Gene Bird – INJUN RIG

My father raced in the 280 class from 1973 through 1988. He first drove INJUN RIG and then LOCO MOTION. As a member of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes of the Flathead Indian Reservation, he is one of the only Native Americans to have competed in the 280 hydro class. He won a number of races in Montana, Idaho, and Washington. He was a 6-time winner of the Copper Cup Regatta held in Polson, Montana. After retiring from racing when he was 55 years-old he took his boat for a “spin” to celebrate his 60th, 70th and 80th birthdays. His grandson, Clay Bird, is now the owner of LOCO MOTION. Dad was unwilling to have a sponsor for his boat, which meant he put a lot of heart and money into the sport. Many people remember the exciting races held in the Pacific northwest and, in particular, the man who thrilled them driving INJUN RIG and LOCO MOTION.
Sincerely,
William Bird
P.S. Dad is still active on the Flathead Reservation.

Terry Browning flips THE LEGEND Y-15 at Morgan City, Louisiana 2005

APBA inboard races hosted by the New Orleans Power Boat Association on the historic Lake Palourde, Morgan City, LA. Terry goes airborne Saturday and crashes hard, but he works through the night and repairs the boat and on Sunday he is running heats trying to make the finals. All photos taken by Phil Kunz.

Mike Weber flips his hydro at the Eastern Divisionals at Morgan City, Louisiana 2005

During the inboard hydroplane final, Mike Weber driving the E-55 MY WAY was charging fast in the first lap and coming around turn two and his hydro went airborne into a scary back flip. Mike was okay and the hull appeared to come out better than it did in 2004 at Valleyfield. Many thanks to the New Orleans Power Boat Association for putting on this event on historic Lake Palourde.

FAT CHANCE A-25 goes airborne @ Rocky Fork, Ohio 2006

Tommy Thompson and FAT CHANCE A-25 inboard hydroplane goes airborne at Rocky Fork, Ohio in 2006. The flip was captured by photographer Phil Kunz. The driver and hydroplane survived to race another day. Phil told me this is one of the better flip photo sequences he photographed of a hydroplane taking flight.

Propeller Damage pics

Video of photos provided by Phil Kunz of racing accidents and the damage a propeller can do. After you watch the video, if your interested in the “why/how did this happen” aspect, visit the webpage. We’re hoping the read may be insightful for drivers when entering or running the race course. Stay safe.

Ron Jones, Jr. | R.I.P. Tribute

Zippy Pickle

My friend John Marck is building me a JS-77 Zippy Pickle kit to match the JS-78 Flying High he made for me years ago. Master builder for sure.
His Canadian RC club displays at the Buffalo Launch Club vintage show each year.
Bill DeGlopper

Columbus 1960

This photo courtesy of Michelle Nabozny and her Dad, Doug Maykovich.  She writes: “I don’t know why Dad had this picture, but I think I see him in the pic, but in 1960 he would have been almost 16”.  Her father was a premier engine builder so she is wondering if he was working on hydroplane engines.

Race Regatta Program Covers

Drew Herrick sent us 33 New Martinsville Regatta Race Program covers to add to our “Official Race Programs” book (we have almost 325 covers now). I really like this first one he sent from 1953. The Y-333 SHOOTING STAR is a cool boat, cool name, and even his helmet is painted nicely to go with his theme. The Program is kinda neat as it is New Martinsville’s 14th Annual race and they give a tip of the hat by noting A.P.B.A.’s 50th Anniversary on their cover. I also added some other covers that folks have sent us (and a couple of ones we are borrowing from the www). It makes a really neat book seeing all of them together. If you visit, they are arranged by years from oldest to newest.

If you want to see what’s behind those covers, TVH does go more in-depth on some of these Race Programs by scanning/posting the contents an what’s inside on some of these official Race Programs. Those can be found @ https://www.vintagehydroplanes.com/race…/regatta_past.html
This webpage will also include NEWSPAPER & MAGAZINE ARTICLES & FIRST-HAND EYEWITNESS STORIES.