I have been fortunate enough to be a part of the Madison Regatta, having worked in Security on several occasions, and for the past two years serving as the Vintage Chairman. I've also been lucky enough to have been a crew member for a couple of races with the Cooper Unlimited Hydroplane Team based in Evansville, IN. This was truly an experience that many, many fans only get to dream about.

In August of 2000 my brother Dave "Iceman" Johnson purchased his first "limited" hydroplane, the N-73 Miss Close Shave II. The hydro was built by Mr. Loren Charley of New Albany, IN in 1957. We immediately started the restoration of the hydro. As one might expect, many nights were spent in the shop. It was not only a labor of love for the hydro, but it provided quality time for both Dave and myself, something that I will never forget.
 

Getting advice from one of the best, Mr. Ron Snyder.

On October 3, 2003 while attending the Louisville "Roar on the River" my dream of driving a vintage hydroplane came true. Dave gave me the "keys" and said take her out, you've earned your ride. I remember Dave and I talking about the boat. I only hope he knows what this really means to me. I remember walking over and talking to my good friend Ron Snyder. When we finished talking I remember what he said......the work is done for the time being, it's your turn now, go out and HAVE FUN. I remember Bill Fisk coming over and shaking my hand, again it was the same message......HAVE FUN !!! I also remember thinking back to the first person who gave me those special words of advice.......my friend Steve Reynolds. Wish you could have been there Steve.

MY special moment has arrived, the Miss Close Shave II comes off the trailer and is lowered into the water. I remember lowering myself into the seat, pulling on my gloves and releasing the slings. I think how great it is to have my family there to see me take my first ride. It would have been wonderful if Dad could have been there. He loved the old boats, but I know that he was smiling as he watched from above. It seemed like hours just sitting there waiting to be given the word to "GO".

In that waiting period I could see our Mom snapping photos, Keith Kossow is there filming my first ride. I remember thinking of "Pappy" Cantrell, Jim Davis, George Davis, Marion Cooper and all of the great drivers who turned laps on this Ohio River course. And I remember thinking of my hydro buddy Alan Radue. I remember going to Dayton and watching him take his first ride in the Agitator. I can now realize what all of the smiles were about. 

Brother Dave holding on, waiting for the signal for Joe to go.

Finally......we get that magic word.....GO...GO...GO. I turn the master switch on, pump the gas once and hit the starter switch. She tried but doesn't fire......yep, "Rookie" mistake. I hit the switch again and the strong Ford 6 banger comes to life......YEAH!!!!!! I ease her out onto the water, the nose still sticking in the air. I know I need more speed to get her leveled out, but my main concern is to not hurt anything. The memories of those long hours in the shop are very vivid in my mind.

More pressure on the peddle and the nose finally comes down. HEY.....THIS IS REALLY COOL !!!!! I'm around corners 1 & 2 going up the backstretch, the water is terrible. Holes that look like they could swallow you. Ok.....I have to have more speed, I'm getting beat to death in here. I remember looking at the gauges, the old girl is doing fine, the old 41 Ford Flathead is a sweetheart. Around turn 4 and I see a blur, it's Hal LeDuc and the Opeche, and then another blur, this time it's Dick Delsener in the SouthPaw. I'm thinking to myself, get going, ya have to catch up. Then I remember back to what some really special friends had told me back on the dock.....HAVE FUN !!!!! So that's just what I did.
After turning three unbelievable laps (no, I didn't set the river on fire) I remember coming off the course. The cranes had already lowered the next group of boats into the water. I remember seeing Dave waving his hands giving me directions to my "parking" spot. I can see an opening between two boats, I'm thinking to myself......how am I suppose to parallel park this thing ????? Oh well, I shut the engine down, head the nose in between the two boat and wa-la......I catch the rope, give it a steady pull and me and the Close Shave II are safely back at the dock.

I remember walking to the trailer, the first thing I see is my wife Jan, and siser-in-law Jean standing up at the railing. I throw my arms out, a BIG sigh of relief, and it finally hits me. I've just turned my first laps in a vintage hydro. My dream has finally came true. Needless to say, I'm on top of the world at this very moment.
Out of the driving gear, back down to earth, my big white hat back on my head......it's time to get back to my duties as the Vintage Chairman of the Louisville Event.

I owe a great deal of thanks to Dave & Jean, I don't think I have to tell you just how special you really are. 
Now it's off to my next dream, completion of the Bandit and seeing my youngest son Travis taking his first ride as a vintage owner. This too, will be another special occasion that I'll never forget.

The one drawback that I couldn't do anything about, was not being able to run with Bob "Pappy" Moore. "Pappy" broke on Friday, but don't worry my friend, it WILL happen at Madison in 2004.