NOTES:
A Tip of the Helmet goes out Bill Danforth
and his entire staff at the Clayton NY Antique Boat Museum. We thank them
for their generous donation to the APBA Vintage Division. It just goes
to show that a well-organized event such as the Antique Race Boat Regatta
‘96 can be very enjoyable for both the participants, and the spectators.
At the same time, they raise money to help further promote and develop
interest in Vintage Racing Boats around the country.
It has come to my attention that the
mylar drawings of various racing hulls designed and built at Ron Jones
Marine are for sale. If you have an interest in purchasing any or all of
the plans, contact Ron Jones Jr at (206) 854-0088.
Bob Walters who is wintering at Anna
Marie Island, FL stopped by to let us know that he would like to sell his
assortment of Lauterbach hydroplanes. He is downsizing his collection.
Bob's number is (941) 778-4839.
We need more information for our monthly
articles. If you have a story you would like to share with our readers,
please send it to me. Now, we know that many of you are still involved
in your restoration project. Drop us a line so we can keep our readers
apprised of your progress.
VINTAGE RACERS REDISCOVERED:
Phil Spruit of Isanti, MN has located and purchased
the Moonshine Baby H-54. This is a Ted Jones designed 7 Litre Hydro
originally built and owned by Dal Kramer of Bellevue, Ky. After review
of Phil’s pictures, this writer assisted in the quest to identify the boat.
I was able to pass on Dal’s phone number. Phil is excited about the restoration
project that he is undertaking. According to Phil, there is much work to
be done to the Moonshine Baby hull in order to bring her back to
original condition. Dal Kramer raced 135’s; 280’s and 7 Liter’s in the
1950’s and 1960’s. Kramer like most boat racers of that era, built his
own boats, trailers and racing engines. Dal provided inspiration for many
up and coming young race drivers. He was always available to lend a hand,
give advice and silently promote the sport of inboard power boat racing.
VINTAGE TRIVIA:
Does anyone know when they stopped racing the
marathon event around Manhattan Island for the Harwood Trophy? The winner
collected a $1,000 saving's bond for his or her effort. The regatta was
broken down into Seven Groups. Group one: 7 Liter’s and Unlimited Hydros,
Group Two: 225 Division One and Two. Group Three: 135’s and 91’s. Group
Four: 48 ci Hydros and A, B, & C Racing Runabouts. Group Five: D &
J Racing Runabouts. Group Six: E and I Service Runabouts and Group Seven:
Skiffs.
The for-runner of Grand Prix Racing was
a free-for-all. A free-for-all was the highlight of some regattas. Held
as the last event of the day, a combination of classes were able to compete
against each other. This tradition has disappeared. In my opinion, all
race promoters should revive this custom and bring back the free-for-alls.
CHALLENGES:
Whatever happened to E-54, Moonshine Baby?
This 280 hydro is our Hot Boat of the month. Renamed Mr. Trophy
by the last known owners Wilber Letherman and Carl Ward from Lima, Oh.
They moved to Fox Lake, IL and we assume that the raceboat went with them.
To our knowledge, the boat never raced again after it left Region 6. Could
this hull be a time capsule in a garage waiting to be discovered?
Many thanks to Dave Bartush of the Detroit
Hydroplane Museum and Kent Keogh, who responded to our challenge for pictures
and information on the Lou Fageol So-Long. They sent us photo copies
and information on many of the hydros that the late Lou Fageol named So
Long. We are still looking for additional photographs of the Gold Cup
Hydroplane 10-G So Long.
Several of our members have expressed
an interest in obtaining a vintage racing craft that can hold two people.
Such as a Cracker Box, E or F Service Runabout, Skiff or even an SK or
Super Stock. If you have knowledge of a two-seater race boat, the older,
the better, regardless of its condition, that might fit this bill, drop
me a line. I will pass the information on to those members who are looking
for these specialized Vintage Racing Boats.
WANTED: a 72 cubic inch Toyota Engine
to complete a restoration project.
RACE SITES:
May 31 thru June 1 Detroit, Michigan
Chrysler 1997 APBA Gold Cup Attention!! INVITATION ONLY! If you are
planning to participate in the 1997 Spirit of Detroit Vintage event, you
must send your letter of intent to: Tom D’Eath 2011 74th St. NW Bradenton,
FL 34209 (941)792-7554. The Vintage Coordinator at the Detroit Gold Cup
Regatta will be Mark Edmonson PO Box 85 St. Clair, MI 48079 (810) 329-4292.
Remember this might be your only chance to run on the Historic 2 1/2 mile
Gold Cup Course.
July 4 thru 6 Valleyfield, Quebec
All Classes of Vintage & Historic will be on the schedule for 1997.
Valleyfield will be holding the traditional Inboard and Grand Prix Events.
That alone is worth the trip.
September 6th Clear Lake, Iowa
Tentative Race Site. Contact: Jim Cummings Home Number(612) 391-6280.
RACE PROMOTERS -- Contact us a soon as
possible so that we can help promote your event. Early notification is
a must.
VINTAGE HOT BOAT OF THE MONTH:
Dal Kramer’s Moonshine Baby E-54, a
late 50’s Hallet 280 cubic inch hydroplane. Dal Kramer and Ed Barko
both drove this raceboat. Moonshine Baby was very successful in
Region 6 and 7. Winning many of the Ohio River Races from Louisville, Kentucky
to New Martinsville, West Virginia.
©1997 Tom D'Eath |
