West Coast Boat Racers Reunion 2003


We had about 9 boats Thursday and Friday. Those two days were peaceful and quiet and the 30 or so that showed up those days got in a lot of reminisching about the good old days. Allan and Ruth Ford bought a great display of photos on a board. The NJBA was represented by Mike Doll and his brother. Bill Fauntleroy and his two sons came from the river and brought their huge display trailer. Buck Smith sold pins at our own sales booth. Saturday was the big reunion day and about 300 people showed up. Joe Guess came, and he and Bob Sykes and his family took part in the awards ceremony. Bob Garner, Fred Iaia, Roberta Nichols, and John Ridgely emceed the presentations and the committee awarded 37 plaques to those being honored. Believe me, Bob and his committee did a great job. Steve McElroy raised the funds from some very generous sponsors. They had to choose from over 400 people and it wasn't easy paring down the list to just 37. Each and every honoree richly deserved the recognition that they received. The 2003 Boat Racers Reunion Committee's list of honorees for this years reunion:
"Sanger" Jack Davidson, 
Rich Hallett Sr, 
Leo Wildman,
Eric "Rick" Rickman, 
Roberta Nichols Yakel, 
Laurie Roberts, 
Keith Black, 
Louie Unser,
Dave Zeuschel, 
Bob Ellis, 
Ed Olson, 
Wes Knudsen, 
Hallcraft Marine, 
Ron Larsen,
Glenwood Marine, 
Rod Zapf, 
Ernie and Andy Casale, 
Norm Wilson, 
Tony Maricich,
Leroy Penhall,
Allan Ford, 
Tom D'Eath, 
Kenny St Oegger, 
Mickey Remund, 
Rudy Ramos, 
Joe Mandella,
Fred Wickens, 
Nick Barron, 
Al Lavey, 
Howard Brown, 
Larry Schwabenland,
Ray Caselli,
Dwight Bale, 
Buzz Coats, 
Robert "Buck" Smith, 
Dan Durham 
Don Damron. 
(from Don Edwards, Bob Garner, John Sherin and Harlan Orrin)

We had about 25-30 boats, and other display vehicles on Saturday, including three cars, Ron and Mable Henderson's "Lady Dragon," Andy Casale's blue/white Midget, three display trailers (enclosed), and Bob Garner's black Caddie. I won't even try to say which of the boats was the best, but we had some fine boats on display.  Tom D'Eath pulled in Sid Street's old boat, Z-Z-Zip F-4 and then went to Vic Edelbrock's and brought back the Lauterback Wa-Wa too. Harlan Orrin brought an unrestored hull to contrast with the really refinished other boats. SCMA is happy with our impact, stating their attendance is up 20% over last year in a tough market. John and Betty Sherin brought their huge display of photos that took up 30 feet of display tables. Rich Hallett, Jr donated a large collection of photos and letters from his father, and John Sherin and Harlan Orrin put them in display covers. After reading some of them, you could feel the 1950's and 60's come alive again. Just an awesome collection. Harlan brought photos of how he builds boats at his boat yard, the old fashioned way, one boat at a time using the skills of a master boat builder, and you could picture a treasured and respected ancient trade as it is still practiced today. Harlan's uncle, Ernie, bought the Mandella Boat Company, so the art is still alive for the old woodies. I hope I haven't left out anything, or anyone, but I probably have. I've heard only good compliments and nobody got hurt, and everyone seemed to be in no hurry to leave.  A great big thanks for everyone who came and who helped to make this another great reunion. Richard N Parks

This was a very well organized event. I did see Allan Ford (S-56 - US-1 Lanky), and Bobby Sykes Jr.  (his Dad is a great driver and engine builder) and Roberta Nichols (BFH Witch With A B).  There were quite a few old drag boat racers present; I just don't know them because I ran circle races not drags.  Pat Roach ("Doc" Roach's son) was there as was Larry Hicks (Ray Hicks' son).  Pat Roach still has several of his Dad's 150 cu in hydros.  I raced against Ray Hicks (48 cu in hydro Flied Lice) in 1967.  Also present were Rich Hallet Jr and Rudy Ramos and Tom D'Eath and Harlan Orrin.  Drag Boaters in addition to Roberta Nichols included Bob Garner (Lil Ski Mer) and Larry Schwabenland.  Equipment manufacturers included Kent and Bill Fauntleroy of Lifeline, Keith Black's son and grandson Ken and Kyle Black, Rich Hallet Jr., Rudy Ramos, and Andy Casale. Some of these guys were also great drivers too. We towed the Full House Mouse to the show and thoroughly enjoyed the day. All photographs and the above report by Bob Foley.

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