NOTES:
Jim Wellington of Santa Cruz, CA, a new APBA Vintage member has finished up the repairs on the Baby Live Wires. Jim and his sons are anxiously looking forward to some early morning runs on the glass smooth waters of Lake Tahoe. After the Tahoe show, Jim heard about the possible existence of the California Kid and is currently following leads to find the boat. In the meantime, he purchased a small hydroplane with a pinto engine and is trying to research this hull’s history.

 Steve Webster has called me to let us know that his 150 cubic inch Lauterbach hydroplane, the Coal Cat is on the market. He just doesn’t have time or garage space to complete this project. He can be reached at (610) 779-6773.

VINTAGE TRIVIA:
We have received some photocopies from Al Scopinich who presently lives in Vero Beach, FL. To my amazement, the photos (circa 1950) clearly show a pickle fork cabover Gold Cup Unlimited hydroplane G-12 George Sarant’s ETTA. The boat was tested in Freeport NY. Possibly designed by Fetsky? Does anyone know if this boat ever raced? These pictures would have been taken approx. 25 years prior to any known pickle-fork cabover taking to the water.

CHALLENGES:
Marshall Mathews is looking for a two bladed inboard hydroplane propeller 12” diameter x 20 inch pitch for a one inch shaft, or a prop close to that size. If you can help out, he can be reached at (650) 851-2242.

RACE SITES:
 August 17 - 20   Clayton, NY: Antique Raceboat Regatta 2000

GET WELL SOON GOES OUT TO:
Gene Whipp, former Inboard, Unlimited and Offshore racer is at home recovering from surgery. He would love to hear from his old friends. You can send him a card at 319 W. Royal Flamingo Drive Sarasota, FL 34236

BOB SILVA’S WEST COAST REPORT:
Bob Harlan of Fallbrook, CA tells us that the Classic V-Drive Club of America founded by Brian Lynch has a monthly newsletter which is full of information on V-Drive flat bottoms, ski-hydros, marathon and old circle racers like SK- KRR-SS and even cracker boxes. There is a "for sale and wanted" column and list of the club events such as: swap meets, boating displays, poker runs, and ski-racing clinics. The CVDCOA is dedicated to helping its members restore and preserve their classic V-Drive boats and is not a racing organization. More information is available by contacting the CVDCOA at 1907 Helm Ave. Clovis, CA 93612 or check out the web site http://www.v-driveboats.com.

 What ever became of: 1962 Jones 266 BLACK BART; 1964 Harlan Orrin built 266 99-F HOMEWRECKER; 1966 280/225 Hickling design raced by Miller Davis; SK-33 GOLDON COMMODE raced by Bob Ellis in the early 1960’s and believed to have last raced in Texas?

 Orrin also has plans available for a 19ft Hallet hydro; 1958 Mandella flat bottom SK-racer; 1968 Ron Jones conventional; 1964 16ft Hickling conventional; and a 1967 27ft Wickens V-drive offshore racer. Harlan’s phone # 760-723-0767.

The late Fred Wickens memorabilia is now on sale through Harry Malette at 800-831-6513. Everything from trophies; drivers suits; race brochures; hardware; a flat bottom; and unraced hydroplanes.

VINTAGE HOT BOAT OF THE MONTH:       STARDUST  21-E
Stardust is an E-Racing runabout, Fred Wickens design, built by Wes Knudsen of Provo, Utah around 1958. Initially Stardust was powered with a fuel-injected Jaguar six cylinder motor. Later the power was replaced with a highly modified 327 cubic inch Chevrolet Corvette engine. The search for power paid off. Stardust set one World speed record after another. From 1962 and continuing on with new kilo records in 1963,1964,1969, 1971 and 1977, the latter setting the bar at an incredible 107.570 MPH. Stardust was the first E Racing Runabout to ever top 100 MPH. In 1960 she won her first of five APBA E Racing Runabout National Championships. Knudson campaigned Stardust all across the country for 20+ years. She was last raced in 1980 and was then stored indoors under cover for nearly 20 years. Today owned by Bob and Linda Farr since 1998 she is in race ready condition. The Farrs are thrilled to own such a significant part of boat racing history.

©1999 Tom D'Eath