Miss DeSoto II – driver inquiry


Sally Shaffer writes in and wants to know if anybody knows anything on this boat and her father’s career driving it for Buddy Byers.
Click on Sally’s name to send her an email or reply here.

Note from the Editors:
Al Shaffer is driving Miss DeSoto II, H-34– a Rich Hallett built hull.
The hydro in the background is more than likely – Miss DeSoto III, H-33 – a Henry Lauterbach built hull (and a very early one at that).
Race site is Columbus, Ohio on the Scioto River.
If anyone has a photo of the very first, Miss DeSoto, we certainly would like to see it.

Sonny’s Toy 1978

Sonny’s Toy CE-50            1978 Beauharnais, Quebec Regatta.

Owner/Driver was Brent Nixon of Summerstown, Ontario.
Ron Jones 280 hydroplane
(also featured this pic in February’s monthly calendar)

Black Lake Regatta 2017

WANTED POSTER

Over at Phil Kunz’s website a new WANTED poster is posted.

Monthly Calendars

Happy New Year! 
Monthly calendars will once again be available for 2018. I only have January’s done for now. If the APBA V&H folks send me a schedule of their 2018 events this year, I will mark those dates on the calendars.

Ken Warby

Ken Warby receives from Dan and Debbie Joseph THE HENRY E. LAUTERBACH EXCELLENCE IN POWER BOAT RACING award last September at the Wheeling Vintage Race Boat Regatta.


 Ken Warby has held the World Water Speed record since 1978 when he drove his Spirit of Australia boat to 317 mph. That’s 40 years (in 2018) that he has held that record!

Ken Warby brought the World Record Speed trophy. There is some impressive names etched into that trophy.
So great that everyone got to see this historical trophy.

The Spirit of American Boat Racing – The Jersey Speed Skiff

The Spirit of American Boat Racing – The Jersey Speed Skiff is a story of how the returning veterans of WWII, the every day guy, took the boat racing world by storm and away from the rich and famous that held it for many years. There are many old pictures included in the book from the 1920s thru the late 1980s.
The price is $20.
John D Brighton Sr.
720 D High Point Blvd.
Fort Pierce, Florida 34982

The book is also being distributed through
Jack Lowe (732) 576-5015
#1 Ralph St., Sea Chest Condominium
Highlands, New Jersey 07732

UNLIMITED NewsJournal

The December issue of the UNLIMITED NewsJournal is now online.
The latest issue features our exclusive Season Review – A recap of the H1 racing season, statistical summary, and photos from the events.

THE 2017 SEASON REVIEW: A year of few races, small fields, and close competition by Andy Muntz.

From the UNJ VAULT – An interview with Ole Bardahl – PART TWO
One of the sport’s most successful boat owners talks about the triumphs and tragedies of his Miss Bardahl race team in the 1960s.

HydroFile Report – Race Team News from Lon Erickson

Our editor’s view in Andy Muntz’s My $0.02 Worth

From our team at the UNLIMITED NewsJournal to all our readers, we wish you a Happy Holiday Season and a prosperous New Year🎄❄🎉
There is always breaking news on the UNLIMITED NewsJournal website and our facebook page, so check back often.