NOTES: 
Steve Drucker has been working on restoring the classic Jones “airplane” tailfin for his 280 cabover, DON’T TELL MOM. If you’re looking for one of those early style engine cowls for your hydro, check with Steve at Eggsplurt@hotmail.com

Bob Foley of San Diego, CA. reports he is nearing the finish line on his Book project. Bob has been working on getting a boat racing book out for five years. The Book will be in 2 Volumes. Volume 1 will be about Bob’s adventures in APBA Inboard racing and Volume 2 will be a color photo album.  

CHALLENGES: 
Gregory Barker writes that his family has been racing APBA inboards since 1954 (currently running THE REWINDER, S-9, the 2002 2.5 Stock National Champion). They ran E Racing Runabouts for many years on the East Coast, the last hull being a 16 ft. Patterson, powered by a fuel injected Dodge Red Ram and built with help from Guy “Red” Wilson. Greg is looking for their old ERR and also history on the class in regions 10 and 12 from the 1950’s and 60’s. {For ERR class history see Propeller’s Vintage/Historic issues: Sept.’98 and Nov.’04.} If you can help with info on the old ERR class contact Greg at: GregB@electro-mechonline.com

Eric Kohler of Victorville, CA. wrote with this Challenge: 
I used to race outboard hydros (region 12) in the late 1950's. At the same time I had an intense interest in inboard hydros but could not afford one. There were a few favorites of mine, such as CUMON BABY. The next one was a 225 c.i. hydro named TEACHER’S PET. It is my second favorite because I almost got to drive it in a race at Lake Mead, NV. simply because of the owners astounding generosity. I came down with the flu about an hour before the start of the 225’s first heat, and that was that! I was so disgusted with myself for blowing this opportunity, but shortly there after, was almost grateful for not being allowed my chance to drive that day. The owner took the helm and apparently hit something in the water and a large hole was knocked in the bottom (I think it sank).I thought, had I been driving I might have been blamed for it! I never saw the owner again and have always been a little sad about not being able to properly thank him for considering me for such an opportunity.
My top o' the list favorite was a bright red 266 hydro that ran a G.M.C. straight 6 engine, laid over on its side, with a dry sump oil system and Hilborne fuel injection. I only saw it run at Long Beach
Marine Stadium, it was a beautiful boat and very fast! I lost track of it and have forgotten the boat’s name. The driver was really good. Any help as to who these drivers where and the boat names would be
appreciated. Email me at: xfyrefyter@yahoo.com 

Challenge answered: The CUMON BABY II is now owned by Randy Wold of Washington State and is in excellent condition. The hot red 266 hydro was no doubt the Rich Hallett built RUTHLESS II, 26-F. Because the GMC six, with a Wayne head, was mounted on its side, the hull had a flat deck over the engine instead of a raised cowling. One reason the boat was so fast was because of its driver, Kenny St.Oegger of La Crescenta, CA. The boat and driver became the focus of attention during a Gold Cup class race at Lake Tahoe in 1953. In order to fill-out the field the 26-F stepped-up in class. Racing against Stan Dollar Jr’s. SHORT SNORTER, G-8; Bill Stead’s HURRICANE IV, G-2; and Dick Davis in HONEYMOON, G-9, Kenny St. Oegger stole the show. Hugging the turn buoys, the RUTHLESS II forced the bigger boats to struggle for several laps in order to get past. The overall lap speed for the little 266 was only 12 mph slower than the winning G-8’s. Unlimited owner, Henry Kaiser was so impressed by the run; he bought the 266 from St.Oegger and later hired him to drive his new HAWAII KAI, U-9. The RUTHLESS II was also featured on the 02/56 cover of Speed and Spray magazine.

Thanks to Bob Foley for helping to answer the rest of this Challenge:
Kenneth Wade was the owner and driver of the 225 hydro, TEACHER’S PET, 37-N. He made the Gulf 100 MPH Club in 1957 in that boat. Not too shabby for a 225 in the 1950s! In 1960 he set a Kilo record, but I don't know the speed. The APBA was in the conversion from Mile to Kilometer in 1960 and the records were set and broken about every other weekend. In 1963 Kenneth Wade was the Inboard V.P. of APBA. I don't know whether Ken Wade is still alive, he moved from Garden Grove to Ojai, CA. 

EVENTS:
AUG. 26-27   Celina OH.       Inboard Regatta: contact Ron Snyder Celinaevents.com  
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:
For a report on the Detroit Gold Cup vintage event see article and photos by Debbie and Kristen Joseph in Propeller. 

BOB SILVA’S WEST COAST REPORT:
At the invite of the Tahoe Yacht Club, Don Edwards of Santa Barbara, CA. displayed his 1967 Rich Hallett built dragboat, GOLDEN KOMMOTION at the recent Lake Tahoe Concourse d’Elegance. The all wood 24 foot dragster, sporting a blown 392 Chrysler Hemi, drew quite a crowd. “I spoke with so many people about the hydro, and about the history of dragboat racing”, reported Don. The huge crowds showed a very big interest in the vintage racing hydroplane during the 2 day show.