FAMOUS NAMES OF THE PAST:
Off-Shore powerboat racer, the late Bob Nordskog has been elected to the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America. For more than three decades, Bob Nordskog accumulated victories both on and off the race course. Known as the “Iron Man” of power boat racing, he had more than 150 major victories to his credit in everything from tunnel outboards to Open Class offshore boats. Bob was best known for his role as publisher of Powerboat Magazine. Nordskog was a Past-President of the American Power Boat Association. He also served on numerous committees and commissions in APBA. One of Bob’s concerns was in the area of driver safety. This led him to design a protective helmet that redefined the state of the art in participant safety. Bob’s election to the Motorsports’ Hall of Fame is quite a prestigious honor. Congratulation goes out to the Nordskog family. This award for Bob was long overdue.

NOTES: 
Jeff Magnuson has advised us that a large contingent of New Hampshire vintage members are going to the Valleyfield, Quebec event.
 Mike Edbers from Washington State is looking for a vintage 6 or 7 Litre Lauterbach hydro. If you have any info, contact him at (360) 424-3355. 
 If anyone is interested in a two passenger raceboat, Keith Brayer is trimming down part of his collection. He is interested in selling the unrestored 1951 7 Litre National Champion the Helen M. You can contact Keith at (561) 871-6137.
 Ron Jones Sr. called to tell us that he has the only complete original Ed Morgan 225 cubic inch all aluminum Buick engine for sale.  Contact Ron at (206) 926-6862.
 Tony Sultan of Wayzata, MN asked us whether an obsolete race boat from a discontinued APBA Class, could be considered for vintage? My answer is YES!! I feel that the purpose of our organization is to promote the preservation of our history. Therefore, regardless of whether a racing hull is younger than 20 years old, my opinion is that these craft should be saved for future generations. These boats are more than welcome to be a part of our vintage & historic division. 
 Pearce Massey of Columbus, GA informed us that he has purchased Tom’s Cat, 42-P, a cracker box from Tony Sultan. We know that he will provide a good home for this beautifully restored craft. Pearce also tells us that in his search for a two passenger boat, that he has come across an early 70’s  Ron Jones 280 cubic inch hydro in Tennessee. The photographs that were sent to us, show the boat to be in pretty good shape and fairly original.
 John Shewbrooks Jr. of Waverly, OH tells us that Ruby Schull from Ventnor, NJ has an old 48 flat bottom utility called Mickey Mouse. She may also have an old 225 called Shooting Star. He tells us that he really does not know what a 48 flat bottom utility is.. Kinda before his time. He assumes that it is something like Ed Thompson’s old T-M Special.... John, this 48 flat bottom utility was actually known as the 44 Runabout Class. The T-M Special raced in the C- Racing Runabout Class.

VINTAGE TRIVIA:  Does any member know what Skeeter Johnson’s first name is?  Call us and give us your input. Answer next month.
 If you have a wish for our 1997 wish list, please drop us a line.  If you have any suggestions for the vintage trivia or even a picture for Hot Boat of the Month item, please contact us. We cannot guarantee that we will be able to use your picture right away, but we will guarantee that we will return it to you.

CHALLENGES:
A tip of the hat goes to George Peroni of North Miami, FL. George responded to our challenge. He had a Toyota engine that he donated for the completion of a restoration project. Thanks again George!! 
 Peter Kreissle is looking for a left-handed two blade propeller 10 1/2 x 18 pitch, either a 7/8” or 1” shaft size. His last choice would be a small three blade, 10” diameter with a similar pitch. Anything close to those sizes would be great! Peter at work (941) 355-6795.

RACE SITES:
 May 31 thru June 1 Detroit, Michigan  Chrysler 1997 APBA Gold Cup INVITATION ONLY!  We are down to the wire! Your letters requesting to participate have been coming in slowly. Send your request letter for the Spirit of Detroit Vintage event to: Tom D’Eath 2011 74th St. NW Bradenton, FL 34209 (941)792-7554. 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 V & H are on the schedule. Contact: Marc Rousse at (514) 371-6144.
 July 20th  Sylvan Lake, MI Oakland County Boat Club is holding their 80th Annual Regatta. This is the third year that vintage & historic raceboats are on their program with both flybys and static displays. The City of Sylvan Lake is also celebrating their 50th Anniversary. A good time is guaranteed for all. Contact Bill Hickson at (810) 682-6730.
 August 15 thru 17  Stuebenville, OH    Tentative
 September 6th  Clear Lake, Iowa    Tentative. Contact: Jim Cummings Home Number(612) 391-6280.

VINTAGE HOT BOAT OF THE MONTH: 
Wa Was Too  F-247 This is one of  Bill Ritner’s famous 266 cubic inch hydros driven by Skeeter Johnson of Cambridge, MD. Bill Ritner was one of the winningest Owner/drivers in APBA’s illustrious history. In my opinion, Skeeter Johnson was the best natural talent ever to sit behind the wheel of a hydroplane. This 1963 Lauterbach hull won four National Championships, 6 National High Point Championships and set numerous competition records. This boat’s track record was second to none. Skeeter’s miracle victories over the more powerful 7 Litre hydroplanes was an incredible accomplishment. On numerous occasions, beating the odds, they won Orange Bowl Regattas and early Grand Prix races. None of this would have been accomplished however without the skilled craftsmanship of a finely tuned Walt Stevenson engine.

©1997 Tom D'Eath