Chiro III F-89, High Winder F-71, Miss Ottawa F-53 and Chevrolier F-222, Chiro Too F-93 and High Winder II, N-71
In the 1950s, Mitch ‘Doc J’ and Mitch Jabczenski, Sr. were Chiropractors in the Detroit area and were very active in hydroplane racing. The father and son team purchased two hydros: a 266 class Lauterbach (photo above) and the other hydro was a Les Stadaucher built 266 hull, using Ted Jones plans from their friend, Bill Muncey. They campaigned both boats together under the names, Chiro Too and Chiro III for a few years.
Interestingly, both boats were sold to Ed Morgan and he campaigned them under the names: High Winder and High Winder II. He later sold the Lauterbach, but kept the Stadaucher/Jones and it was converted to a 225 (N) class and went on to be very successful boat earning two National High Point Championships and setting a competition speed record.
The Lauterbach was sold and a couple of years later, it had the misfortune of hitting a submerged log in Madison 1963, Phil Kunz and another photographer caught the entire flip.
Together both boats had interesting Owners, Drivers, and racing careers: Read the story on the Stadaucher/Jones hull here and read the story on the Lauterbach hull here.
Love of racing Hydroplanes
Both of these drivers had unfortunate racing accidents, however they kept on racing.
From Jay Marshall: It is my understanding that the 48 cu. In. hydro Ranger’s Pup was built by Kenny along the same plans as his 225 Ranger. An interesting side note is that the Ranger’s Pup was bought by a gentleman from the New Orleans area named Earl Bridges. Earl kept the name but painted the boat orange with a black engine cowl. I remember the boat very well because my uncle, who raced 48s for 12 years (1958-1970) never beat that boat. Earl later had another 48 called Whose Excited, Y-44 that was orange and white. Earl was always testing this boat before the races, and it looked good on the water, but somehow seemed to fizzle out come race time. Earl was kind of the nervous sort and a perfectionist, thus the name Whose Excited.
MIAMI BELLE II A-37
A historic page put together for MIAMI BELLE II A-37 and added to our boats page. The hydro was campaigned by Jack McMahon who was sadly killed doing what he loved…racing hydroplanes. You will also see pics of Jack’s best friend Paul Flohn, driving his ROWDY A-36. Check out the history.
Unlimited NewsJournal Current Issue
Unlimited NewsJournal monthly issue.
Great story on the last crewman.