WINDJAMMER is featured in this month’s WANTED POSTER over at Phil Kunz Photography website.
Chiro and Chiro Too
My name is Jim Jabczenski. I am the son of Mitch (Doc J) Jabczenski. My father and my Grandfather (Mitch Sr.) were Chiropractors in the Detroit area and where very active with the program in the late 1940s, up to 1963. They had 3 boats that they campaigned through those years.
I did see a picture of the first boat and I know they burned it in a field because it was so heavy and not competitive, so they purchased the next 2 boats:
F-89 Chiro and driven by Bud James (Bud was my Dad’s Mechanic). Bud James was been mentioned in your Phil Kunz’s book for breaking the 100mph in -F-89 and is the person in the photo being lifted from the crane (F-89).
F-93 Chiro Too was purchased from his friend Bill Muncey (F-222)
If anyone has any other photos or other info to share, please do not hesitate to contact me. Jim Jabczenski
RC – Stingray
I’ve attached a picture of an RC boat that was sold years ago by Enforcer boats. According to them, it was “scaled after a 2.5 Pinto powered 18’ hydroplane.” I have 2 of these.
Does anyone recognize this hull? I’m trying to get some documentation on it to start a new racing class.
Thank you for your time, I really enjoy your site!
George McDonnell
Madison Vintage Thunder
PRESS RELEASE – Upcoming Sports Event
Announcing the second annual “Madison Vintage Thunder” – hydroplanes in Madison, Indiana.
A group of Vintage Hydroplane owners formed a club called “5ToThe5” that will put on the second annual “Madison Vintage Thunder”. Come to see these refurbished hydroplanes that raced over the years and are now on the water again with the roar of the engines, and water “roostertails” flying high in the air.
With support of the Madison community, the group obtained the A.P.B.A. sanctioning necessary to sponsor vintage hydroplanes on the Ohio River. The event sponsors are expecting between 40 to 50 hydroplanes to provide spectators with hours of hydroplane action on the water. There will be Unlimited hydroplanes, and several classes of vintage limited raceboats on display and providing action on the water.
Additionally, on the shore there will be a vintage car show, including a Corvette club. On Saturday evening there will be live bands performing music on the riverfront. Food vendors and activities for the kids will be on hand for a complete “Family Oriented Event”.
Honored at this event:
The late Graham Heath, former owner of the Miss Kentuckiana Paving hydroplane. Graham Heath was also the lead mechanic on the very first Miss Madison hydroplane back in the 1960’s.
The late “Wild” Bill Cantrell will be honored as the former Gold Cup winning driver of the My Sweetie and driver of the Miss Kentuckiana Paving. Bill Cantrell also was an Indianapolis 500 auto driver and his “Indy” car will be on display on the riverfront.
Ken Warby, the “Fastest Man on Water”. In 1978, Ken Warby set the World’s Speed Record on water with a speed of 317.58 MPH. Madison Mayor Damon Welch will be giving the “Key to the City” to Ken Warby as this will be the last event Mr. Warby will be driving. Ken plans on retiring from raceboat driving this event in Madison. Ken’s future plans are to go to Australia to assist his son, David, who is building a hydroplane currently in an attempt to beat the worlds speed record on water currently held by his father.
Everyone is invited to Madison, Indiana on both Saturday and Sunday, September 23th and 24th.
Admission is FREE TO THE PUBLIC – (donations will be accepted).
For additional information: http://www.5tothe5.com or
https://www.facebook.com/5tothe5vintagehydros/ or by calling
812-571-0330
Wheeling Vintage Raceboat Regatta
Margaret Myers catching some serious air in Phil Kunz’s Helter Skelter Sunday afternoon at Wheeling Vintage Raceboat Regatta.
Photo by Keith Koether.
Monthly Calendars
The rest of the 2017 Monthly Calendars are posted. Thanks to Phil Kunz for submitting photos to use!
Bill Pearson
In case anyone hasn’t heard or read, Bill Pearson was tragically killed running his Edelweiss GP-444 last weekend at Rideau Ferry vintage event. Bill was from Minnesota.
Bill had Larry Lauterbach build him the Edelweiss hull a few years back. Click on the Edelweiss name above to see pics as the hull was being built.
The opening pic on the website was taken in 1975 of Bill by Phil Kunz.
Bill also owned 2 different Walter Milosovich built hulls that he campaigned for many years under the name – Bull Of The Woods.
RIP Bill Pearson