CHALLENGES:
Hank Langsenkarnp of Ft. Lauderdale, FL is looking for one of his Steelers, a Racencraft SK raceboat. If you can help, his number is (954) 351-3009. 
I am looking for any member of Sid Street's family. Sid was an Inboard racer from the Kansas City area. If you have any info call me at (941) 792-7554. 
We are looking for information on what happened to Don McDonald's Colorflame, a Canadian 150 cubic inch hydroplane, or Fred Brouse's Miss Valleyfield, a 280-ci Schroeder hydro. 
Bill Steinfield is looking for pictures of the S-186, a Sooy Inboard hydro. {843) 237-1615. 

EVENTS:
Jan 31 -Feb 2, 2002 Seattle, WA APBA National meeting 
August 9 -10th, 2002 Lake George, NY Vintage Powerboat Regatta 
August 16 -18, 2002 Clayton, NY Antique Raceboat Regatta 

BOB MOORE'S EAST COAST REPORT: 
Wolftboro, NH. This quaint small New England town located on the southeast shore of Lake Winnipesaukee was the September 22nd site of one of the best Vintage Race Boat events held to date. Wolfeboro was an ideal setting for the event. The town docks, the many fine restaurants and great shopping all added to the weekend festivities. 
Organized and conducted by Hank Why and the "New Hampshire Navy," this "stand alone" Vintage event drew over 45 quality race boats. Several thousand eager race fans saw the Unlimiteds, Grand Prix, Hydros, Jersey Skiffs, Gold Cuppers, Racing Runabouts and many more classes run the mile-and-a-half, well laid out course and enjoyed nearly perfect weather conditions. 
The entire day ran like clockwork, thanks to the many hardworking volunteers. One mishap occurred when Squirt, a California flatbottomed jet drive boat owned and driven by Bill Mehan, hooked a wake and capsized on the far turn. An excellent response by the APBA Region 1 Rescue team led by Brian Small resulted in a quick rescue of the uninjured driver and passenger. The team was also able to salvage the race boat without significant damage. Great job, Rescue One! 
There were many highlights. Walt Struzek looked right at home driving his old Vagabond. Now owned by Steve Lindo, this Sooy conventional 280 hydro looked as good on the water as it did on the trailer. The only thing missing in this great restoration was the "gunsight" that Walt had on the boat. 
Our leader Tom D'Eath had his Wa Wa Too up and running. ..and I mean running. ..Tom came into the corners nearly flat out -it looked as if he could give some of today's race boats a good run. Anyone can drive a race boat, but it takes a real talent to race a race boat. Tom is a racer! 
Tom hooked up with Bill Fisk in the Irishman and put on quite a demonstration. A great show, guys! But remember, no racing, just demonstrations - yeah, right! 
The ever-popular Jersey Skiffs were on hand and the New England crowd loved them. They too put on quite a show, running together, with lots of side-by-side "demonstrating." 
We had Skiffs from as far away as Illinois and South Carolina. Although they're no longer made of wood, these Skiffs are still a great addition to our category. They generate much interest and bring in new APBA members. 
Two of our hydro jockeys, the aforementioned Tom and Bill, took out a Skiff  (bad combination). Hydros won't turn right; skiffs do. In the corners, if you let off the throttle, the nose drops and off to the right you go. There is no controlling it, until the boat is done doing what it wants. Bill, maybe that's why your hydro has training wheels! Anyway, again, no one was hurt, just a little wet and a whole lot wiser. 
Saturday night the owners, drivers and crews were treated to a great party at the New Hampshire Antique & Classic Boat Museum. All were treated to excellent food, great company, super hospitality and strong drinks (right, ladies?). An auction was held to benefit the museum and several thousand dollars were raised. This museum just opened last year and the displays are great. The only problem is that they are running out of room. 
Sunday, thanks to the generosity of several boat owners, new and renewal members of the boat museum were treated to rides in several of the raceboats. Included in this group were several of the skiffs, as well as the Miss Severn, the Obsession and the Miss America VII. The latter three boats, all replica Gold Cuppers, are local. 
The owners really enjoy giving rides and promoting Vintage & Historic boating. Thanks! 
By the way, if you want to see craftsmanship and some really great boats, take a look at these (including Thomas Gibbons' beautifully prepared Endurance) if you get the opportunity. 
As I stated earlier, this was one of the best Vintage events held to date. My hat's off to the committee, to the museum, to the community and all others involved with putting on this first class event. Great job! I know it is a lot of work and planning, but if my say means anything, please make it an annual event. Next year should be even better. 
In light of our country's recent tragedy, I'd like to repeat a story that former Unlimited great Fred Alter told us at the drivers' party at Wolfeboro. Fred had the honor of introducing Mira Slovak into the Motorsports Hall of Fame earlier this year. For those who don't know, Mira Slovak was a jet pilot behind the Iron Curtain. He defected to the West by flying an airliner full of passengers out of Czechoslovakia while being pursued by fighter jets. He evaded the fighters and flew to freedom. After arriving in this country he became Bill Boeing's private pilot and became interested in racing airplanes. He entered and won his first race, the Reno Air Race, which attracted the eye of his boss. Bill Boeing was an Unlimited hydroplane owner. Mira went on to drive Boeing's Miss Wahoo as well as other Unlirniteds and became quite successful in our sport. 
Now, back to the story: After Fred introduced Slovak and Mira had received his award, Fred said: "This has to be your greatest day." Mira replied: "No, my greatest day was when I became an American citizen." Mira's wife had suggested that he read from a card that he was given when he became a citizen. That card was titled, "Why I want to become an American Citizen". Fred said that when Mira was done, there wasn't a dry eye in the audience and they all gave him a standing ovation. This audience, made up of the greatest names in motorsports, gathered long before the terrorist attacks. One can only imagine the reaction today. 
Thanks to APBA and the V& H category, I have met and had the privilege to know most of the heroes I admired growing up. Now, I've got one more to meet; not just a boat racer, but a true hero -Mira Slovak. 

©2001 Tom D'Eath