NOTES:
TEMPO GIUSTO-translated from Italian it means “the right speed”. The 2005 Vintage season is upon us, so please keep “Tempo Giusto” in mind: the right speed for your skill level and water conditions. Let’s have a safe 2005.

CHALLENGES:
The July 1957 issue of PROPELLER ran a list of “Outboard High Points” contenders, and on the list was a Douglas Earnhardt of Charlotte, North Carolina. Do any of our readers know whether he was a relative of the famous Earnhardt NASCAR racing family? 

Richard Parks would like to know the whereabouts of Ron Larsen, an Honoree of the 2003 Pomona Boat Racer’s Reunion. If you can help, please contact Richard at: RnParks1@Juno.com

Brian Reed wrote: I received this question from a Mr. Roger Sullivan: “In 1946 I met Charles Volker of the Detroit area when he made a 180 crankshaft for my Ford "60" engine in a midget racecar. Mr. Volker was well known for his engines in racecars and I think he also was involved in several race boat engine projects. Would you have any back ground on Mr. Volker? In 1937 I believe Mr. Volker had a V-12 Engine at the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race, which might have found its way into a race boat. Any information that you might have would be appreciated.” 
CHALLENGE ANSWERED: Tom D'Eath helped answer this challenge: “Peter Kreissle from Sarasota, FL has a Charlie Volker engine in his living room that still works. It came out of Harold Wilson's LITTLE MISS CANADA, a 225 cubic inch hydro. Peter may know something about Charlie Volker.” 

EVENTS: 
July 1-3:    Madison IN.     Madison Regatta: contact Joe Johnson 812-866-8940
July 8-10:   Valleyfield    Quebec, Canada : contact Benoit Lemay 450-371-3291
July:15-17:  Detroit MI.    APBA Gold Cup: contact Alan Radue 248-616-1317
July:23-24:  Waterford MI. Quake on the Lake: contact Tom Bertolini 586-716-4490  
Aug.13:      Columbus OH.    Scioto Riverfest: contact Kevin Klosterman 614-336-3590  
Sept.10-11:  Grand Island NY. Race Boat Reunion: contact Bill DeGlopper 716-773-6093 or squeegeede@adelphia.net
Sept.15-17:  Wolfeboro NH.    Vintage Raceboat Regatta: contact Bill John 603-569-5824 or vintageraceboatshop.com        
Oct. 14-16  Georgetown S.C  Georgetown Wooden Boat Show: contact Bill Steinfield 843-236-8743 
  
REPORTS:
Thanks to Bill Steinfield for sending us this stunning piece of hydroplane news, titled “The Triple Flip” written by Sam Winer in a “Ten Years of Powerboating” column from almost fifty years ago.
“It was cool and crisp on the Saturday morning of Sept.23, 1956 in the sleepy village of New Martinsville, W.VA. About 8AM however the still air was pierced by the roar of unmuffled engines as several hydroplanes warmed up for their initial run through the traps. At exactly 11:36 George Byers Jr., of Columbus OH. rode out of the pits in his brand new MISS DESOTO IV, a 7 Litre hydroplane, 19 feet in length, and powered by a Chrysler V-8 supercharged engine. Byers was out to better the world’s record for this size craft at 125 mph. He proved that he meant business on his upstream run as he barreled his powerful racing craft through the measured mile at a sizzling pace of 132 mph. All eyes where on Byers as he headed north to commence his approach on the downstream thrust that would give him the record. The tension was starting to mount. Safety crews were alerted. Byers was now on his descent. Back went the stream of water from the MISS DESOTO as Byers tromped both feet on the accelerator and flashed into the mile at well over 140 mph. On and on through the traps came the speeding DESOTO and it looked for certain that Byers had the new world’s record wrapped up in his hip pocket. And then it happened! About 200 yards from the finish line, the Byers’ craft lifted out of the water, soared some 150 feet in the air, and executed three complete somersaults before smacking the Ohio River. Byers was thrown clear of the boat and suffered nothing more than a dislocated shoulder but the accident cost him the new world’s mark. The boat was not damaged too severely because it landed right side up in the water. This flip is considered to be one of the most spectacular crack-ups of all time. All those that witnessed it will never forget it.” Bill Steinfield noted he had just joined the inboard ranks with a 136 hydro, after having competed in A and B outboards for 6 years. Having witnessed that crash, Bill wondered if maybe racing inboards was just little bit TOO crazy!