted you over the coals pretty good, didn't they?
RP: No worse than any other leader in any other boat racing organization. Boat racers are a tough breed
and they make sure that their leaders know that they won't back down from anything. They have a
strong stubborn streak. They have to, in order to do what they do. Boat racing makes strong people
and strong opinions, but at the same time they make it hard to do things from an administrative point.
6) The information in the newsletter is always helpful and interesting. So much is found out with the help of others.
As with most old boats, information and history gets lost. Such is my case. The original owner of my 1968 Nordskog
was Jack Jenkins. At the time he lived in the Point Loma area of San Diego, CA. I was informed by Noel Younger
that Jack Jenkins also raced an off-shore boat named APACHE. I have restored the Nordskog and am looking to get
in touch with Jack and find out more about him. Last I heard he was in Baja, Mexico, either as an operator or owner
of a marina. Any information or help would be greatly appreciated. (Ed O'Hara) Editor's notes: If you know
of Jack Jenkins, or where he can be found, please let the editor know and I will pass the word on to Ed.

Weekly up-date
News and Racing schedules:
1) A new story by Fred Farley about Bill Stead is available. Too long to send out in the newsletter, but extremely
interesting and riveting history as only Fred can tell it. Send request to me for copy of Fred's article.
2) SOA (Seattle Outboard Association) Dec 2005, PIT PREVIEWS Newsletter, The "J" Project: Tony Perman
reported a good turnout at the Hydro Museum for the initial meeting on the JProject, in which several JHydros will
be constructed by kids and parents with the help of the museum and racers. These boats (5 Sorensen Kit hydros)
will be completed through the winter and raced by the kids as new drivers next season. Unlimited and outboard
racers J W Myers and J Michael Kelly were on hand to help the young builders. It was decided that work
would be weekly for two hours from noon to two on Saturdays, and assistance from SOA members is welcomed.
Darrell Sorensen will be in town to help start the project and David Williams is working on arrangements for
loaned motors. Craig Fjarlie said that there's a suggestion we hold our novice school at the museum in March.
(John Paramore, see http://www.seattleoutboard.org)
3) DETROIT RIVER REGATTA ASSOCIATION REGATTA REVIEW #35 (12/06/05): The Chrysler/Jeep
Superstores APBA Gold Cup is scheduled for July 14-16, 2006. The Unlimiteds Detroit annual holiday party
and auction is this Saturday, Dec 10th. The party is in Warren at Skinny's Sport Bar, 13330 E. Ten Mile Road,
just West of Schoenherr. Call Hank Kosciuszko, President Unlimiteds Detroit at 586-754-7131 for details.
Sportswear and souvenirs of the Gold Cup is available at Pure Image, for 2005. Call 1-800-337-6057 or visit
their web site for details: http://www.skidfin.com/detroitmerch.html Anyone may join the DRRA to volunteer
their support of the Gold Cup event, see: http://gold-cup.com/volunteer/ Before December 31st dues are $25.
After the 1st of the year, dues are $35. Detroit River Regatta Association (DRRA), 17640 E. Nine Mile Road,
Eastpointe MI. 48021. Phone 586-774-0980 (Brian Reed)
Letters:
4) I'm sure you noticed I attended the ONE reunion and kinda faded away. My wish was that I had known about
the first one! Couldn't make 2 or 3 because WE were RACIN at the time and getting too old to make everything.
Keep writin' the good stuff. (Don Rudy) Editor's notes: Wished you had known about it too.
5) Editor's notes-The following letter from FJ is continued from Boat Racers Newsletter #14. "On Sunday
morning a Lion's Club member running the gate, pulled a gun on me, when I had all the correct credentials to get
in and kept me out with my car, and then after walking into the park, I found 40 parking spaces just sitting empty.
The Lion's canceled a $10,000 fireworks show that had permits, and an exhibition of K-boat racing and Cracker
boxers. One IHBA guy had his "own" souvenir stand and trailer there, which got broken into and over $40,000
worth of articles mysteriously got stolen with the Lion's Club running security. TNN left right after Tom Black's
crash at 2 pm on Saturday, where he was anounced dead over the PA system, and ESPN left at 7:30 PM after
Cantrell died. He should have walked away by all rights, as the crash was so soft, even considering that it was
over 200 mph. This is why Boat Racing is never going to get big. There is too much power to let things get
covered up and passed over in the name of money. There was a brand new owner of the new Central Division,
of IHBA, owned at the time by Justin Chandler, who got railroaded out in just 4 more weeks after the Chow-
chilla, Marble Falls, and Augusta races. Chandler, after having to pay IHBA another $40,000 for the stolen articles
out of another trailer break-in incident at Marble Falls, lost a total of $80,000 out of pocket for the stolen articles,
that was supposed to be guarded by the IHBA. After the rough count of around 8-10,000 people for Sunday's
race, the Lion's Club told us that we only had a draw of 11,000 attendees at the 3 day race. We had over 35,000
bands made up for paying spectators, and after the race we had 5200 armbands left. We explained, but the Lion's
club wouldn't budge on the count. TV doesn't want to show death on their programs. Crashes are spectacular
and OK, but Death is a NO-NO, and Dragboat Racing is still feeling the hit from that hot weekend back in 1997.
28,000+ paying fans came out and saw 2 racers lose their lives, we lost our trust in the organizers, and then
watched many boats run over 200 mph with a lot of crashes during the rounds. In the end who really lost out?
Everyone who loves boat racing!" (FJ)
6) The following interview was continued from a previous newsletter, part 14. Interview with Richard Parks, co-
founder of The Boat Racers Reunion, by Ron Henderson, sponsor of the Lady Dragon Award.
RH: On a positive note, the Cracker Boxers really thought you did a great job.
RP: The Cracker Box Club is one of the nicest and most professional organizations that I have ever met.
These men and women are dedicated to the sport that they love. It is just impossible not to like these
racers. It isn't easy racing one of those crackerboxers. They may not go as fast as the big boats, but
the thrills and chills are every bit as exciting as in any other part of boat racing. A special person in
the crackerboxers is Dr Tom Scherer, who makes it his life's goal to help every cracker boxer in every
way that he can. But Dr Tom is not unique in this respect. They rush to the rescue of anyone who has
trouble during a race. They will help their points competitors even at the risk of losing the champion-
ship. They are just incredibly nice people. They helped me out numerous times. Having the Cracker
Boxers on your side can mean the difference between success or failure in any event that they are
present at. For chills and thrills at an affordable price, join the Cracker Box Club.

Obituary:
A) Ed Cooper Sr, who co-owned the U-3 Racing Team with his son, Ed Cooper Jr, passed away on Dec 13, 2005,
at King's Daughters' Hospital in Madison, Indiana. He was 86. For a full description send request to the editor for
the article sent in by Fred Farley.
News and Racing schedules:
1) Articles available by Historian Fred Farley: Bill Stead, Don Wilson, Bob Hayward, IT'S A WONDER,
HERMES. Send request to me for copies. Fred writes passionately and is a great researcher. He uncovers the
facts behind the scenes, and brings to life those stirring boat races and racers of the past. Brian Reed sent in a
very interesting article on Fred Alter. Send requests for these articles to me for emailed copies.
2) American Power Boat Association Region 11 2006 schedule not yet available.
3) 2006 SBI/APBA Schedule not yet available. 2006 SBI/APBA Divisional Schedule not yet available.
4) SBIP/APBA Offshore will induct the following racers into the Hall of Champions on January 26-28, 2006, in
Ft. Lauderdale, Florida: The Hulk (Doug Kelly and Robert Nunziato); Team TKO/Russo Marine (Al
Culbertson and Walter Collins); Team Nesquik/AMF Offshore (Augie Pensa and Val Fiorillo).
5) The Southern Drag Boat Association, established in 1974, is the oldest sanctioning organization in the world
for competitive drag boat racing events. The SDBA was formed from many boat clubs to form a common rule
book, and standard set of timing equipment. The SDBA sanctions events in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and
Louisiana, and participates in events elsewhere under the National Drag Boat Association banner. Located at
8541 Mosley Bldg #9, Houston, TX 77075. 713-944-4428, or Info@SDBAOnline.com (Johnny Boykin)
6) DETROIT RIVER REGATTA ASSOCIATION REGATTA REVIEW #35 (12/06/05): At the fall DRRA
Volunteer party, Jim Schebil of the Chrysler/Jeep Superstores organization was the first recipient of the new
award in memory of Jack Love. The award was presented by Jack's son, John Love and the DRRA. Jack
was a long-time hydroplane supporter and co-founder of the Spirit Of Detroit Association in 1962. Jim and the
CJ Superstores were instrumental in saving the event back in 2003 by providing the funding and asking Tom
D'Eath to organize the DRRA. The perpetual award is a large plaque that will be displayed in Pit Tower during
race week, with a badge for each recipient. There's a photo of Jim and his 'keeper' plaque currently on our home
page. Detroit River Regatta Association (DRRA), 17640 E. Nine Mile Road, Eastpointe MI. 48021. Phone
586-774-0980 (Brian Reed)
7) Drag Boat Links: http://DragBoatRacing.com, http://SLDBAOnline.com, http://NDBAOnline.com,
http://CSDBAOnline.com, http://SDBAonline.com, contact@SDBAOnline.com.
Letters:
8) Thank you so much for continuing to send me the racing news. As a long time limited Inboard racer it is great to
keep up. Merry Christmas, Bruce McDonald (LIL' SQUIRT)
9) These photos were sent using Jasc Paint Shop Photo Album software http://www.jasc.com. The famous
HONCHO Beisemeyer and a 1965 Wickens AquaCraft with rare 427 FORD power driven by former Aquacraft
Boats employee Bill Silverthorne, racing on the Banks Lake triangle. There were 31 flat bottoms at this 2003
event! This may be the fastest 266 on the West coast. It hit 72 mph average on a short oval last year. It was
found in a chicken coup where it had remained for 42 years until Robert Schuler and Todd Bohnet restored her
and now race with the Outlaws of Washington. Stories of it's past include a kilo run where this 1956 Jones ran
in the 150's! The jets had been drilled out very very large, possibly for some spiked alcohol! (Boyd Schnell
roboschnell@earthlink.net)
10) Hi, I am not sure how I started receiving these newsletters.. but this is a very good thing!! Would you please
send me the story by Fred Farley on Bill Stead .. ! thanks so much .. I was a big SHANTY/MAVERICK fan
.. heck ..I still am!! all my very best Charles Lawrence in Seattle. Editor's notes: The article is on its way.
Fred Farley is one of the best and most inspired of the Historians and writers on boat racing. He sent in
articles on Don Wilson, Bob Hayward and the boat IT'S A WONDER. Brian Reed sent in an article on
Fred Alter. For copies send request to me.
11) Interview with Richard Parks, co-founder of The Boat Racers Reunion, by Ron Henderson.
RH: Are there any other groups worthy of mention who helped put on the Boat Racers Reunion?
RP: Yes, and where would I end. The Drag boaters in the IHBA have kept the tradition of boat racing alive and
what they do makes other kinds of racing seem tame by comparison. The Jet Boaters are often overlooked
but they are some of the best of the best. Steve McElroy, Michael Doll, Dan Durham, Don Damron,
Greg Shoemaker and the other Jet Boaters are a real class act. I never got to meet many of the Offshore
racers, but from what I hear they are top of the line. The V-Drive Club really works hard at restoring and
saving the old race boats. One of the best is Spike Morelli, who just oozes passion when it comes to these
special boats. Don Ferrara, who was Bob Nordskog's brother-in-law, is another one who devotes his
love, time, effort and money to keep these race boats in good running condition. Clyde Dedrich is another
who spends more time and money than he should to the restoration of these great boats. And of course,
Harlan Orrin, who is an original boat builder of the first magnitude. I think it would be impossible to name
all the people who have made boat racing such a proud and glorious sport.

The Parks Family would like to wish you a very happy Holiday Season.
Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah
and may the spiritual gifts of the season be with you all. May your New
Year be bright and full of expectations of
wonderful and happy experiences. May your troubles be light and your joy
great. May you all have a happy,
prosperous and healthy 2006. Seasons Greetings.
Richard

You get those emails too huh? :crossx:

1) Detroit River Regatta Association's Regatta Review; Powerboat Magazine has an article by Gregg Mansfield
at http://www.powerboatmag.com/2005feat...betterdays.php The DRRA would like to extend our
deepest sympathies to DRRA volunteer Kathy Shuler on the recent passing of her mother. (Brian Reed)
2) Seattle Outboard Association (SOA), PIT PREVIEWS report: Corrections for the J-Stock results at Moses
Lake-Ashley Rucker finished 2nd in J hydro and tied for 1st place in J runabout. This was the second race for
Ashley and her first time ever in runabout. AN STRADAG is the electric hydro that Fiona, Countess of Arran,
drove to a UIM Electric Waterspeed Record in 1989. That event led to special event electric racing and records
in Washington. AN STRADAG is back from the museum, courtesy of Henry Engelens, and racing once again.
AN STRADAG has been checked and fitted with improved Lynch motors, better batteries, aerodynamic and
propeller work. On Nov 1, the boat was driven to a new UIM electric Hydro Mark of 68.09mph by 24 year old
Helen Loney of Windermere Motor Boat Racing Club. The initial pass was 70.610mph, with a return at 65.561
mph. This speed doesn't surpass the APBA 70.5mph average of Mischke/Cloud, but it does raise the standing
UIM mark of 50.825mph set in the same boat by Lady Arran. Norm Boddy still retains the runabout record at
55.9mph. For details and photos visit the team website at: http://www.electricrecordteam.com. (John Paramore)
3) COOPER SR DIES, WAS 'TEDDY BEAR' OF HYDRO PITS, By Gordon Engelhardt. Send to me for item.
4) A lot was written about Bill Stead during his career. So I had no trouble coming up with quotes. The article
ended up being a lot longer than I had originally planned. But that was necessary in order to be comprehensive. I
was 15 years old when Stead last raced. From 1956 to 1959, I followed his career religiously. I was one of the
many kids that requested his autograph at the Seattle Seafair races. It struck me that, as significant a person as
Stead was, no one to my knowledge had ever tried to write a comprehensive overview of his career. That was
my primary goal and I hope that I've succeeded in doing justice to the man. In the past, most writers tended to
just talk about the MAVERICK experience. They hardly ever mentioned HURRICANE IV. And most were
totally unaware of his involvement with FURY. I've tried to put all of that under one umbrella. (Fred Farley)
5) The sport has lost yet another great one! Where can I get the article on Ed Cooper Sr's passing? Every year at
Seafair, Ed went out of his way to say hi to me, ask me about the family and give me buttons and stuff for the grand
kids. He always wore a red polo shirt and black shorts with this trademark apron full of wrenches and lord knows
what all. He was truly a good-will ambassador for the sport. I'll miss him. (Dick Bowne) Editor's notes: Fred
Farley sent me the obit, and I'll send it to anyone who wants it.
6) The "Outlaw Nostalgic Circle Boats" are composed of former boat racing spectators that now have the opportunity
to mash the gas and turn hard left within the safety of a Nationally sanctioned short race course. We have over 20
active inboard V-drive racers enjoying five races within the Pacific Northwest. We also race a Vintage Hydroplane
class where anything and everything can be found in side-by-side action. (Boyd Schnell roboschnell@earthlink.net)
7) I have a tentative R11 schedule, won't be engraved in soft stone till mid feburary. If you like I can send you what
is tentative. (Julian Rucki) Editor's notes: Please send any and all boat racing schedules.
8) Michael Doll owner/driver of the "LAP DANCE" #707 finished 2nd in the recent IHBA World Championship
this year in Modified Eliminator. Michael represented the Jet Boat group at the Boat Racers Reunions in Pomona,
CA, and their displays were always first class. The reunion shared the site with the Southern California Marine
Association's Spring Boat Show, and a great many spectators got a chance to see the old race boats.
9) Interview with Richard Parks, co-founder of The Boat Racers Reunion, by Ron Henderson.
RH: Who are some of the Honorees that you admire most?
RP: Now there is a loaded question. The answer is all of them. But since we have honored over 93 of them in three
years, how could I begin to tell the readers what I think of them? They are all special people and special companies.
In their own way, they are all heroes to the sport of boat racing. I just wish that I had more of a chance to stick
around and honor more of them over the coming years, because there were a lot of NOMINATED people who
were definitely going to be elected in the future. Now, with the new board, there won't be an open election and
many of those who would have been honored, will be overlooked, and that hurts, because they are so worthy of
being honored.
RH: Thank you for an illuminating background about the history and prospects for the Boat Racers Reunion.
RP: You're welcome.

1) Detroit River Regatta Association Review: On November 13, 1980, Lee Taylor set out to reclaim the world
water-speed record on Lake Tahoe (but lost his life). Taylor, who grew up in Compton, CA, drove his first speed
boat in 1961. In 1964 he crashed his boat, HUSTLER, during a world record attempt at Lake Havasu. In June
1967, he drove HUSTLER 285.213 mph on Lake Guntersville in Alabama to break Donald Campbell's record
of 276.30 set in 1964. Taylor's record was broken by Ken Warby with a run of 288.60 mph at Blowering Dam
in Australia. Warby bettered his own record a year later, hitting 317.60. See: http://news.rgj.com/apps/pbcs.dll/
article?AID=/20051113/NEWS10/511130348/1016/NEWS. Warby's record still stands. Ken told me that he has
surpassed 400 MPH, but in just one direction. See http://www.kenwarby.com about his new boat. (Brian Reed)
2) Seattle Outboard Association PIT PREVIEWS: Dave Anderson reported that the Tohatsu-D is now a legal
motor for D-Stock. The fuel issue has been resolved and may lead to discussion which could lead to competitors
being limited to fuel and oil available on-site, and standardize records course design. Ryan Johnson reported on
Mod eligibility problems for people signing on for Winter nationals as single event members. He also spoke on how
lower mod membership numbers have reduced Mod commissioner count and noted that points are now based on
a Mod racer's best 15 races. Howard Anderson and George Thornhill are new Region 10 Commissioners.
PRO Commissioners have named Steve Greaves Chairman. Jim Nilsen is a 2005 APBA Hall of Champions
inductee. Rockey Peterson reported on the Hydroplane museum's "JProject," where 5 kids and their families
are each building a Sorensen J-Hydro to race next summer. (John Paramore)
3) Due out early in the Summer of 2006: Eileen Crimmin's Unlimited and Limited boat racing material from 1952 to
the early 1980's. This is being scanned and will be sold on an external hard drive, for museums, clubs, fans, etc. to
purchase and use as the template data base for their material to be added to or just learn hydro history. Contains
notes, outlines, drafts, articles (Mom's and others), letters, memos, messages, newpaper articles, Christmas cards,
APBA Official score sheets (copies), APBA news releases, race committee releases, some photos, and much more,
and crossed referenced. All material in this project categoried by year, date, main driver, boat, and writer. For more
information contact: Ned Crimmin at 1-360-277-0262 or email Ned at khabt114@att.net
4) APBA Region 11 Racing schedule:
Mar 4-5, Kilo time trials, Oroville, CA. July 1-2, Lake Ellis, Marysville CA.(pending construction)
Apr 29-30, Lake Minden, Nicolas, CA. July 15-16, Berenda Reservoir, Chowchilla, CA.
May 13-14, Salt Springs Resort, Copperopolis, CA. Aug 26-27, Lake Francis, Dobbins, CA.
June 3-4, Oroville CA. (Possible record courses) Sept 23-24, Salt Springs Resort, Copperopolis, CA.
June 17-18, Salt Springs Resort, Copperopolis, CA. Oct 14-15, Lake Minden, Nicolas, CA.
5) Join us for our Five Year Anniversary and Birthday Party at Banks Lake, Washington, on Fathers Day weekend,
June 2006. Thirty plus inboards are expected to make the tow and run on a rare triangle 3/4 mile course. The host
for this Boat Racers Reunion Regatta is Sunbanks Resort, Electric City, Washington. Banks Lake is situated near
Grand Coulee Dam. (Boyd Schnell roboschnell@earthlink.net)
6) Congratulations to Brad Stellman, Al Benson, Dave Mueller and Paul Grichar on winning 1st place overall
in the Nostalgia Flat class at the Southern California Speedboat Club, 59th Annual Thanksgiving Regatta
held in front of the Blue Water Resort & Casino, Parker, AZ. The SCSC 2005 Award Series Banquet was held
that weekend. "The Rhino Boys" collected 2 top honors for 2005 Class Championships in both Nostalgia Flat and
Nostalgia Endurance. The next race will be in March 2006 at Lake Ming in Bakersfield, CA. (Brad Stellman)
7) I’m not sure how I ended up on your email list, but thank you for including me! I find your newsletter very inform-
ative! Please send me the Fred Farley article and info on Cooper Sr. Thanks again and Happy Holidays! (Steve
Compton, Vashon Unlimiteds, LLC, “The Building of Miss Thriftway”)
8) Kent Island, and Cambridge, Maryland will be alternating year to year on an Antique event. It will have a closed
course, cranes, and goodies for participants. There was some interest expressed at Solomon Islands, Maryland. I
had a get together in November for the area boat racers. Forty promised to come, 6 showed up. But, we had a
good time, and I pulled out my old pictures, 8 mm, VHS, and CD stuff. Boy, it was good to see the 1960's again...
add Jerry Greer to your mailing list. He bought a Frah's hull in the early 1970's, put a Hemi in it...Thx for your
great newsletter. My brother likes it too, Tom Isaac, F-66, in Tampa, Fla. It would be great, if you could come
to Mt. Dora, Fla, in March. Bob Isaac (MURDOCK-is my nickname)
9) Quill Shaft, the official newsletter of the Hydroplane and Raceboat Museum: Jan 4, 2006, Board of Directors
meeting. Roger Newton movie night is on Jan 6, at 7pm, admission $5. Jan 15, Museum of Flight Party. Jan 20,
Ron Jones lecture. The Hydroplane Museum is located at 5917 S. 196th Street, Kent, Washington 98032.

Editor's notes: Some editing occurs in the newsletter to adapt the items to the proper formatting.
1) It's sad that this sport is so cursed with regionalism. Why can't people realize that we're all in this together? In the
1950s, there was the Seattle-Detroit rivalry over possession of the Gold Cup. But that was a healthy thing. What
you're talking about is truly destructive. If only people would work together. Maybe you've heard of the MACH
Series (Mid-American Championship Hydroplane Series). This is a very successful series of Limited inboard races
with three or four of the Mid-West inboard clubs involved. They run about ten races a year and each individual club
hosts two or three of them. The MACH Series was started about twenty years ago by a very good friend of mine
named Ray Dong. Ray was president of the Marine Prop-Riders, which is the Detroit inboard club. For years,
the Prop-Riders had been fighting with the other inboard clubs in the region. Ray sat down with each of the other
club presidents and, in the spirit of cooperation, worked out a deal with them, and the MACH Series was the result.
To this day, the series stands as one of the sport's finest showcases. (Fred Farley)
2) Seattle Outboard Association (SOA), PIT PREVIEWS report: Dwight Malhiot noted that Kathy Myers is
working out production. Kathy added that she'd like to hear from members who might have knowledge of or a
connection to a printer who can turn out the roster book at a no to low cost. 2006 Region Banquet scheduled for
the Saturday following Thanksgiving. Commodore's Ball: Debi Perman outlined the schedule and highlights of
the club party. It will be 25 Feb 2006, from 6 pm to midnight at the Lake Wilderness Golf Course Country Club.
Gary Longley will arrange for a live NASCAR simulator for those aspiring to test their skills. Ballots were counted,
and the new SOA 2006 Board is: Troy Holmberg, Todd Cragin, Kathy Myers, Rockey Peterson, and J.
Michael Kelly. Dave Anderson said all 2007 Nationals meetings will be scheduled after New Years, Todd
Cragin is the trophy sponsor and he's negotiating with a potential title sponsor. (John Paramore)
3) The Chrysler/Jeep Superstores APBA Gold Cup, July 14-16, 2006.
4) Detroit River Regatta Association Regatta Review. The automotive-powered Unlimited Light Hydroplanes
will race for the O.J. Mulford Silver Cup. The ULHRA is supporting the Lupus Foundation with the Lights for
Lupus Campaign. Nautical Mile Association members will be sponsoring the Unlimited Lights and local displays
beginning in July. Completing the program in exhibitions will be a large contingent of vintage race boats, and the
wild-riding Jersey Speed Skiffs. The 1982 APBA Gold Cup featured a thrilling duel between veteran driver Dean
Chenoweth in MISS BUDWEISER and Chip Hanauer at the wheel of ATLAS VAN LINES. Hanauer emerged
victorious following a deck-to-deck battle. The two Classic Thunderboats will be on hand in 2006 to re-enact the
contest; Hanauer will be in the ATLAS VAN LINES cockpit. This event will benefit Children's Hospital. Erick
Ellstrom wrote that the 2005 World Champion MISS ELAM PLUS is offering the 2004 World Champion MISS
BUDWEISER a match race. To be held on Lake Washington in June if they take the challenge. The format would
be the best 3 out of 5 and a $400,000 cash prize winner take all. The single largest purse in recent years. The DRRA
and it's members would like to extend our deepest sympathies to Ed Cooper Jr and family, our thoughts and prayers
are with you and your family at this difficult time. Go online to pay tribute to Ed: http://tinyurl.com/cph8f (Brian Reed)
5) "Nice rundown of Lee Taylor and his record. I'm gonna have to ask Nick Baron if the first HUSTLER
was built on a Hallett hull. As I recall, Lee and Larry Lee showed up at the Hot Boat Magazine offices but
someone (one of our advertisers) had called Bob Thomas (the Publisher) to make the appointment...I think
it was Hallett who called. I sat in on the meeting and did a double truck conceptional illustration of the boat
under power for one of the first issues of the magazine." (Bob Falcon) Editor's notes: Rich Hallet also built the
turbine powered sister ship, the 1969 GOLDEN KOMOTION, which Don Edwards was going to race under the
sponsorship of the STP Corporation. The boats looked similar.
6) Quill Shaft, the official newsletter of the Hydroplane and Raceboat Museum; Jan 6, Roger Newton Movie night,
7pm, admission $5, at the Museum. Jan 15, Museum of Flight Party, 6:30pm, end of the Boats that Fly exhibit at
the Museum of Flight, Seattle, WA. Jan 20, free lecture series begins. This is a series of 10 lectures about hydro-
plane racing, held on the 3rd Friday of each month, and will emphasize some of the technical elements of the sport.
7) When Brickyard Ponies Went to Sea, By E.K. Muller. Miller's, Offy's, Duesenberg's and other Indy 500
engines dominated boat racing for a time. Send request to me for the article. E.K. has passed away, but he was
one of the gentlemen of boat racing history and heritage and fought to preserve it.
8) Thanks, Richard. Happy new Year! (Dick Bowne) Editor's notes: A happy New Year to everyone and
may you all have a healthy, prosperous and joyous 2006. Now go set some records!
9) Do you remember or have any info on a drag boat from the 60’s called “ADIOS TWO.” It was twin engined. Do
you know where it is now? I heard it may be in Tahoe. (Barry Abshear)

Editor's notes: In an effort to make the newsletter clearer, I have broken up the subjects into many sections but this
has made the newsletter longer and subject to spam filters and size limitations. We will continue to refine the look of
the newsletter to make it better and more acceptable to the readers. Please keep your letters short and terse.
-------------------------------
1) With the exception of the books that I've written, anything of mine with my UNLIMITED HISTORIAN title on
it is automatically in the public domain for the promotion of the sport. I've waived all of the author's rights. (Fred
Farley) The Unlimiteds: 1946 In Review - 60 Years Ago, by Fred Farley is available. Send request for article
to the editor of the newsletter.
2) Quill Shaft, the official newsletter of the Hydroplane and Raceboat Museum; Feb 1, Board Meeting. Feb 3,
Roger Newton Movie night. Ron Jones Sr will speak on the evolution of hull design. Feb 17, Dixon Smith
will speak about the use of computers in race boats. March 1, Board of Directors meeting. March 3, Roger
Newton Movie night. March 17, Chip Hanauer will talk about driving strategies.
-----------------------------
3) Seattle Outboard Association (SOA), PIT PREVIEWS: The Hydroplane and Antique Raceboat Museum's
J project kits provided by Darrell Sorensen. Serious assembly work began with help from Jeff Kelly and J.
Michael Kelly, Darrell Sorensen, Mike and Tony Perman, Rockey Peterson, Dwight and Zach Malhiot,
David Williams (Museum Director) and others. As word of the project spread, more guests and helpers stopped
by, including Stan, Scott, and Chip Hanauer and Dr Ken Muscatel. Others who worked on this project were:
Ashley Raney, Shane Thompson and Jeff Kelly. Patrick Gleason's photos- http://community.webshots.com/,
http://www.thunderboats.org/, http://www.boatracingr11.com/, http://www.seattleoutboard.org (John Paramore)
4) For Kevin Spaise's rebuttal to the letter about the Lions Club/IHBA race at Chowchilla, send request for copy.
------------------------------
5) Reply to drag boat (question about) ADIOS TWO: It was a Sanger fibreglas hydro with two injected small block
Chevies punched out to 377 cubes each. It held the NDBA Unblown Fuel Hydro top end record 134 mph for a
long time. There have been many photos published...see The Vintage Hydroplanes site for one. (Bob Foley)
6) "I have received word today from Ross Wallach Commodor of the SCSC, that for us, the Comp Jet Class,
to start our season at Lake Ming/Bakersfield in March, I need commitments. Anyone wishing to field a boat
in the Comp Jet Class in March please step up now. I have posted the proposed basic rules and I will be
submitting them to SCSC on Jan 20th." Jim Rich Editor's notes: For a complete transcript of Jim's proposal,
please contact me and ask for a copy of the Comp Jet Class Proposal.
--------------------------------
7) Out of the data base I have done so far I found two photos of ADIOS TWO from the July 1964 Boating News.
One photo is from the cover and is in color. The other photo is a black and white from the inside of the magazine
with a three sentence blurb with info. Please feel free to pass on my e-mail or telephone number to Barry Abshear
if he would like it. Thank You, Ned Crimmins khabt114@att.net Editor's notes: Thank you Ned. Having an
archivist do such valuable work is very important to the racing community. Readers, if you are looking for something,
check with the photographers like Ned first. I would like all the photographers to let me know their email addresses
so that I can post them in the newsletter for the readers to know. Photographers and historians like E.K. Muller,
Clyde Parkhurst and Fred Farley are valuable resources for the boat racing community.
8) "Comp Jet Circle Boat Racing Unity." The Southern California Speedboat Club is offering a Comp Jet Class.
For details on the Ross Wallach email, please send a request to me at the Newsletter for a copy of Ross' memo.
---------------------------------
9) I appreciate being copied in on the newsletter as I find it very enjoyable to read, but I do have some thoughts that
would make it MUCH easier to read...It would be nice to have a space between the different Items right now it's all
just run together and I do find it difficult to read sometimes (just my 2 cents) see below my idea. If you compare it
to the way were getting it now, it just makes it easier to follow... Like I mentioned my 2 cents and not worth much
more..LOL. Anyway other than that I really like the info and appreciate being included in on it. Again Thanks!!!
David Kain, Hurrikain Marine Products Editor's notes: David, I like your idea too.
10) U-8 Unlimited Hydroplane LLUMAR WINDOW FILM BRAND owned by Bill Wurster has lost its sponsor
and will not compete in the 2006 racing season. For report, send request to me. (Bob Senior/James Crisp)
----------------------------------
11) "In addition to the big bucks Gold Cup Boats, Harry Miller also did some small bore engines for the local
boat circuit...a boat racer named Loynds asked Miller to build a four cylinder engine for him to use in his
racing boat. That engine was later placed into a 3/4 car, as they called them in those days (Sprint Cars
these days) and later became a standard on the 1/2 mile circuits. It was 220 cu. in. and went on to be
produced by both Offenhauser and Meyer Drake. The small block Chevy was more effective and simpler
to operate and it eventually replaced the 220. Here's an interesting tale. I have a friend, Ron Loynds, who
operates a machine shop on Miller Way in South Gate! I need to research Gordon White's "Miller" book
to see just where the Miller plant was located in South Gate. (Bob Falcon)
--------------------------------
12) Why are you sending me this? Please remove me from your Newsletter. Ray M. Editor's notes: Ray, I
have removed your name today. The Newsletter is voluntary and free and does not wish to irritate anyone. It's
only goal is to promote the history and heritage of boat racing, and it is YOU, the boat racing community that
sends in your news and schedules. How do I get your email address? By two ways; you give it to me, or one of
your friends' think you will enjoy it and they sent me your email address. If you don't want to get the Newsletter,
or the delete key is too noxious for you to touch, just let me know and I'll remove your email address immediately.
13) For a detailed description of the E RACING RUNABOUT RACING RULES changes proposed by Greg
Barker, please send a request to the editor.

1) How is Budweiser going to meet Ellstrom's challenge when the team's disbanded and the boat's been sitting idle
for a year and-a-half? Is it just hype or for real? (Dick Bowne)
2) Ned Crimmin is scanning thousands of photos from Bob Carver & Eileen Crimmin and putting them on CD/
DVD starting with the 1952 Gold Cup. He has progressed as far as the 1965 racing season, with the end at about
1978. He has a huge data base that he is able to access by computer and can tell you what's available. Many other
people are sending him their photos. Contact Ned at khabt114@att.net or 1-360-277-0262.
************************
3) In response to Mr. Abshear and the "ADIOS TOO" question. It was a BIG Sanger shovel nose w/two (2) small
blocks. I think they were on alky. As memory serves it was owned and driven by Fag (yes) Fag Campoy. Blue
and silver flake. Clyde Parkhurst might have some shots...a long time ago! Beat everybody? The only two motor
boats that did that was the MORTICIAN with "Bullet" Buzz Coates up. They were too heavy. By the time
they got up and going it was time to shut down. Another interesting one from back then was THE BEAST with
Tets Ishimuira. Two (2) Blown Fuel Chizlers in a huge Hallett...what a sound! (Don Rudy)
4) Quill Shaft, official newsletter of the Hydroplane and Raceboat Museum; Apr 3-Director's meeting. Apr 7-
Roger Newton Movie night. Apr 21-lecture #4. May 3-Director's meeting. May 5-Roger Newton Movie night.
May 19, lecture #5. May 27, Hydro Fever. Aug 3, 2006 Museum Gala scheduled.
*************************
5) For "Comp Jet Circle Boat Racing Unity, by Jim Rich, send request to me. He proposes a new racing series.
6) For a copy of Kevin Spaise's rebuttal to the Chowchilla-IHBA 1997 tragic race story, send request to me.
*************************
7) For a copy of Greg Barker's proposal for a new E Racing Runabout series, send request to me.
8) For the article on Bill Wurster's U-8 LLUMAR WINDOW FILM, send request to me.
*************************
9) For a copy of Fred Farley's articles on- Bill Stead, Danny Foster, Fred Alter, Don Wilson, IT'S A
WONDER, Bob Hayward, Ed Cooper Sr, The Unlimiteds: 1946 in review-60 years ago, send request to me.
10) For a copy of the World Motorboat Racing Leagues, send request to me.
**************************
11) For a copy of When Brickyard Ponies Went to Sea, By E.K. Muller, send request to me. EK has since
passed away, but all of us who knew him will remember his porkpie hat and his energy and enthusiasm.
12) Race boat photos available from William Burgess, Clive Elliot & Mark Mason. Send request for photos.
**************************
13) List of boat racers honored by the Boat Racers Reunion 2000-2005 available on request. Contact editor.
14) APBA Region 11 Crackerbox schedule:
Mar 4-5, Kilo time trials, Oroville, CA. Apr 29-30, Lake Minden, Nicolas, CA.
May 13-14, Salt Springs Resort, Copperopolis, CA. June 3-4, Oroville CA. (Possible record courses)
June 17-18, Salt Springs Resort, Copperopolis, CA. July 1-2, Lake Ellis, Marysville CA. (new construction)
July 15-16, Berenda Reservoir, Chowchilla, CA. Aug 26-27, Lake Francis, Dobbins, CA.
Sept 23-24, Salt Springs Resort, Copperopolis, CA. Oct 14-15, Lake Minden, Nicolas, CA.
**************************
15) For Harry Miller's location in South Gate, check with Gary Schroeder or Dick Russell. (Don Rudy)
16) Item 11 slightly misleading...(in last weeks newsletter), LLumar Company has withdrawn sponsorship after
9 years. True. The item implies that the U-8 will not compete in 2006. The sponsor is out, and the U-8 Team
searches for a new backer, - BUT -, the U-8 will most probably be racing in 2006. (Bob Senior)
**************************
17) Please Email me a copy of Greg's rule change ideas. We talked at length in Buffalo this past Sept about restarting
the class as a stock engine class not unlike the 280 rules. Greg wanted the GM crate 350/385 engine and all of the
West coast guys want to build their own. Someone is going to propose this class at the January APBA meeting. We
all need to get on the same page and get this project approved. (Rob Kaufman) Rob: It's on the way.
18) Please send me a copy of your rules for the E-racing runabout class. Many years ago a class with this name was
popular in the North West, but has not been seen for a few years. Recently there was some talk about trying to
bring this class back. Thanking you in advance. (Glen Davis) Glen: The thanks go to Greg Barker and
others, for stirring up interest in this class again.
*************************
19) Please forward a copy (of Kevin Spaise's rebuttal letter). Thank you! (BoatKitten) Editor's notes: The item
is on the way. Kevin Spaise and JF are very knowledgeable people and witnessed the events first hand.
20) Could you forward to me a copy of the Comp Jet Class Proposal of Jim Rich. (Kevin Austin) Kevin: the
proposals by Jim Rich are on the way. Hope they prove helpful to you.
*************************
21) ...I love the newsletter. Thanks, Mitch Blondin. Mitch: Thank you. When you hear news, send it in.
22) I consider your news letter as a real value to the boat racing community. I believe that the unlimited/gold cup
racing is on the cusp of a major comeback. Your expertise in researching and timely posting information can only
support a growing popularity of your efforts to bring up to date information to the fans of our sport. (Ernie Dossin)
(old U99) Ernie: Thank you, but all the news, schedules and events comes from the racers themselves.
*************************
23) I am Ron Harsin, co-author with Fred Farley on the hydroplane books, Madison - Hydroplane Heritage and
A Century of Gold Cup Racing. You stated that you are interested in photographers email addresses. Over the
past two years, I have been attending races and taking photos while promoting our books. I have 5000+ digital
photos of the Unlimiteds, Unlimited Lights, Vintage Class, and OPC Formula 2 and Formula 3's that are available
upon request. My past credits include published photos in the Madison Courier, RoundAbout Madison, Unlim-
ited News Journal (including the Jan 2006 cover), DRRA News, APR Superleague, and Propeller. Individuals
wishing more additional information on my photos can contact me at: rharsin@seidata.com Ron: This is what
we are looking for, to find sources where boat racers and fans can contact to get the records they need.

1) Gene Mooneyham, early lakes, drag racer and manufacturer of superchargers, passed away on 17 Jan 2006.
Services will be on Jan 28, 11a.m., at Sky Rose Chapel, Rose Hills Cemetery, Whittier, CA. (Glen Barrett)
2) Fred Farley and I are working on a new book for the Vintage Hydroplane class, and we hope to have it avail-
able in 2006. To contribute photos or information, contact Fred or myself at rharsin@seidata.com. (Ron Harsin)
*************************
3) I enjoyed looking over the proposed rules (for the E-racing runabout class) and they are well thought out. The
carburetor in any class is always a major problem. I have a 600 cfm unit out in the garage that I used on a GNH
hydro and it flows 800cfm, but measures the same as a stock 600 that it was supposed to be. On second thought,
maybe the class speed limit will take care of this. If one is only allowed to go 90 mph then spending a lot of money
on a carburetor does not make a lot of sense. Keep up the good work. Glen Davis out in rainy Seattle.
4) Could you please send me the details about the above rule proposals since that is my class, I haven't heard any
thing about them but then I didn't race last year. Thanks Brian LaChapelle, Buckley WA.
*************************
5) Thank you very much for the posting of this newsletter please continue to make it available. Some people do
value the effort, and the priceless value of experience. (James Bovard)
6) Seattle Outboard Association PIT PREVIEWS-H.A.R.M. J-PROJECT-Ron Jones helped Ashley Raney,
Jared Martin, Nick Scott, and Shane Thompson in the Hydroplane Museum's project to help young racers
build their own raceboats. May 13-14 Inboard Meet at Lawrence Lake inboard event. Contact Jamie Nilsen
(Stock), Ryan Johnson (Mod), George Thornhill (PRO) or Rockey Peterson (J). need volunteers for Class
reps. Kathy Myers (425-485-6139) is in charge of ads in the new Roster book. The Annual Seattle Outboard
Association Party is Feb 28. Dave Anderson reported progress in standardizing Stock course records.
*************************
7) Crimmin Archival Update: U-40 Bardahl THE GREEN DRAGON, 1962 thru '65. scanned 145 different items.
Newspaper articles, correspondence, article photos, plus article Mom did 1964 BARDAHL COST OF UNLIM-
ITED RACING. Bob Carver took B&W's, Eileen Crimmin wrote article, and took 26 color slides of photo
shoot set up, behind the scenes material. See Ned Crimmin at khabt114@att.net or call 360-277-0262. (Ned)
8) Quill Shaft, the official newsletter of the Hydroplane and Raceboat Museum; new CDs- The 1982 Season,
by Chip Hanauer, describing his lap by lap duel with Dean Chenowith at the '82 Gold Cup, and the restoration
of the '82 ATLAS VAN LINES; the second DVD is the 1974 Gold Cup from Sand Point, BUDWEISER vs
THE PAY 'N PAK. Call 206-764-9453 or write to the Museum at 5917 S. 196th Street, Kent, WA 98032.
*************************
9) For 2006 SCSC schedule/race info, membership, APBA entry forms, rules book, see www.scscracing.com.
10) 2005 Sprint Nationals, Long Beach, CA, see http://www.gnracing.org/gallery (Jim Rich jrpm@npgcable.com)
*************************
11) Were there 2 Gary Gabelich? The Gabelich of LSR fame who died in the early 80's and the boat racing,
Mercury, Second Effort Marine Gabelich who died in the past year of a heart attack on a golf course. (Randy Tripp)
12) 1957 Seattle Gold Cup, By Fred Farley. Send request for article to editor.
*************************
13) I heard from others that you didn't honor the right boat racers at the first Boat Racers Reunion? Why
wouldn't you let the boat racers decide? (RG) Dear RG: People have been spreading that rumor around for
a long time. I didn't vote at all, since I was only the secretary of the reunion. The committee that chose the 2003
Honorees consisted of Harlan Orrin, John Sherin, Bob Garner and Don Edwards. Here are the Honorees for the
year 2003: Dwight Bale, Nick Barron, Keith Black, Howard Brown, Ernie and Andy Casale,
Ray Caselli, Buzz Coats, Don Damron, "Sanger" Jack Davidson, Tom D'Eath, Dan Durham,
Bob Ellis, Allan Ford, Rich Hallett Sr, Wes Knudsen, Ron Larsen, Al Lavey, Joe Mandella,
Tony Maricich, Ed Olson, Leroy Penhall, Eric "Rick" Rickman, Rudy Ramos, Mickey
Remund, Laurie Roberts, Larry Schwabenland, Robert "Buck" Smith, Kenny St Oegger,
Louie Unser, Fred Wickens, Leo Wildman, Norm Wilson, Roberta Nichols Yakel, Rod Zapf,
Dave Zeuschel, Glenwood Marine and Hallcraft Marine.
Notice that only ONE person came from outside the California racing scene. These were some of the finest boat
racers, volunteers, photographers, writers and companies anywhere, but these 4 electors were looking at it from
a regional Southern California perspective, and there were men and women around the country who deserved
to be recognized. The next year we opened it to a vote from people throughout North America, including Canada.
This incensed the old Committee members and they tolerated an open vote for the 2004 and 2005 reunions, then
asked for my removal. The selection of Honorees is now closed to a select few who have gone back to that
regional Southern California bias. There will be no more open votes by the general racing public as to whom will
be honored in the future. A small group within the Reunion will make all of the choices from now on.
************************
14) Effective May 1, 2005, RESTRAINT CAPSULES are mandatory for all boats competing in the K Racing Run-
about class. For the complete article by Duff Daily, contact the editor of the newsletter.
15) We are steadily progressing on the construction of the replica/restoration (we have some of the original compon-
ents) of the 1955 U-60 MISS THRIFTWAY (1). Folks can follow our progress on our website for updates and
photos. See www.missthriftway.com. There is no scheduled completion date, but we just rolled her over and are
getting ready to put the final designs on the internal systems. (Steve Compton)
***********************
16) I attended the ULHRA meeting yesterday in Issaquah, WA, where Chip Hanauer gave an outstanding present-
ation on raising the Lights to the "next level of professionalism." Chip discussed increasing the level of team pro-
fessionalism, deportment in the pits, appearance of crews and drivers, courting of sponsors, selling sponsor's
products with the boat and driver, professional relations, promoting the driver as heroes and role-models, etc. As
always, Chip supported his presentation with humorous stories from his recdord-setting career as the all-time Gold
Cup winner and all-round, highly professional great guy. I'd strongly encourage any professional boat racing unit
to contact Chip and have him present to their group. It'd be well worth their while! (Dick Bowne) Readers: the
editor has written articles on; 1) looking for sponsors, 2) politics and 3) use of Public Access TV to improve
racing leagues. While written for car racing, it also applies to boat racing. Send request for articles to me.
***********************
17) The THUNDERBOLT Question, by Fred Farley. Send request to editor for copy.
18) Please forward a copy (of Kevin Spaise's rebuttal letter). Please check us out at www.vdbc.com for all Aussie
drag boat racing news! Thank you from down under! Regards, Gary James
***********************
19) I forwarded the K boat information to you as something you may be interested in. I'm sure there are many reunion
racers that may have an interest in current affairs of the APBA. I enjoy the www.boatracingfacts.com web site, and
I'm sure you are aware of it. I look forward to reading your informative newsletter in the future...Ray Burnett/PS89
20) I was wondering if you have heard of or seen any Lavey Craft hulls around for sale. I think Joe Poty used to
race one as an E. (Greg Barker GregB@electro-mechonline.com) Editor's notes: Laveycraft Boats and it's
founder, Al Lavey, was honored by the Boat Racers Reunion. Their phone number is 951-273-9690 and
their email address is info@laveycraft.com. Contact them to see if they have a referral service for their
used race boats.
***********************
21) The Editor is looking for a partner or partners for the Boat Racers Newsletter, who might be able to add a
blog or website, allowing a broader outreach for the newsletter concept.

Been getting those for two years.

Gene Mooneyham passed away..bummer

1) ...looks like the in-fighting continues? Nobody has mentioned Steve Jones (the Starfire guy) in the reports
of racing giants, I guess he was not from California either. Jim Codling Editor's notes: You're right, Jim,
regionalism divides the sport and makes it weaker. A great racer is a great racer no matter where he comes from.
2) The "Second Effort" Gary was not Gabilich. He was Gary Garbrecht. Mike Guardalabene
********************
3) Crimmin Archival Update: Ron Musson from 1962 thru 1966, newspaper articles, article photos, Eileen
Crimmin's articles, 192 entries. 1964 set up work on Ron Musson article, cut-lines of article, and article that
appeared in Motor Boating, July 1964. See Ned Crimmin at khabt114@att.net or 360-277-0262.
4) Seattle Outboard Association PIT PREVIEWS-Howard Shaw noted the Passing of Mod Commission
Chairman John Read. Dwight Malhiot reported the talk by BobWartinger on helmets. Bob recounted
his crash at DePue where his helmet came off and he learned recently, such as optimal helmet fit and that the
neck collars don't seem to work as well as imagined, and may actually creat danger. Jan Shaw explained that
Region fees for clubs are determined by the number of active racers and SOA and CORA have more racing
members. Howard Shaw and Pat Gleason mentioned that insurance costs appear excessive. They will bring
this up at the APBA National meeting to seek a review for lower costs.
**********************
5) For Schedule & Race Information visit: www.scscracing.com. SCSC Membership, APBA entry form, 2006
SCSC Race Schedule, APBA Rules. Good Luck and I hope to see you out there. Please contact Jim Rich
jrpm@npgcable.com 928-704-1858 Sprint Nationals-Long Beach, CA http://www.gnracing.org/gallery
6) Quill Shaft, the official newsletter of the Hydroplane and Raceboat Museum. A story on the front page of the
Dec 16, 2006 Seattle Post Intelligencer says it best, "Hurricanes and earthquakes have unleashed record
setting human compassion, with national and regional charitable organizations reporting that people
are digging deep to help. But many Seattle area charities remain concerned about shortages of money,
saying donations they once might have received are going out of state." That appears to be the case for
the Hydroplane Museum as our Annual Campaign in November and December brought in the fewest number
of donations since 9/11. It's not too late to contribute to the museum. All donations to the Museum are tax
deductible. The Hydroplane and Raceboat Museum, 5917 S. 196th Street, Kent, WA 98032.
************************
7) Gary Gabelich was the land speed record holder. Gary Garbrecht was the Mercury driver and owner of
Hydro-Prop Inc. (John Lynch, PR Director, ULHRA Inc)
8) For an article on the THUNDERBOLT, see Fred Farley at fredf44@hotmail.com
************************
9) Article on restrain capsules for KRR class by Duff Daily. Write to editor of newsletter for copy.
10) The Seattle Channel's "Community Voices" TV show Feb 5, 7 pm PST will feature hydro driver Harold Mills,
with comments from fellow racers Kayleigh Perkins and Brian Perkins. Harold is not scheduled to race this
year. Kayleigh will be compete in the S-6 BAKER EQUIPMENT COMPANY 2.5 liter stock hydro. Her
brother Brian will be the new driver of the UL-40 unlimited light. The Seattle Channel is on Comcast Channel 21
in the Seattle area and on the internet at www.seattlechannel.org. The show will be rebroadcast on the net. I will
post the rebroadcast times of the show when I get them. (Skip Young)
************************
11) Gary Gabelich was of LSR fame. Gary Garbrecht of Hydro-Prop is the fellow who passed away about a
year ago. This is not much different that the confusion between Seafair's Bob Gobrecht and Gary Garbrecht of
Hydro-Prop. I (goofed) that one up a time or two myself! (Bob Senior)
12) NOTE...more interest in a SR class daily...if only apba could understand this...maybe they could allow it to happen.
I understand that several people at the nat'l meeting are attempting to make it happen...we have sent proposals in
the recent past but no response from apba one way or another...at the present we are getting enough boats together
to run it in a local class at SCSC events...thanks to Jeff, Al, Jim & Ross. (Paul Grichar)
************************
13) Concerning the regionalism in boat racing: Sounds like the very same "Tunnel Vision" that exists in the decisions
made by the nominating committee of the National Midget Auto Racing Hall of Fame...Bob Falcon
14) Fred Farley has compiled the top 3 positions (winner, 1st and 2nd places) at all the Unlimited races held from
the year 2000 through 2005. For a copy, email Fred at fredf44@hotmail.com and request his list.
************************
15) The Boat Racers Reunion, May 13-14, 2006, Bass Lake Boat Fest at the Pines Resort. Boat show, swap
meet, classic, V-Drive, high performance, Reservations Pines Resort, Campsites call 877-444-6777. For more
information contact Don Edwards at 805-685-5060. (From www.oilstick.com) Editor's notes: This is not the
same Boat Racers Reunion run in Southern California, but a joint effort by several northern California groups.
16) I am looking for another copy of the July 1964 Boating News Magazine article Bardahl Cost of Unlimited
Hydroplane Racing. It was a several page article with a picture of my father and the entire Bardahl racing group.
My father was in his familiar overalls. I have one which I have given over to my youngest son, Treg who is Leo's
grandson. I would like to also get prints of my father in the photos used in the article to frame for my children and
their children, which now numbers 8. If you could help me I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks, Mel Vandenberg
************************
17) First of all, your newsletter is wonderful! Please keep up the good work. Also can I get a copy of #17
THUNDERBOLT by Fred Farley. It is so hard to find anything about this boat when it was THUNDER
BOLT. Pictures of her are very rare. Thanks again. Keep up the good work. Tony Bugeja Tony:
For some reason I couldn't copy the article Fred Farley sent me. All his other works came across fine. But Fred
told me that I could send out his email address and he would send whatever articles of his are in the public domain.
Send an email to him at fredf44@hotmail.com and tell him to send you the THUNDERBOLT article. As for the
photos, check with Ned Crimmin at khabt114@att.net. There are other photographers like Clyde Parkhurst,
Phil Kunz and others, but they haven't given me permission to release their email addresses yet. I am trying to
work out a partnership that would allow access to a website so that we could expand contacts. Don't forget to
go to Phil Spruit's www.vintagehydroplanes.com. Other sources are Harlan Orrin, Bob Foley, Bob Senior,
the APBA website, and I think there is a vintageraceboats.com. Readers, Ned Crimmin has a scanner and will
scan your photos and return them. Here's a young man with the drive and determination to save boat racing's
history and heritage, so get in touch with him and work something out. There aren't many like him out there.
18) The "Second Effort Marine" leader (and past F1 CEO) who sadly died last year on a golf course was Gary
"Garbrecht", not Gary "Gabelich"... Guy Conklin
**********************
19) If the voting for Boat Racers Reunion Honorees was so regional in 2003, then how did you change it? (RG)
Dear RG: By opening the committee up to everyone, even those who could not make the committee meetings.
We did it by email and increased the voters from 4 to about 49 people. So everyone, across the country, now
had a say and a vote in whom we would honor in 2004. It's not that Southern Californians are not worthy of be-
ing honored, it's just that other parts of the country have people who need to be recognized as well. Our Honorees
for 2004 were:
JC Agajanian Sr, Ole Bardahl, Marion Beaver, Al Bush, Donald Campbell, Jack Cool, "Crave
the Wave" Racing Team (Tony Sigalos, Bruce Penhall and Denny Sigalos), Otto Crocker, Lori
Dunsmore, Kenny and Margie Harman, Bill Harrah, Bill Henderson, Gordon Jennings Sr, Ted
Jones Sr, Ron Jones Sr, Bernie Little, Danny Mang Sr, Barry McCown, Bill Muncey, Bob
Nordskog, Harlan Orrin, Bob Patterson, Butch Petersen, Paul Pfaff, John Sherin, Chuck Stearns,
Bob Sykes, Lee Talbot, Lee Taylor, Dean and Joanne Wilson, Bergeron, Marine (Finish Line),
and Lifeline Marine. Now we had a good mix of national and local Southern Californians represented.
20) Veteran hydroplane racer Harold Mills, Region 10 High Point Champion, Western Divisional Champion,
National Champion, Sportsman of the Year, George Babcock Award for Most Outstanding Driver, and the
sport's first African American driver. His story will appear on the Seattle Channel, cable channel 21. For the
time and date, see http://www.seattlechannel.org/media/...?title=3170508 (Skip Young)

Editor's notes: Please try and keep notices as short as possible. It is better to send in weekly news for an event,
than it is to send in one big notice just once.
************************
1) Seattle Outboard Association PIT PREVIEWS-Jeff Kelly purchased a boat scale at a bargain price. Dave
Anderson announced a planning meeting for 2007 Stock Nationals at Kirkland Eagles Club. Russ Bircher told
members that AOF is working to bring their rules parallel to APBA rules to foster joint events and AOF now
recognizes kilo records. AOF long Course Nationals will be at Moses Lake the week after the Lawrence Lake
race. Steve Bork asked for the SOA schedule so that the Whidbey Island Roostertails could put together a non-
conflict schedule for the year. Rick Hannon was recently diagnosed with cancer and his doctor said the chance
of remission is 80%. An account has been set up for donations. See Mike Bartlett at bartlettsmm@earthlink.net.
2) Motorboat Racing Leagues: a) Australian F1 Powerboat Tour. b) Australian Jetsprint Association. c)
Australian Power Boat Association, the governing body for power boat racing in Australia. d) F1 Powerboat
World Championship. e) Jersey Speed Skiff. f) Junior Powerboat Racing- Jr F1 powerboat racing league.
************************
3) Crimmin Archival Update: Mira Slovak, 1957 thru '68, newspaper articles, article photos, magazine article,
drivers, owners, and hydro personalities from Eileen Crimmin and Bob Carver. See Ned Crimmin at
khabt114@att.net or 360-277-0262.
4) That list still was 2/3rd from Southern California, so how could it be representative? (RG) Dear RG:
What you said is true, but remember, a lot of boat racers came out of California, and a lot of the Honorees raced
elsewhere and retired or moved to California. The important thing is that the Boat Racers Reunion was asking
people who lived in other parts of the country to nominate and vote for honorees from all over the nation. We
were evolving into an organization that recognized the skills and talents of boat racers no matter where they lived.
The Boat Racers Reunion Honorees for 2005 were: Rusty Biesemeyer, Betty Cook, Don Ermshar,
Jim Ermshar, Lance Faulkner, Rick Fowler, Chip Hanauer, Eddie Hill, Bud Meyer, Chuck
Pierce, Adelle Stone, George Striegel, Carl G. Thornhill, Rick Wimer, Garfield Arthur "Gar"
Wood, and the Edelbrock Corporation. Six out of the sixteen were from outside of the Southern California
region, so you can see that there is a steady growth towards becoming a national organization. The members also
saw that drift, feared losing control of the reunion, and asked me to resign. They have since returned the Boat
Racers Reunion to a local affair. They are skipping a reunion in 2006 and will attempt to hold a reunion in 2007.
The list of 500 nominees has been dropped and they will conduct a closed vote within their own group to choose
who they will honor in 2007.
**********************
5) Last call for articles on Comp Jet Circle Boat Racing Unity, by Jim Rich; the 1997 Chowchilla rebuttal letter by
Kevin Spaise; ERR Class change rules by Greg Barker; LLUMAR WINDOW FILM BRAND Unlimited news
by Bob Senior; and RESTRAINT CAPSULES are mandatory for all boats competing in the K Racing Runabout
class, by Duff Daily.
6) Schedules, race results, banquet and hall of fame reports and any boat racing news is welcome. Send to me and
I will try and get them out within a week or two.
**********************
7) Clyde Parkhurst (the boat racing photographer) has a great website (and check out any photos that you may
want). Clyde Parkhurst Photography, PO Box 4103, Antioch, Ca. 94531. Phone# 925-518-5932.(Don Rudy)
Don: Do you have his website address? Does Phil Kunz also have a website? Any other photographers,
writers, etc, who want to let the readers know what you have accomplished, please send in your website
address and a brief description of your work.
8) www.DragBoatRacing.com, is in the 10th year of their website. They are looking for supporters to help them in
the restoration project for Eddie Knox's rescue boat. See http://DragBoatRacing.com for details of this worthwhile
program. (from Duane B. Sims)
**********************
9) Don't forget to post (your reports) on www.boatracingfacts.com "We have a SPORT to SAVE." (Ron Hill)
10) Am proud owner of a Steve Jones Starfire hull myself and think Jim C. has valid point. Where is the recognition
for Steve, and there are others here in the northwest that were a very important part of the runabout inboard racing
history. (Gary Dahl, SS90 DECEPTION FLAT BOTTOM SPRINT BOAT) Editor's notes: Local racing
leagues often have special awards honoring drivers, owners, volunteers, etc. What is needed is for a Hall
of Fame to begin to recognize these special men, women and companies that have made boat racing what
it is today. The Honorary Awards Program for the Boat Racers Reunion attempted to do just that and had
honored 93 individuals and companies in 12 categories, until it was ended in August, 2005, in a fight over
whether it should be a local or national program. The faction to make it a local event won out, and thus
noteworthy racers from other areas may not be honored by the Boat Racers Reunion in the future.
**********************
11) Barbara Burnett sent in an article by Ross Wallach on the K-boat encapsulation issue proposed by Duff
Dailey. For a copy, please send request to me.
12) Hi Richard, I am the web-site builder of Region 4 Hydroplane Racing Homepage. Just wondering if you would
like for me to put your News Letter that you send us in Inboard e-mail on the Region 4 site? A lot of racers do not
get the inboard e-mail so they would be able to read on the site.. Let me know if you are interested. Regards
Diane Wilson (Durward & Diane Wilson) http://region4apba.com and http://pinkpantherhydro.freehomepage.com
Diane: Thank you. I accept.
***********************
13) Why don't I see anything about a new race at Buffalo Springs Lake in Lubbock, TX. Given the right kind of
liaison by A.B.R.A. this race could turn into an annual classic. Lake Worth at Fort Worth, TX is another very
likely site. Phil Cole, Georgetown, TX.
14) I would like to get on your mailing list to receive the newsletter you put out regarding vintage boat and hydro-
plane racing. I am interested in staging an annual race at Lake Tahoe, in conjunction with our annual Wooden
Boat Show. Any help you can provide to help us organize our race would be appreciated. We are looking to
follow the class of boats already established elsewhere, as well as encourage the participation of the larger
unlimited hydroplanes, if they still race. Tom Strauss STRAUSSTOM@aol.com Tom: You're on the list.
Please send your website or other info so that we can let others know when, where and what they will
need to know to participate. Lake Tahoe is a good location for many Western boat racers and vintage
boat owners.

) Thank you for all your hard work on your newsletter - it is a great source for info - and someday I just gotta
get out west and watch those flatbottoms run! Bill John, Vintage Race Boat Shop, 603-569-5824 (shop phone).
See http://www.VintageRaceBoatShop.com Interested in Jersey skiffs, Clayton NY regatta, vintage and Eastern
boatracing, send a request to the editor for the full and complete letter. See http://www.necacbs.org/Calendar.htm,
http://www.nhbm.org/events.html, http://www.gold-cup.com/, http://www.network54.com/Forum/285653/
2) Hello Richard, My father passed away 3 years ago at 90 years of age. I am still carrying on the business.
Tom Cirello Readers: Tom's Dad, Tony Cirello, was a long time drag boat racer.
--------------------------
3) Crimmin Archival Update: Starting in early 1950's, 209 Limited drivers, 229 Limited hydros, 174 Unlimited
drivers and personalities, 137 Unlimited hydros, 72 different unlimited races from 1952 thru early 70's so far, from
the collections of Eileen Crimmin and Bob Carver. Ned Crimmin khabt114@att.net /360-277-0262.
4) Motorboat Racing Leagues: a) Mid American Boating Association - Poker runs for high performance
boating throughout Kentucky. b) Million Dollar Run - Cayman Islands Yacht Club. c) New Jersey
Performance Powerboat Club - Offshore race boats. d) Northwest Water Competition - Affiliation of
the American Outboard Federation in the Pacific Northwest.
----------------------------
5) Seattle Outboard Association PIT PREVIEWS-Racers from Belarus, a country in Eastern Europe sent photos
of their race boats and their history. The letter explained how the Soviet Union's collapse led to the closing of active
race programs, including F-1 racing in the Belarus capitol of Minsk. Now, with developing tourism and navigable
waters improving, boat racing is making a return. The letter describes the progress their association has made, high-
lighting efforts of racers Igor, Vuri and Vladimir Zhukovsky. They hope to make connections with clubs around
the world, and to build friendly relations. To join the SOA, contact John Paramore at 350hydro@eskimo.com for
details. Billy Schumacher will be the guest speaker at the Commodore's Ball, Feb 25. Contact Debi Perman at
Debi_Perman@hotmail.com for more information.
6) Some websites: http://DragBoatRacing.com Preserving the Past, Reporting the Present, Promoting the Future!
APBA Region 4 http://region4apba.com. Ron Hill www.boatracingfacts.com "We have a SPORT to SAVE."
----------------------------
7) Phil Kunz Photography, P.O. Box 185, Dayton, Ohio 45449-0185, pkunzphoto@sbcglobal.net As regards
Phil's or Clyde Parkhurst's websites: Just type their names into your search engine and up they POP. Really
good stuff!!! (Don Rudy) Don: Thank you for the information. Any other websites out there?
8) Dick "Shadow" Bossi, long time NDBA and boat racing announcer, has been hired by NHRA Division 7 racing
to announce their drag races. Bossi says that he is "in the game" should any of the boat racing leagues need a good
announcer. Bossi emceed the 2005 Boat Racers Reunion at the L.A. Fairplex and did an excellent job.
----------------------------
9) My website is at http://www.geocities.com/pkunzphoto/ or you can see it on google search at Phil Kunz
Photography. Thanks, Phil
10) Pastor Jim Riley serves the boat racing community at events around the country. He holds worship services,
helps those in need of comfort during hardships and offers advice and encouragement. Pastor Riley is able to do
this because of the support of the boat racing community. To help offset his expenses in his pastoral mission, The
Master's Men, a group dedicated to raising money is asking for your help. Heading this group is Thayer Cueter,
Kim Forsell, Bob/Karen Senior and Duncan Wilson. To send in your donation to help the cause, contact The
Master's Men, Attn: Jim Cote, PO Box 797363, Dallas, TX 75379, or Bob Senior at bob.senior@juno.com. All
donations are tax deductible and all funds are used to keep the spiritual mission going.
----------------------------
11) I have put the newsletter on the site already. There is a link on the front page of R4 site, but just for now. When
the Region 4 Banquet and meetings are over I will make that link just for your News Letter. I find your newsletters
very informative and looking forward to many more to come. Diane Wilson See http://region4apba.com and
http://pinkpantherhydro.freehomepage.com/ Diane: Thank you.
12) Thank you for taking the time to send this newsletter. Regards, Bill Martin (APBA Nostalgia Endurance
NWSRA Ski Racing, Torrance, CA) Bill: Thank you for the compliment. Be sure to send us news
of your team or your league's events. ALL boat and vintage racing news and schedules are welcomed.

13) Why don't I see anything about a new race at Buffalo Springs Lake in Lubbock, TX. Given the right kind of
liaison by A.B.R.A. this race could turn into an annual classic.
We had the race last yr. and it is a great place to run ! As far as I know we are tring to do it again this yr. and I will contact the people in charge and let ya know what we come up with ?

I was thinking about this and the Buffalo race was put on last yr. to try to get some racing going on out here like they had in the past . This was just a fun deal with no lights just a course set up and we had a pretty good turn out ! I e-mailed the peeps in charge so I will post something when I hear from them .

hey shark! do you know paul hodges? i talked to him,and he said they were trying to have the races this year.I also told him i would help anyway i could.I remember watching the tunnel circle boats out there. like to see that come back here to lubbock.

hey shark! do you know paul hodges? i talked to him,and he said they were trying to have the races this year.I also told him i would help anyway i could.I remember watching the tunnel circle boats out there. like to see that come back here to lubbock.
Not sure about Hodges ? They use to hold some good circle boats out here ,would be nice to get them back and there was a couple that came out last summer for the race .

1) Bob Senior's Hydro Collector's Corner is a wonderful little newsletter that comes out by snail mail and costs
$3 per year, for 3 issues. He keeps Unlimited Hydroplane collectors in the loop with what is new, what is hot,
who is selling or buying. If you are a subscriber then you can advertise in it for free. There is history, news, and
lots of sources to go to if you want to learn about collecting boat racing memorabilia. Bob can be reached at
206-364-7432 or email him at Bob.senior@juno.com.
2) APBA Vintage Race Boat OBSESSION, see http://www.vintageraceboatshop.com/Obsession8.htm. TINKER,
Jersey Speed Skiff update. See Dave Yeager at http://www.vintageraceboatshop.com/Tinker.htm (Bill John)
------------------------------------
3) Seattle Outboard Association, PIT PREVIEWS; Ryan Johnson reported that he hopes to hold SOA's Novice
school on either March 18th or March 25th, and hopes to do that at the Hydroplane museum. He would like any
names and phone numbers of potential new racers so he can keep in contact with them and ensure they get to the
school. Ryan can be called at 425-235-5084. Ryan’s E-Mail: ryanjohnson@thunderboats.org. (John Paramore)
4) Chip Hanauer to speak on boat racing driving strategies, March 17, 7pm at the Hydro Museum, in Kent, WA.
-----------------------------------
5) See whats going on across the nation, not just in region 4 but other neighboring regions as well. For more info
see http://pinkpantherhydro.freehomepage.com/ Durward and Diane Wilson
6) Hope lots of folks show up (for the Bridge to Bridge Festival in Sacramento, California). Last year the
event was populated by many of the current style "Poker Run Boats" making some pretty impressive passes.
I think Hot Boat Magazine did a spot on the event one year. Keep up the good work. (GD) GD: Write
in and encourage the boat racing magazines to come and report on the event. They will if their public wants them
to. The more articles and photos done on boat racing, the stronger the support. Always support the media and
make them feel welcome at your events. I write for DRIVE Magazine and some of the events that I go to, in
order to do my stories, go out of their way to get me interviews. Other event promoters think of us as nuisances
and pests. But the free publicity we give to an organization or race is vital to their success. Since there are multiple
events to cover, here are some tips: 1) Have your members write in to the editor of the magazine and ask them to
come and cover their event. 2) Provide a source for the writers to plug in a laptop if you can. 3) Make sure that
water and snacks are available as the writers and photographers, when going after a story, never think to eat or
drink anything. 4) Have a Media Rep available to answer questions as to where the action is and who the drivers
and teams are. A Media Representative can prove valuable in leading the magazine writers and photographers
to the right place at the right moment. 5) Don't overlook the boat racing websites and E-zines. You want to have
a list of all the publications, their editors, writers and photographers, so that you can send them periodic updates
and schedules. 6) When they check in, give them their credentials and don't make them beg for them, or have to
run all over looking for "someone with authority" to okay their entrance. Magazines give you two or more pages
of texts and photos, so treat them like gold. 7) Encourage the boat racing businesses to take out Ads in the boat
racing magazines in the name of the organization and their own business, in order to let the magazines know that
you are willing to return the favor. For more information on a) promoting, b) televising, or c) encouraging spon-
sorship for your team or boat racing association, email me at the Boat Racers Newsletter for my articles.
------------------------------------
7) Hydro Fever collectibles meet, May 27, Hydro Museum, in Kent, WA. Dealer's tables only $25.
8) I appreciate your newsletter! Hopefully sometime we'll meet up and talk boat racing. We lived in Eagle Rock,
CA from 1947-1951. Even though I was a tot, (being born in 1944), I remember Mom and Dad taking us for
drives out to see "Signal Hill" in Long Beach. I don't remember them talking about "Marine Stadium" but they
probably weren't boat racing fans. Too bad. Maybe Bill Muncey and I would have been competitors. (Dick
Bowne) Readers: Anyone else remember the Marine Stadium races? Or Frankie Ramos/Cornelius, the
Promoter and Manager for many years at the facility?
------------------------------------
9) Nashville 2005 Hydro Race Souvenirs, posters, programs, lapel pins (tacks). Contact Bob.senior@juno.com.
10) Detroit River Regatta Association (DRRA) Regatta Review newsletter by Brian Reed. The Chrysler/Jeep Super-
stores APBA Gold Cup, July 14-16, 2006, Detroit, Michigan. Two-time Gold Cup winner Billy Schumacher
(1967, 1968) has purchased the U-8 which ran for a good number of years as the MISS LLUMAR WINDOW
FILM. He plans to change almost nothing. The shop, crew, driver, etc will remain the same and Bill Wurster
will stay on as an advisor. As recently as two seasons ago, Bill had talked about driving again and trying to be the
youngest and oldest driver to win the Gold Cup. But now he says he might not even take it for a ride. U-1 ELAM
PLUS will be driven by Dave Villwock. The boat is being rebuilt and improved for 2006. U-2 JIM HARVEY
MOTORSPORTS will be driven by J Michael Kelly. They are looking for a national sponsor at this time. U-3
COOPER RACING will be driven by Jimmy King. No new news but I expect to see them on the full circuit.
U-5/U-7 FORMULA BOATS will be driven by Mike Weber. U-6 OH BOY! OBERTO/MISS MADISON
will be driven by Steve David. The boat is being repaired after San Diego and improvements are being made.
U-8 owner is Bill Schumacher and the driver will be Jean Theoret. U-10 USA RACING PARTNERS will
be driven by Nate Brown. They have a new and larger boat shop at the Las Vegas Speedway and Nate Brown
is preparing the ex-BUDWEISER (T3) hull for 2006...no major changes to it. U-13 owner is Dave Bartush and
the driver will be Terry Troxell. The boat is in a new shop in Seattle and being greatly rebuilt. Owner Dave
Bartush reports that the hull was in far worse shape than expected, and about it holding together as well as it did
last year said "sometimes ignorance is bliss." Dave also says that the seat is Terry's for as long as he wants it.
---------------------------------------
11) Madison Hydroplane Heritage, by Fred Farley. 2nd edition, $29.95 postage included. A second book by
Farley is A Century of Gold Cup Racing, $24.95. See Ron Harsin at 8681 W. New Bethel Rd, Lexington,
Indiana 47138.
12) ...while a relative late comer to the Marine Stadium SCSC/APBA races I did compete there in 1959, my
first year in Hydroplane racing. My 266 and later 5 liter AQUA-HOLIC inboard hydro ran pretty much
every race held there until about 1971. Never heard about anyone other than Wally starting the NHRA
until now. Perhaps more info on this would be of interest. Mike Waters Mike: In the early days AAA ran
the sprint car races while the APBA ran the boats. Most of the racers did a little of everything, but one place that
a great number of racers did was run the dry lakes. Guys like Isky, Edelbrock, Weiand, Clay Smith and others
came from the hot rodding world, but they didn't stay there. All of them dabbled in the boats, sponsored them,
or worked on the engines. One of our BRR honoree's was Louie Unser. Another racer was Danny Oakes.
These guys knew what they were doing whether it was wheel or keel. Dad was asked by a number of organizations
to lead them, and finally choose to go into land drag racing. He took with him guys that he knew, who were into
everything in the early days, like Ak Miller, Carroll Shelby, Bob Gottlieb and Marvin Lee. Miller followed
my Dad as SCTA President. Gottlieb was the chief legal counsel for Hot Rod Magazine and Robert "Pete"
Petersen. Shelby needs no introduction in racing. Marvin Lee was a partner with Petersen in Hollywood Assoc-
iates, a PR firm, and a person who helped car clubs and NHRA form and conduct business. Marvin's son, and a
good friend of boat racing, is Larry Lee, the architect and artist. While the idea for an "association of car clubs"
was Dad's, he had lots of help from his friends, many of whom left the land and re-evolved as water racers. Tell
us more about the AQUA-HOLIC and the decade (1960's) many claim to be the Golden Age of boat racing.
-------------------------------------------
13) A very exciting new boat has been designed and will soon be on the market. Former IndyCar and boat race driver
Dick Simon is involved with the new PATRIOT race boat. (From Don Logay, 949-240-9500, and Don Kay at
Auto Sport Radio)
14) Ned Crimmin's hydroplane collection project now has 5 cabinets full of photos. If you need a photo of a boat
or driver from 1952-1980's, contact Ned at khabt114@att.net.
-------------------------------------------
15) Ross Wallach reports on the March 4-5 SCSC race at Lake Ming. For the complete story and race results send
your request to me for a copy or see www.scscracing.com.
16) Hydroplane Button Collector's Price Guide, by Ned Olsoe now available. 125 pages, 4500 entries, with full
descriptions and dimensions, only $20. Contact Ned at 425-747-8062.
--------------------------------------------
17) 2006 Bluewater Resort and Casino Spring Classic, April 21-22, 2006, SCSC boat races. Reservations call
888-243-3360 and ask for the 2006 BWRC Spring Classic to get the $79/night racer rate. Or contact Ross
Wallach, SCSC Commodore at 310-704-3243. Website info is at www.scscracing.com.
18) New DVD's on sale at the Hydroplane Museum; 1) the 1982 Hydro season, narrated by Chip Hanauer, 2) the
1974 Sand Point Gold Cup, 3) Decade of the 50's, 4) Decade of the 60's, 5) Decade of the 70's, and 6) Decade
of the 80's. They have over 40 other DVDs. Contact the Hydroplane and Raceboat Museum at 206-764-9453.
------------------------------------------
19) That's good news about the U-5 team buying the Bud hulls and support equipment. How many U's are go-
ing to race in 2006? Hopefully 12 or 13. Freddy Leland has that many tubs in his back yard! Dick Bowne
20) Boat Racers Reunion tie tack sets are no longer on the market except for those donated to the Wally Parks
NHRA Motorsports Museum, and a limited amount by Bob Senior at Bob.senior@juno.com.
------------------------------------------
21) Unlimited Hydroplanes Encyclopedia, by Bob Burd. 450pp, photos, $75. Call Bob Burd at 425-432-0371.
22) Herin's Collectibles, hydroplane memorabilia newsletter and auction. Email to hydroherin@frontiernet.net.
------------------------------------------
23) Really enjoy the newsletter. Say, can anyone confirm Jim McCormick's role with Harrah's Club in the 1968
Tri Cities Atomic Cup race? Did he drive? Thanks -- keep up the great work. Randy Mueller, Gig Harbor, WA.
Randy: If anyone knows, it would be Fred Farley and Bob Senior, and I know they will respond.

*In Memoriam: Ron Bolton, SCSC member and K boat racer passed away last Saturday night, due to a heart
attack. The viewing is Monday, March 27 at All Souls Mortuary, 4400 Cherry Avenue, Long Beach from 3-8pm
and the service is Tuesday March 28 at the same place at 11am. Cards can be sent to Debbie and Kattie Boulton:
3693 Hackett Avenue, Long Beach, CA 90808. The Mortuary phone number is 562-424-8601. (Jo Ann Pfaff)
-------------------------------------------
1) Good morning, Thank you for your vintage coverage in your latest newsletter – your hard work is very
much appreciated! Bill John Vintage Race Boat Shop 603-569-5824, http://www.vintageraceboatshop.com &
http://www.network54.com/Forum/15733...WSLETTER+%2328
Bill: I saw your column in Brian Reed's DRRA newsletter. Keep the history and heritage of boat racing alive.
2) I raced at Marine Stadium with two different hydro's, both in the 266 and later the 5 liter hydro class from
1959 until 1971, both hydro's were named Aqua-Holic. During that time I won Hi point Region 12 once,
Western Div. Champion twice, National Championship twice and when I quit I held the 5 liter record at
Marine stadium. I served on the board of directors for the Southern Calif. Speed Boat Club for a number of
years in various positions and was Commodore of SCSC in 70-71. Boat racing was a very special time in my
life. I enjoy reading on your site about what's happening in the boat racing world. Thanks much Richard.
Mike Waters Mike and the readers: Mike Waters has been landspeed racing very successfully with the SCTA,
and has served in many jobs. I asked him to let us know his background and he has. His partner is Dana Wilson.
------------------------------------------
3) Detroit River Regatta Association (DRRA) Regatta Review newsletter by Brian Reed. The Chrysler/Jeep Super-
stores APBA Gold Cup, July 14-16, 2006, Detroit, Michigan. U-21 owner is Kevin Aylesworth who may also
be the driver. The team is completely re-doing the U-25 they purchased from Ken Muscatel at the San Diego race
last year. They expect to run the entire circuit in 2006. U-99/U-100 owner is Fred Leland. No new news. It looks
like there will be 11 boats on the circuit this year - maybe more. It appears that the competition will be very close
and top-notch! On March 4, at the ABRA Annual Meeting and Awards Banquet held in Indianapolis, the DRRA
was acknowledged with a Special Contribution Award for its contributions to the sport of unlimited hydroplane racing
and the Chrysler-Jeep Superstores were acknowledged as Race Site Sponsors of the year. In accepting the award
for the Superstore dealers, DRRA's Joe Schulte said: "Jim Schebil, Mark Snethkamp, Mike and Jim Riehl...
all of the Chrysler-Jeep dealers are much more than sponsors to us in Detroit... they are partners in every sense of
the word. Because of their support the great tradition of the Gold Cup lives on. We could not do it without them."
When presented with the Special Contribution Award by Sam Cole, Chairman of the ABRA, Joe observed that
without the dedication and hard work of the eight team owners who made the Unlimited Series such a success in
2005, awards such as this wouldn't be possible. "Looking ahead, we know that 2006 will be even more exciting."
4) Ken Warby, the Fastest Man on Water, 317.60 MPH, http://www.kenwarby.com/pre_intro1.htm. (Bill John)
------------------------------------------
5) Just double-checking, but the last that I heard was that there would not be a Boat Racer's Reunion this
year at the Pomona boat show, right? Let me know. Thanks, Matt Meeker, Operations & Marketing Co-
ordinator, Southern California Marine Association. Matt: I was asked by a dissident, small group to leave
the reunion. They controlled most of the boats and they wanted to do things in a new way. To stay would have
created a feud, and boat racing has enough feuds. The last thing that I heard was that they want to do a small re-
union at Irvine Lake in 2007. They did not want my email and U.S. postal lists, stating that an open invitation to
the event probably will not be allowed. They want NDBA/SCSC racers from the 50's and 60's to attend. Those
that received an invitation from me in the past may or may not receive an invitation in 2007, if there actually is a
reunion at all. I have my own Boat Racers Newsletter but it is not affiliated in any way with this dissident group
and they have not sent me any information as to their intentions. Your group's support has meant the difference
between success and failure and we cannot thank you enough for your support and help. If the new group does
not ask you for help in the future, then that will be a grave error. Our thanks go to everyone at the SCMA, a
very professional and great group of people.
6) Dave Yeager's TINKER, a Jersey Speed Skiff, see http://www.vintageraceboatshop.com/Tinker.htm.
-------------------------------------------
7) Hello Richard, Thanks for the quick response. I do have Bob Burd's book, and it is a great resource. But,
no info on this particular race. Thanks again -- Randy Mueller, Gig Harbor, WA matt42mtq@comcast.net
Randy: I'll refer this to two very well versed historians, Bob Senior and Fred Farley.
8) Long Beach Marine Stadium & Frankie Cornelius...Remember?...A YUP! We had the fastest UBFH and
BGH runs ever made there from '67 thru '70, both APBA/UIM & NDBA records. We ran with Gary "the
finger" Gabelich, Murphy, Edhe, Gleason, Jack Bradley etc. Bob Garner hadn't even built his hydro yet.
I think Del Mascino and his turbo machine was the first to outrun our blown rig. But I'm also not sure what
I had for breakfast. Mike Waters and the AQUA-HOLIC's (266)...Remember them WELL. Fast machines
and well driven. Got any pictures? It WAS the GOLDEN AGE OF RACIN (boat/car/ drag racin - roundy
round {sprintcars-midgets}) whatever. To Steal a phrase from Don Ewald "WE DID IT FOR LOVE"! (Don
Rudy) Don: Thanks for the memories. Anyone have pictures? If so, we'll send your email on to Don and others.
-------------------------------------------
9) Where was Long Beach Marine Stadium located as it was referred to in this newsletter? Do you know if
the old NDBA held their nationals there? I remember going to the boat drags in Long Beach, but I remem-
ber the lake as being more in a residential area. Jim Dawson Jim: Long Beach Marine Stadium was built
near Los Alamitos Landing and Long Beach Harbor, for the 1932 Los Angeles Olympics as a rowing venue. May
be some of the boat racers can tell you what was the earliest boat race at the site. In 1949 I remember that there
where homes on one side and oil derricks on the other. It isn't a lake but a channel to the sea. Danny Oakes and
Bud Meyer told me they raced there in the mid-30's.
------------------------------------------
10) The Eileen Crimmin project is called, THE HYDROPLANE HISTORICAL RESEARCH DATA BASE. It is
everything that my mother saved, plus other donated material that have amounted to another 60 pounds of clippings
and scrapbooks. Eileen left me five cabinets full of material, including cutlines for photos, draft articles (that include
all photos sent in, not the ones just used) final articles, sections of Hot Boat Powerboat, Speed and Spray, and
Boating Magazine. (Ned Crimmin, archivist)
11) As to the question about Jim McCormick's role with the U-3 HARRAH'S CLUB in 1968: Burnet Bartley
drove the newly repowered (Griffon) pickleforked HARRAH'S CLUB for the first three races of 1968. His
performances were less than stellar. McCormick ran the first three races of the year in Bob Fendler's
SUPER SKATE BOARD ATLAS VAN LINES. From the fourth race on, McCormick sat in the seat of
HARRAH'S CLUB. In the two weeks between the Tri-Cities Atomic Cup and the Seafair Worlds Cham-
pionship, the picklefork of the HARRAH'S CLUB was filled in-back to so that it was only a couple inches
deep. The added lift provided a much better ride for McCormick. I believe the best finish of the year was
a third and a couple of fourth's. Brad Haskin, Seattle, WA Brad: Thank you for the update.
------------------------------------------
12) APRIL 2006, SOA (Seattle Outboard Association) PIT PREVIEWS Newsletter. Dave Anderson says that
there will be a 2007 Stock Nationals Planning Meeting held at 7:30 p.m., 4 April at Kirkland Eagles, 258 Central
Way, Kirkland, WA. Here are the classes selected to run at the Inboard Lawrence Lake regatta on May 13/14:
A-Stock Hydro, C-Stock Hydro, 20ss Hydro, D-Stock Hydro, D-Mod Hydro, Formula-E Hydro. The race
will be on a 1.67 mile, surveyed records course. Bridgeport this year promises to be a bigger event, and will include
all OPC classes, AOF racers out of Spokane and PRO 500 Sprint Hydro. (John Paramore)
------------------------------------------
13) It is very difficult to get info on the scheduling test dates for the restored unlimited hydroplanes. Usually
they do something in April each year, but nothing on their website. Also several restorations in some stage
of restoration have been publicized recent years, but then the momentum (and funding?) seems to get bogged
down and you don't hear anything for months or years: A. MISS BARDAHL '62-'65 hull. Will it be tested and
run on Lake Washington this Spring? It looked absolutely stunning at the Museum of Flight display! B. MISS
BARDAHL '59-'61. What happened to running this one on a regular basis? This one's a real draw for me,
but it seems to have now disappeared from the restoration's active circuit. C. MISS THRIFTWAY 1950's
mahogany version. Nothing heard in a long time. D. THRIFTWAY TOO. Same. E. MISS SPOKANE, the
"Lilac Lady" there was a local Spokane group restoring this hull a few years back, but it seems to have dis-
appeared off the radar. F. Any chance of a MISS WAHOO or MISS EXIDE restoration, using a similar hull
like HAWAII KAI's restoration used a similar hull? Mira Slovak & Bill Brow made these hydros famous.
Whatever happened to Milo & Glen Stoen, the owners of MISS EXIDE--what a cool name, design and color
scheme. Good old days I guess. G. HAWAII KAI restoration running at SeaFair without it's full engine
cowling is sacrilege, and just loses some of the impact of recalling its heyday. It's tantamount to running
without a tail fin. It just doesn't fit. But these museum guys work so hard to coax the old hydros to life, it's
hard to sit back and criticize, and I know their zest for realism. H. Another one that seems to have dis-
appeared after some terrific appearances is the restored SLO MO V. The IV was run several years ago to
open the SeaFair Race, and I understand has been relegated to permanent display at it's old home the
Museum of History & Industry, but why has the V gone away and hid? Thnx to any & all who can shed a
little light on these dilemmas! -Ron Suttell
----------------------------------------------
14) In response to the question about Jim McCormick's role with HARRAH'S CLUB at the 1968 Tri-Cities
Atomic Cup, here's the story. Mira Slovak was scheduled to drive HARRAH'S CLUB in 1968 but was
seriously injured in a plane crash a week before the start of the season. Burnett Bartley replaced him at
the first three races: Guntersville (Alabama), Madison (Wisconsin), and Madison (Indiana). Bartley
achieved mediocre results and was fired. Jim McCormick replaced him for the rest of 1968, starting with
the Tri-Cities race. McCormick had driven the first three races of 1968 with the U-35 "Skateboard"
ATLAS VAN LINES. Jim's contract with the U-35 only covered the first half of the season. He was then
free to accept the HARRAH'S CLUB assignment. Jim won the Semi-feature Heat that year at the Tri-Cities
with HARRAH'S CLUB. Fred Farley - ABRA Unlimited Historian
---------------------------------------------

The editor apologizes for the length of this issue. There was a lot of news this week that couldn't be condensed.
**************************************
1) Hydroplane and Raceboat Museum in Seattle. See: http://www.thunderboats.org/ (Bill John)
2) APRIL 2006, SOA (Seattle Outboard Association) PIT PREVIEWS Newsletter. Ryan Johnson reported that
Mod has returned to the old points system, and that there additional changes presented to mod racers on a mail
ballot. Steve Greaves reported that highlights from the PRO commission meeting at Ft Lauderdale will be appear-
ing shortly in Propeller. Steve also told us that as with Mod, PRO will be sending out ballots to members, and one
of the ballot items will be a choice to return to the APBA "legacy" starting procedure, where the first legal boat over
the line starts race timing. (John Paramore)
-----------------------------------------
3) The WPBA 1928 season is recorded at http://www.vintageraceboatshop.com/R...story-1928.htm
4) The Eileen Crimmin project is called, The Hydroplane Historical Research Data Base Project. There is
correspondence from Schleeh, Muncey, McDonald, Little, Manchester, and others. There are Christmas
Cards. This project covers the years 1950 into the early 1970's. This data base is by specific driver (Musson,
Fanning, Muncey, Alter, etal), owners (Rhodes, Simons, McDonald, Schoenith, Swenson, etal), hydros
(U-40 series, U-60 series, U-24, U-55 series, the different U-7's, U-8's, U-4's, etc.). (Ned Crimmin, archivist)
----------------------------------------
5) I am sorry to hear that the event will not take place this year. Thank you for your efforts over the past
few years and let us know if the Boat Racers Reunion is ever interested in holding their event at the Spring
Boat Show if you are ever involved with it again. Sincerely, Matt Meeker SCMA Show Coordinator
Matt: Thank you for all that you have done for us. The SCMA has gone out of its way to support the boating
community over the years. Your support has been extremely important to our success. I heard that the Cracker
Box Club was interested in holding a boat reunion and if they contact me I will certainly ask them to consider the
Spring Boat Show at the Los Angeles County Fairplex, in June, at Pomona, CA. It is a quality show.
6) March 18-19, Annual Maine Boatbuilders Show in Portland, Maine, finest Eastern custom boatbuilders. See
http://www.portlandcompany.com/2006%...ex2006MBBS.htm. I have owned my Gar
Wood Speedster for 27 years, link for photos: http://www.vintageraceboatshop.com/Obsession8.htm. (Bill John)
-----------------------------------------
7) Yep, that's my dilemma, I remember these races at a lake in a neighborhood. Jim Dawson Jim: Marine
Stadium was a channel that flowed out to the sea near Pacific Coast Highway, bordering Seal Beach, Los Alamitos
and South Long Beach. The sides are formed of granite boulders making a jetty and I think that it is about 300 feet
across which made circle boat racing treacherous. I never saw a boat go up onto the rocks, but I've heard a lot of
stories from boat racers that they did crash on the rocks from time to time. Frankie Ramos Cornelius was the
long time manager of Marine Stadium. She was married to boatbuilder Rudy Ramos, one of our 2003 Honorees.
It's possible that the NDBA also raced on a lake in the area. They raced at San Dieguitos Lagoon, Ski Land, Lake
Ming, Lake Irvine, Puddingtone Lake among other places. NDBA'ers, what other places did you race at?
8) APBA Vintage Race Boat Circuit see: http://www.vintageraceboatshop.com/A...ageCircuit.htm
----------------------------------------
9) Mary "Kit" Muncey-McIntosh Remembered, by Fred Farley - ABRA Unlimited Historian. Contact Fred
at fredf44@hotmail.com for his articles on Kit, who passed away on February 14, 2006, was the first wife of boat
racing great Bill Muncey.
10) Detroit River Regatta Association (DRRA) Regatta Review newsletter by Brian Reed. The Chrysler/Jeep Super-
stores APBA Gold Cup, July 14-16, 2006, Detroit, Michigan. The 2005 recipient of the Bruce Broussard Merit-
orious Service Award is Terry Troxell. This award is based on a points sytem for active membership in APBA
and service at the club, regional, and national levels. Over his 35 years as a member of APBA, Terry Troxell has
been active on all levels of APBA service. On the national level, he has served the Inboard category as a Com-
missioner as well as a member of the Board of Governors. On the local level, he has been a club officer for
Tacoma Inboard Racing Club; also, he has served as a Race Chaiman as well as a Race Official. In Region 10, he
has also served as a Region Officer and a Race Official. Terry, a Hall of Champions inductee, has distinguished
himself as a leader for APBA on the race course as well. Prior to racing Unlimited hydroplanes, he was a serious
and successful competitor in many inboard racing classes. He is probably best known for his success with the
Stinger Racing team, owned by Bob Schultz; Terry won many national, divisional and region titles. Terry reached
the pinnacle of our sport when he won the APBA Gold Cup in Detroit in 2005. See the ABRA site for lots more
info about last weekend's meetings and banquet in Indianapolis. There are also 6 great interviews with the likes of
Bill Schumacher and Steve David. See http://www.abrahydroplanes.com.
-----------------------------------------
11) Last summer's vintage regattas at Buffalo and Wolfeboro. See http://www.vintagehydroplanes.com/blcdvds.html
Bill (I love this stuff!!!) John, Vintage Race Boat Shop, 603-569-5824 http://www.VintageRaceBoatShop.com
12) THE UNLIMITEDS: 2005 IN REVIEW, By Fred Farley, ABRA Unlimited Historian. Fred Farley sent in a
review of the racing season's highlights for 2005 in the Unlimited Hydroplanes. He discusses the highlights and low
lights of the season in a gripping and interesting fashion. If you want this article, contact Fred and request a copy.
He can be reached at fredf44@hotmail.com.
-----------------------------------------
13) Bill John sent in the following concerning the first boat race in Massachusetts which was documented to be in
1652, see: http://www.vintageraceboatshop.com/R...EarlyYears.htm
14) Aloha; Thanks for the news. I really appreciate you doing that. Carl Thornhill Readers: Carl Thornhill
is one of the Boat Racers Reunion Honorees. He built his own boats and raced them. He now resides in Hawaii.
-----------------------------------------
15) Bakersfield had a great turnout of Nostalgia boats, in fact all boats for that matter. I was out in the
Patrol boat. The Nostalgia Jet class made their debut at Bakersfield, and even though they only had 3
boats, they looked good, and have a strong potential for class growth. If anybody knows of any drivers
possibly interested in competeting in this class contact me at jrpm@npgcable.com. I will be attending the
SCSC meeting this coming Wednesday, March 29th, and they will be asking me for a boat count for Parker
this April, so please reply with your name, class(es), and days racing. As always, anybody can attend these
meetings, but if you can not, and would like me to forward any questions and/or concerns please let me
know, and I will be happy to do so. A few of our drivers have decided to play a little with the "Big Dogs."
Jim Best and Bart Cromwell raced in the GN class, and Shane Hall and Dave Chandler raced in the Pro
Stock class at Bakersfield. All did very well, and showed everybody that even though the Nostalgia guys
are limited in speed, we ain't limited in talent! I will have the official Nostalgia points results from Bakers-
field for you all soon. (Jim Rich)
------------------------------------------
16) For Ron Suttell, from Steve Compton: The Museum does not have any fixed schedule for testing any of
the hulls. The cost for a 2-3 hour session on Lake Washington is approx $7000 (fuel, insurance, permits,
rescue boats and personnel, crane, etc). The Museum has numerous expenses, and needs to limit them to
committed events. This year the ONLY firm commitments are the Gold Cup in Detroit and Tri-Cities. The
DRRA has slotted time (and money) for the Museum to bring the ’82 ATLAS and ’80 BUD back to run a
demonstration. As for the other Vintage hulls: ’62 BARDAHL-Dixon is still finishing up the Merlin and hopes he
can run her this year. ’59 BARDAHL-There is no crew working on her and no funds to get her ready. She
needs some TLC before she could be launched again. ’55 THRIFTWAY-follow the weekly updated progress
at www.missthriftway.com. ’57 THRIFTWAY TOO-see the WWW.missthriftway.com website. ’56 WAHOO-
Rumor has it that Bill Boeing Jr is trying to put something together, BUT…if that does not happen, Alan
McDonough is working with the Thriftway group and plans to construct either a WAHOO or SHANTY
replica as soon as the THRIFTWAY project wraps up. ’58 MISS SPOKANE-still living in Spokane. Since
this is one of the 4 sister ships (THRIFTWAY, WAHOO, SPOKANE, SHANTY), it is rumored that Boeing Jr’s
group is trying to get it to turn into the WAHOO. ’63 EXIDE-Since this hull only ran in 2 races before it was
destroyed, I assume you’re referring to the WAHOO hull that ran as the EXIDE. I have not heard any talk
of an EXIDE hull (maybe Alans?). Both the Stoen brothers have passed on. ’57 HAWAII KAI cowling- Do
you know where it is? ’51 SLO MO V-I was one of the fortunate ones who crewed the V back in Detroit
in 2004. The Museum was asked to bring her back and we did a couple of demonstration runs. Unfortun-
ately, as happens with 60 year old equipment, the engine went away (cracked cylinder) before race day and
we were not able to do much except take a bunch of pictures of fans sitting in the hull. The engine still needs
to be re-built. It’s still down at the Museum on display (WITH the cowling attached!). Seafair, Inc. does a
fantastic job of putting on the event each year. The one thing they do, however, is shun the Museum. David
Williams is in constant contact with Seafair, and is continually negotiating so we can run the boats. The
response in past years has been, “you guys are not the show.” Seafair feels they can run the event success-
fully without the Vintage Unlimiteds. I’m sure that’s true. BUT…it’s these vintage boats that created Sea-
fair, and it seems that some respect should be paid to them each and every time Seafair happens! Sure,
Seafair is now being run by business oriented imports (non Washingtonians), who need to show others that
they know what they are doing to raise money. They don’t have the memories of the old boats, the noise,
the smoke, the spray, the open cockpits, etc…they know the hair-driers (turbines) and the BUD (the RED
one). Seattle has grown up, and a lot of people seem to think the hydro race is a thing of the past, but if
you disagree, you need to let the folks at Seafair know about your disappointment in not seeing the old
boats. Steve Compton
-----------------------------------------------
17) Great newsletter as usual! Contact the Hydroplane & Raceboat Museum, Seattle, to confirm testing
dates for the restored unlimiteds. The Museum's phone number is 206-764-9453. David Williams, our
Executive Director is in on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Our website is www.thunderboats.org.
(Dick Bowne)
18) Hi everyone. I was writing a note to all us old types who knew and dealt with ol' Mad Dog (Ron Bolton).
WHAT A GUY, I always had second thoughts about calling him on any violations, he seemed like the kind
of guy who would carry the whole darn boat over to the judges stand and give me hell, but in fact he was
a real nice guy and one hell of a driver. I will miss him and his intensity at the races. He was another true
character of our K boat history, may he rest in peace. Jim Codling Jim: I never had the chance to meet
Bolton, but I did talk to him on the phone. If he thought you were wasting his time he hung up, but if he thought you
were seriously interested, then you had his attention.
-------------------------------------------------
19) "I'm not a boat racer." (name kept confidential) If you would like to have me remove your name from the
newsletter lists, just let me know. Boat racing fans send me email addresses of their friends and teammates and
sometimes err in just whom they think will enjoy the newsletter. If it is bothersome, just let me know and I will
delete your name and apologize for the inconvenience...editor
20) I would like to thank Richard for all the information and time that goes into the news letter. Secondly
I was wondering who is the "I" under the item #2? of the #30 news letter? I, "me", am wondering if you
ran against Johnny White in the BLACK MAGIC"? I have one of Bob Conn's fiberglass copies of Johnny's
wooden BLACK MAGIC, which was an International hull. The international was a copy of the Lauterbach
hull. My Boat is the Fiberglass BLACK MAGIC. A second hull, MISS MIAMI, is in the state of Washington
and owned by Mr. Bonnet. I have a picture of a BLACK MAGIC at the Marine Stadium but do not know
if it is the wood version or fiberglass. If you have any information on my boat, I would appreciate hearing
from you! Thanks, Jim Thompson "BLACK MAGIC" 215-643-1706 jwtbnt@hotmail.com Jim: The
person who wrote the letter was Mike Waters.
--------------------------------------------------
21) I agree, Fred’s (Farley) insistence in capitalizing the names of the boats is a GREAT one, and a habit I
think I’ll adopt also. Thank you for the kind words. I know it’s a long shot to get Seafair to change their
mind, but who knows, maybe, just maybe, if enough people let them know the vintage boats ARE important
to them, and they are really enjoyed during race day, Seafair might not give David the brush off and offer
him a spot in Genesee Park to display the boats rather than a pit slot where they can be launched and run.
By the way, I spoke to Dixon today at the Antique and Classic Boat Society Garage tour at Ike Kielgass'
and he told me that he is hoping to get the ’62 Bardahl launched this Spring. He still needs to finish the
Merlin and tie up some loose ends, but he indicated they are verrry minor. If you could modify my reply to
read: ’62 BARDAHL-Dixon is still finishing up the Merlin and hopes he can run her this year. Thanks! Steve
Compton Steve: the change was made.
22) Folks think we can just throw these things (vintage old racing boats) in the water and they'll run like
they used to. You and I know that's not so. We pamper these old gals and treat them very gently. Keep
up the great work. (Dick Bowne)
----------------------------------------------------
23) ...thank you for letting us know about the passing of Ron Bolton. Again, thanks for the work you do for
us ALL! Hope to see you soon-Michael Doll "Lap Dance #707" Michael: send me the racing schedule for
the Jet Boat (NJBA) group so that I can publish it. Some of the nicest and hardest working guys I've met run
those Jets, and those exciting Cracker Boxes.
24) Fred Farley has written another one of his unparalleled artices, WELCOME BACK, BILLY SCHUMACHER!
Farley is the ABRA Unlimited Historian, and his writing style is clear and focused and you can see the hours upon
hours of research that he devotes in order to tell the history and story of Unlimited Hydroplane racing. For a copy,
contact Fred at fredf44@hotmail.com and request your copy.
----------------------------------------------------

1) Newsletter #31, comment #7 sent me back to LBMS (Long Beach Marine Stadium) AGAIN. MANY boats
wound up on the rocks (pit/tower side) & the beach (tote board) side. The tote board was the state of the
art digital (light bulb) scoring board mounted on top of the restrooms on the east (oil well) side. How 'bout
a Rayson-Craft SK in a pickup bed just off the north turn. You also had to dodge the occasional "flying
fish" thrown up with the roostertails. Both witnessed by my own self on more than one occasion. Also add
Carlsbad to your list of boat race sites. The locals didn't like it there either. (Don Rudy) Don: The local
residents didn't like the boat racers, or the boat racers didn't like Carlsbad Lagoon?
2) 1926 Irwin Cup on Lake Winnipesaukee was started by James R. Irwin, according to Bill John. See the
following article at http://www.vintageraceboatshop.com/R...story-1926.htm
---------------------------------------
3) APRIL 2006, SOA (Seattle Outboard Association) PIT PREVIEWS Newsletter.
April 29/30, Columbia River, Bridgeport, WA May 13/14, Inboard Lawrence Lake,
May 20/21, Kitsap Lake, Bremerton, WA May 27/28/29, Willamette River, Newberg, OR,
June 10, Silver Lake, Everett, WA June 24/25, Cullaby Lake, Astoria, OR,
July 8/9, Scooteney Reservoir, Connell, WA July 21/22/23, Capitol Lake, Olympia, WA,
August 19/20, Silver Lake, Eatonville, WA September 2/3/4, Warden Lake, Warden, WA,
September 8/9/10, Lawrence Lake, Yelm, WA September 30/October 1, Moses Lake, Moses Lake WA,
October 14, D-Lake Kilos Lincoln City, OR (John Paramore)
4) The Winnipesaukee Power Boat Association (WPBA) was started in January, 1927. Bill John sends in the
following story at http://www.vintageraceboatshop.com/R...story-1927.htm
----------------------------------------
5) The Eileen Crimmin project is called, The Hydroplane Historical Research Data Base Project. It has
races (Gold Cups, Seafair's, Detroit Memorial's, President's Cups, Harmsworth's, Mapes Mile High, Sahara Cup,
and much more of whatever year is available). It also includes ANY Limited material listed by classes, drivers,
limited articles, by writters (Zimmerman, Harrison, Fageol, Farley, Knight, Dowdal, LeDuc, etc). A lot of
the information is on DVD-R in Slo mo, 52 test run with a bit of the 1952 Gold Cup, and the 1959 Launching of
U-60 at the Jones' home and the 1959 Gold Cup. (Ned Crimmin, archivist)
6) Where was Ski Land located? Jim Dawson Jim: Somewhere in Riverside County on the way to Perris
Auto Speedway, off Van Buren Street as close as I can remember. Maybe the old NDBA guys will write back
and let you know. The drag boat guys loved it because it was shallow. It was an irrigation ditch that they dredged
wider and deeper and filled with water. They ran some good times there but it cost them a lot of money to keep
refilling the channel with irrigation water, which wasn't lined to keep the water from draining away.
-----------------------------------------
7) Larry Zubrick passed away on March 15. Larry was involved with Drag Boats and Drag Racing not to
mention working with Hot Rod Clubs in Southern California. He was a budding California artist in the
1960s. Larry became well known throughout the southwest for his vibrant t-shirt illustrations, especially in
the world of boat and drag racing. He designed the original California Surf Shirt and in 1985 opened
Zubrick T-Shirts. (Pattie Frost)
8) Thanks for the great job you do. Glen Stoen died within the past 60 days here in Seattle. One day I will
send you the history of LIL 'SQUIRT. Thanks again, Bryce McDonald
-----------------------------------------
9) NJBA (National Jet Boat Association) RACE SCHEDULE; All race dates are at Lake Ming in Bakersfield,
CA-April 22-23, June 24-25, Sept 16-17, Oct 21-22, Nov 18-19. IHBA RACE SCHEDULE-Phoenix/
Firebird, AZ April 29-30, and Red Bluff, CA, May 27-28. (Michael Doll, LAP DANCE #707)
10) Aloha All; Don't forget that my e-mail address changes on the 1st. Remember to change your address
books. Carl & Dottie Thornhill Carl and Dottie: Thank you for the update. A reminder to everyone, when
you change your email address be sure to inform the editor at the newsletter.
------------------------------------------
11) Thanks for your informative news letter! I used to race in the NDBA in the 1970's; also raced at
Oakland Marine Stadium, Firebird, Turlock, and Red Bluff to name a few. Keep up the good work.
Mike Stevens "BLOOD, SWEAT AND NITRO."
12) My son occasionally goes up to a lodge on a lake near or on Ross lake, which he has to travel to by a cat-
amaran. This catamaran is the one Ron Jones made and I built for him in the 50's. The owner of the lodge
is very interested in getting the blueprints of catamaran and expressed a willingness to pay for a copy of
them. Would anyone know if they are still in existance. Thanks, Mel Vanden Berg vandenberg@crosspaths.net
Readers: Does anyone know where the plans for the catamaran may be?
-------------------------------------------
13) ...take me off your list... I'm not a boatracer. GF GF: Done.
14) Bridge to Bridge, July 21-23, Old Town Sacramento, will feature classic jets and v-drives on display and
showing their stuff on the water. Drag boat demos will thunder and nostalgia racing will run its course in
front of 30,000 spectators. A new format of parallel "water course racing" will thrill both participants and
spectators alike. Contact Chris Ayres at www.pokerrunswest.com, chrisayres@sbcglobal.net or call 916-
652-7022. (Chris Ayres)

Editor's notes: If you want to be removed from the list, please let me know. The newsletter is voluntary and the
sources come from the boat racing community. We take no ads, but will run your news, current, or nostalgic. The
intent is to keep the boat racing community up to date about topics not normally discussed in magazines, websites
or newspapers. All notices are reported. Please keep them as short as you can. Thank you.
------------------------------------------
1) Regarding Mike Stevens BLOOD, SWEAT and NITRO, that boat hauled some serious butt!!! Hey Mike,
where are Varian and Deaver these days. Any knowledge/guess? Last time I heard Varian was still in the
paint business up in Washington State. No clue on Gene. I'm probably not the only one that would like to
know where he is. Don Rudy (COLOR ME GONE #1, #2, #3 and #4) Don: when I was with the Boat Racers
Reunion I was also trying to find Deaver. He received a lot of votes for the Honorary Awards Program but never
made it to the top three. He would have though. A lot of racers deserved recognition and we honored 93 people
in the 3 years that we gave out our awards.
2) Ken Warby, the Fastest Man on Water at 317.60 MPH is at http://www.kenwarby.com/pre_intro1.htm. (Bill John)
-------------------------------------
3) Just a note to say hi and tell you what a great job you are doing and how much Bud enjoys your news-
letters. Joan Denver/Meyer Readers: Bud Meyer was honored as an engine builder at the 2006 Boat Racers
Reunion. He is a master boat and car mechanic and engine builder and the nephew of Indy 500 great Louie Meyer.
Joan Denver was a long time sponsor and supporter of the Boat Racers Reunion from 2000-2006.
4) See http://www.vintageraceboatshop.com/Tinker.htm for Dave Yeager's TINKER, a Jersey Speed Skiff being
built for Bob Mueller is at (Bill John)
-------------------------------------
5) Hi, wanted to let you know that David Sowins passed away on Saturday, April 1, 2006. He and his wife,
Ellen, were living in Astoria, Oregon. Dave was in a home after a stroke a few years back. Dave attended
schools in Los Angeles, California. He was a Los Angeles City firefighter for 26 years and also was a partner
in the high performance engine business with Paul Pfaff. It was Pfaff & Sowins in Torrance, California. He
was one of the founding members of the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA). A memorial will be held
later in Los Angeles. Memorial contributions in lieu of flowers may be made to the Clatsop Care Center in
care of Hughes/Ransom Cremation and Mortuaries, 576 12th Street, Astoria, Oregon, 97103, or the Los
Angeles City Fire Department Widows and Orphans Fund. Paul Pfaff Readers: Paul Pfaff was honored
by the Boat Racers Reunion for his work in engine building for the boat racing community.
6) The Vintage Race Boat OBSESSION with photos is at http://www.vintageraceboatshop.com/Obsession8.htm.
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7) APRIL 2006, SOA (Seattle Outboard Association) PIT PREVIEWS Newsletter. Scooteney Reservoir, and
Warden Lake are in roughly, the same area. Warden Lake is between Othello and Moses Lake, just East of
Potholes Reservoir, off Hwy 17. Because of water control Safety, and Security issues at Scooteney, there is a
strong possibility that the race may shift to Warden Lake, which is Private and more secure and may move to the
labor day weekend. Dick Rautenberg told members that Jan Shaw has the paperwork set up for on-line sub-
mission. Bridgeport this year promises to be a bigger event, and will include all OPC classes, AOF racers out of
Spokane and PRO 500 Sprint Hydro. He expects a great event. (John Paramore)
8) APBA Vintage Race Boat Circuit regattas are at http://www.vintageraceboatshop.com/A...ageCircuit.htm.
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9) The Hydroplane Historical Research Data Base Project is almost done. There is a section called, "Tributes
and Dedications to Bob Carver and Eileen Crimmin." I have received tributes from Fred Farley, Bill Schum-
acher, Ron Jones Sr, Chuck Lyford, Jerry Schoneith, Dave Williams, and others. Please send your tribute
to me. I need these items as soon as possible to keep on schedule for the debut of this data base at Hydro Fever
on May 27. At present the data base covers the years from 1950 thru the early 70's, and is crossed referenced by
races, drivers, owners, crew members, hydros, writers, runabouts, offshore, enduro, drags and much more. You
can order the entire data base or just what you are interested in. The Project includes the work of Eileen Crimmin
and the new Keith Halva Memorial section. I have just recently received a huge photo collection. Whoever made
these books kept everything, even between races, and articles from out of area races. A wonderful addition to my
mother's material. I will also be receiving some Harmsworth material. Email Ned Crimmin at khabt114@att.net
10) See the Lake George events at http://www.vintageraceboatshop.com/LakeGeorge-2006.htm. (Bill John)
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11) If any jetboaters would like to be in The Wall of Water, see www.banderlog.com. You must attend a
practice session before the day of the event. Sign in on Banderlog and you will be contacted. It was a huge
success last year. A big roostertail is a plus for this event. It is a correographed display of roostertails, thus,
The Wall of Water. There are pics of last years event on the website. (Jetman)
12) Vintage Newsletter, see http://www.vintageraceboatshop.com/A...ering-2006.htm, put
out by Bill John. A very interesting newsletter with photos of vintage boats and racing. (Bill John 603-569-5824)
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13) Your newsletter gets more interesting. I thought I might add a few shot's that may be of interest. The
Hispano Suiza V-12, 1850 C.I. is in for custom CNC Z-Drive and transmission and the engine in the back-
ground is a Liberty V-12 1650 C.I. which was just finished for the owners with the same type drive train.
Both going in 1920's and 30's restoration. The hull is a 1963 Rayson Craft that I built with a Ford Aluminum
1100 C.I. V-8 for the Salton Sea race and ran it in the Lake Berryessa marathon in 1964 (3rd place), and
Salton Sea race with twin Ford 427 MR Ford's coupled together in 1965. I Sold it in 1965 and just traded
a boat for it in March 2006. I will be restoring it soon. John Sofilos, Unlimited Marine, Clearlake, CA.
John: the photos that you sent are great. The boat, SO RARE, has a yellow bottom, and blue top trim. Will you
change the paint scheme? Editor's notes: John Sofilos sent in some old pictures of his 20' Rayson 1100 CI Tank,
to contact John to see the boat, email him at unlimar@mchsi.com. The original had a white bottom and red deck.
Very impressive engine.
14) ACBS Chapter http://www.necacbs.org/Calendar.htm (Bill John)
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15) BILL MUNCEY'S greatest season, by Fred Farley. For Fred's article on the late Bill Muncey, and to learn
more about this great hydroplane racer, contact Fred at fredf44@hotmail.com and request an emailed copy.
16) SCSC/APBA Racing in April at Parker. It is nice to know that the Nostalgia Class are being thought of by these
manufacturers. They are all stepping up with something for our race at Parker, Arizona, on April 22-23, 2006. We
will have a veriety of classes, including Nostalgia Flat, Nostalgia Endurance and Nostalgia Jet. There will be Pro
Stocks, SuperStocks, K-Boats, Crackerboxes and even some OBs and PWCs. Come out and enjoy the races at
the Bluewater Casino Resort. Some of the Nostalgia Racing classes sponsors are Aggressor Jet Drives, Hi-Tech
Performance, ARS Marine, and Triad Performance Marine. Triad is a distributor of Bully Dog, Get Real, MSD
Ignitions, Edge Propjet, IMCO, Gaffrig Performance, etal. (Jim Rich, jrpm@npgcable.com, 928-704-1858)
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