Press Release: “Simply The Greatest”

For immediate press release:
William Oliver “Wild Bill” Buntin raced the Miss Peg in the 1960’s.  Bill did not own the Miss Peg (she was owned by Lawrence Farris), but all say Bill was the only one who could really drive her.  He raced out of the Region 9.  In Feb 1968 in St. Pete, he set the world record at 92.308 mph at the Southland Regatta.  The same year in June, he won the National Championship at Tonawanda, NY in the 266 Class.  Bill was and is a legend in Region 9. According to Bennie Matthews of Metairie, LA, Bill was “larger than life, the size of a lumberjack, had nerves of steel, and every time out with Bill, there would always be a surprise.

I have just published a book called “Simply The Greatest” which is a biography of his life, and it is chock full of all sorts of stories including a collage of pictures which go all the way back to his young years  through his racing days.

Miss Peg was restored by Jack and Nancy Hines of Dayton, OH, and is a beautiful boat. Cindy Minoletti of the APBA provided to me authentication for the World Record and National Title, which is now on file with the MS Sports Hall of Fame in Jackson, MS.  Bill is now in nomination and I hope one day he will be inducted.  He so richly deserves induction.

Bill died in 1970 at age 30 of a conductive heart defect.

This book had a limited run so get your copy before they are all gone.
Price is $40 delivered.

Contact the author directly:
Jim Farmer
cell 601-357-0020



WANTED POSTER

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

Helter Skelter in West Virginia

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.