January/February 2019 Propeller

VOLUME 73, ISSUE 1 • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2019 • APBA.ORG • USA: $6.00

vintage rises in the west hampton cup regatta quake at the quarry tabor city - it’s a wrap!

M AG A ZI NE

RICHMOND AERO MARINE RAM50 FOR COMPETITION ONLY Tohatsu M50D2 Powerhead & Drive System by Bass Machines

Tired of wimpy 1 & 2 cylinder motors with no real torque?

Quit banging on the Fond du Lac stuff!

Try a RAM50 from the Mad Russian at Richmond Aero Marine. 42.5 ci of , runs on standard 89 octane pump gas with two-stroke oil. Solid state, easy-to-adjust magneto ignition. Factory stock Tohatsu M50D2 powerhead, mated to the Bass Machines Drive System. Integral waterpump, tuner capable tower, bolt-on or clamp-on bracket, rugged gearfoot. right out of the box.

Join the fastest class in Stock Outboard Racing. Who cares if you’re over the min weight?

The RAM50 will blast your big bad self out of the corners with air to spare and send you down the backstretch at 85+!

How about those crazy Go racing with the RAM50 Bobcat, the APBA-approved Tohatsu M50D2 outboard with all the above, plus extended tiller arm and exhaust tuner.

Fully built-up “replacement” powerheads and short-blocks; M50D parts,TLDI tuner pipes, reed blocks, Boyesen Reeds, gaskets, pistons/ringsets, connecting rods, bearings.

All Tohatsu and Nissan outboard parts shipped via TAC Direct to your door, next day.

Big discounts on Tohatsu /Nissan parts orders over $300. Paypal, credit cards, cash.

You must be a current racing member of AOF, NBRA, or APBA to purchase engines or replacement powerheads.

Contact: Alex Poliakoff • ram50@myfairpoint.net • 207-737-4570 Richmond Aero Marine • PO Box 95 • Richmond ME 04357

M AG A ZI NE

IN THIS IS S U E 17640 East Nine Mile Road, Eastpointe MI 48021-2563 PHONE: 586.773.9700 WEB: apba.org EMAIL: apbahq@apba.org twitter.com/APBARacing facebook.com/APBARacing DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS ACCOUNTING MEMBERSHIP SANCTIONS/ HIGH POINTS PROPELLER EDITOR

Sarah Ealy Linda Likert Sabrina Haudek Cindy Minoletti Tana Moore

s.ealy@apba.org llikert@apba.org shaudek@apba.org cminoletti@apba.org tmoore@apba.org

APBA OFFICERS AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS PRESIDENT VICE PRESIDENT TREASURER SECRETARY LEGAL COUNSEL

Howie Nichols Chris Fairchild Steve Compton Mary Williams Edward Hearn

president@apba.org VP@apba.org treasurer@apba.org secretary@apba.org legal@apba.org

REGION REP CATEGORY REP

Adam Allen Kyle Bahl Jerry Davids Fred Hauenstein Jean Mackay-Schwartz Jan Shaw Mark Tate Rick Sandstrom Kristi Ellison

azallen@hotmail.com racerkyle@hotmail.com racer3d62n@hotmail.com fhauenstein@new.rr.com jean84c@earthlink.net janetshaw4994@comcast.net mtate@suncoating.com info@propshopltd.com parroth222@aol.com

COUNCIL-AT-LARGE Penny Anderson, Jeffrey Conant, Richard Fuchslin, Patrick Gleason, Sheri Greaves, Alex Jennings III, Jack Meyer, Steve Noury, John Runne, Rachel Warnock, Bob Wartinger, Matt Yarno

RACING CATEGORY CHAIRMEN Inboard Modified OPC PRO Stock

Dutch Squires Tom Sutherland James Chambers Jr. Kristi Ellison Jeff Brewster

inboardracing@apba.org modifiedoutboard@apba.org jchambe1@tampabay.rr.com prooutboard@apba.org stockoutboard@apba.org

COMMITTEE CHAIRMEN Junior Classes Jeff Williams, Mark Wheeler Offshore Rick Felsen Special Event and Thundercat Robin Shane Vintage and Historic John Krebs H1 Unlimited (interim) Charlie Grooms

junior@apba.org hawkrace@aol.com robin.shane@verizon.net krebs233@yahoo.com cgrooms@cliftyengineering.com

REGION CHAIRMEN 1 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Pete Nichols Scott Reed Richard Shaw Jeff Titus Eli Whitney Bill Pavlick Carleton Callahan Julian Rucki Rick Sandstrom

nicholsracing@bellsouth.net reed28n@gmail.com shawracingt2@yahoo.com jstitus2@att.net donaldeli.whitney@sbcglobal.net bpavlick125v@@gmail.com carletoncallahan@yahoo.com renegadep28@aol.com info@propshopltd.com

PROPELLER© welcomes unsolicited articles and photos. Views expressed herein are not necessarily those of the publication and do not represent official APBA policy. Advertising herein cannot be construed as an endorsement

by APBA or its members. PROPELLER (ISSN 0194-6218) (USPS 0047-800) is published six times yearly for $35.00 (U.S.) $55.00 (foreign) by APBA, 17640 E. Nine Mile Road, Eastpointe, MI 48021-2563 Periodical postage paid at Eastpointe, MI, and additional mailing office. Postmaster: send addresses to APBA, 17640 E. Nine Mile Road, Eastpointe, MI 48021-2563.

From the Top

2

Race Calendar 2 In Brief 4 From HERE to THERE

6

New P1 Power Boat takes Shape 10 Vintage Rises in the West 11 Hampton Cup Regatta by Katelyn Shaw 12 Quake at the Quarry Driving School Hits a Home Run! 14 Rock Falls Results

16

Buckhorn Lake

17

Tabor City - It’s a Wrap! Season Finale Oct. 27-28, 2018

18

Category Corner Modified Outboard

20

Junior Classes

21

Stock Outboard

22

Vintage & Historic

23

Outboard Performance Craft

23

Region Roundup 3, 5, 9, 10

24

Race in Peace 28 ON THE COVER: For the first time in 15 years, the Grand Prix class attended the Inboard Summer Nationals in Hampton, Virginia. Andrew Tate drove Richard Hearn’s GP-14 to second place, while Mike Monahan, driving the GP-35 for Ron and Sandy Thompson took first place and the title.

F. Peirce Williams photo

1

APBA President Howie Nichols.

Todd Dionne photo

From the Top

BY HOWIE NICHOLS, APBA PRESIDENT

The winter has set in for many areas, boats are all put away, woodpiles stocked up, and fires lit.

As we move through the winter months, take the time to look over the rules of your Category, the General Racing Rules and General Safety Rules, the Association Bylaws, and the little-known Scorers Handbook.

You can find all of these resources on the APBA website. They will be a great refresher for some, and help others understand what the current rules are for.

How often have we found ourselves saying, “I thought xxx was the rule,” only to find out that that rule is now gone, and has been gone for several years. I have done it myself, and feel as though I have a decent handle on the rules.

This is also a time for you to submit any rule change ideas to your Commissioners or Board of Directors. Not all of them can be implemented, but they can be discussed. Who knows? You may have the solution to something the commissions have battled with year in and year out. We want your voice to be heard; we are a member-driven organization, and we do value all the input we get.

There are also many committees within APBA. Those can be found in our Bylaws, and a listing of the members on those committees is also on the Resource page. Look these over—know who is in place to help you work through any issues. Reach out to these folks and let them know your

thoughts. They are there to help; they want to help—they need your input.

Please remember that these VOLUNTEERS also like to hear positive thoughts.

It is amazing how far you can get with a well-placed “Thank you” or “You are doing a good job.” We do not do this enough, so next time you see a volunteer, official, promoter, etc., take a second to show some appreciation. Just think, “I could not be out there enjoying my weekend of racing without this person, so I need to do or say something nice for them to know how much I appreciate them all.”

Our volunteer pool diminishes each year. We need to understand this, learn the rules ourselves, and begin to step up if we do not already do so. Each member can contribute in their own way. You just have to figure out what that way is for you.

I also ask that after things are put away and when they are taken back out of storage, please look everything over. Every nut, bolt, screw, seam, and item of safety gear is all-important. Make sure it is all in good working order. Don’t discard this advice—perhaps it will help. A quote I have heard over and over: “In order to finish first, first you must finish.”

Have a safe winter, and I hope to see you all in Orlando for the APBA National Convention.

RACE CALENDAR REGION 4

7/27-28

Cambridge MD

REGION 5 2/9-9 Bradenton FL 3/2-3 Lakeland FL 3/30-31 Gulfport FL 4/5-7 Jesup GA 4/13-14 Lakeland FL 5/19-19 Cocoa Beach FL 7/7-7 Sarasota FL

REGION 7

INB OPC INB-OPC INB-OPC MOD-SO-PRO-J National Championship MOD-SO-J OS OS

REGION 6

7/20-21 7/28-28 8/24-25 9/21-22

2

Hillsboro OH St Clair MI Dayton OH Madison IN

INB OS MOD-SO-J VINTAGE

6/1-1 8/24-25

Lake Ozark MO Chetek WI

OS OPC

REGION 10

5/4-5 4/6-6 4/13-14 4/27-28 7/6-7 8/24-25 9/7-8 9/28-29

Chelan WA Kenmore WA Moses Lake WA Yelm WA Olympia WA Oak Harbor WA SeaTac WA Manson WA

VINTAGE-INB-OPC SE INB-PRO-MOD-SO-J VINTAGE-INB-KPH-MOD-SO-OPC VINTAGE-INB-KPH-MOD-OPC VINTAGE-INB-KPH-MOD-SO-OPC SE-PRO-KPH-MOD-SO-J SE-VINTAGE-INB-MOD-SO-OPC-J

REGION 12

9/13-15

San Diego CA SE-INB-IE-PRO-KPH-MOD-SO-OPC-UNL-J-PWR

in brief... respect the race!

new safety rule

The mission statement for Stock Outboard racing ends with “giving safety a foremost consideration.”We know what we do is dangerous, but so is taking the chance of walking across the street. The only difference is that we chose to put our lives at risk. Some do it for the adrenaline; some do it as a hobby; and some do it because they do not know any other lifestyle than that of racing.

Many sports are inherently dangerous, but we should always hold our sport to a higher safety standard.

There will be accidents, even when safety precautions are taken. That’s why an accident is defined as an unfortunate, unexpected incident. We can never plan for them, but we can try to prevent them. Accidents shouldn’t be a deterrent from our sport, but there must be a sense of respect for the race. Things can happen. We don’t have to fear the unpredictable, but we can respect it.

On two weekends, I witnessed young drivers run over by their own boats. I was run over when I was 13 years old, and it changed my life. Took several months to heal, as a propeller made its way through the leather boot I was wearing at the time. It limited what I could do, but I learned a lot from that single accident.

It took a lot for my parents to allow me back in a boat, but they knew when we started this journey that there are risks but there are also rewards. I am forever thankful that they allowed me to continue in this wild sport we all love so much.

In my eyes, many have lost the respect for racing—not the respect for fellow racers, but the respect for the unpredictable. What we are doing is a dangerous sport, which has claimed lives of our loved ones and friends, and caused too many life-changing injuries. It shouldn’t take tragic events to provide a reason for the respect to be earned or gained, but that’s the path we have taken in the past. We are reactive quickly after incidents happen, instead of proactive, to prevent them from happening altogether.

Keep this in mind when you are looking at helmets. Maybe one costs $100 and the other is $500. How much is your head worth? Same goes for any other protective piece we have access to. Will those Velcro shoes you picked up from Walmart really hold up against a propeller? Take a hard look at your safety gear this off-season. Replace that stuff you should have replaced years ago. Call SRP or Lifeline. I suggest you invest in Kevlar socks and gloves. These items are made to protect us, yet many still don’t think their feet or hands are worth the $70.

We have many racers, but none to spare. If we respect the fact that things can go wrong, maybe things will not go wrong as often.

Race hard and race often, but race smart.

Please note this is not directed at anyone, just a general observation from someone who cares about our sport and the people in it.

—John Wlodarski See new safety rule at right...

The APBA Board of Directors passed a new safety rule effective immediately.

The new General Safety Rule #3-C reads: “Unrestrained drivers in Junior, Stock, Modified, and PRO classes, must wear cut-resistant socks, or other cut-resistant footwear at all times while on the water for the purpose of driving racing equipment.”

4

UIM rule changes affect PRO At the annual meeting, UIM made changes. There was lots of talk of safety in these classes and lots of ideas, most of which were rejected. However, based on testing in the next few months, there is a possibility that O-350 will require safety cockpits in 2021 (still hydros).

For 2019, there are rules setting minimum propeller shaft depths and maximum negative trim angles, as follows: The heights and angles are: Class Depth Max Neg. Trim OSY-400 25mm (~1”) 2.3 degrees (~1/2” in 12”) O-125 0mm 2.3 O-175 0mm 2.3 O-250 35mm (~1 3/8”) 2.3 O-350 35mm 2.3 The prop shaft depths are below all running surfaces.

In addition, course requirements were changed to maximum course length of 1500 meters (just short of 1 mile) and maximum straightaways to a maximum of 500 meters (not quite 1/3 mile).

It seems these heights are not very different from what the leading competitors are already running.

—Fred Hauenstein

New Membership Benefit!

APBA is proud to announce a new benefit to our members.

Effective immediately, APBA members are eligible to receive a 20% discount when you stay at a Red Roof Inn. To receive your discount with Red Roof Inn go to www.redroof.com/deals/partner/american-power-boat-association and enter the promo code VP#625065 when booking.

Happy travels!

POWERBOAT NATIONALS ANNOUNCES powerboat p1, opa team up the end of October, Powerboat P1 and OPA Racing announced that they will 2019 SERIES NAME DESIGNATIONS Atpartner to create the APBA Offshore Championship in 2019.

Powerboat Nationals has simplified the names of its four series of watercraft racing and added a fifth class for the 2019 racing season. Effective immediately, Powerboat Nationals’ two national touring series featuring outboard tunnel boats will use the ProTunnel (“PT”) designation.

The ProTunnel 1 series will feature Formula 1-style, 16-foot tunnel boats that use the stock Mercury SST-120 engine. The PT1 series, previously known as Formula 2, will return as the premier tunnel boat class under the Powerboat Nationals banner.

The ProTunnel 2 series will feature the SST 45 boats that previously raced under the “Formula 4” designation. The PT2 series is one of the most competitive and entertaining types of powerboat racing. Its low-cost, fun racing is appealing to both novice and expert drivers and has quickly become a fan favorite.

Powerboat Nationals also added the Hydro-Turf US HydroDrag Nationals series to its 2019 stable of events. Each of the events will take place in Tavares, Florida, and will feature Unlimited, SuperStock, Spec, Spark EX Modified, and ProAm Enduro Jetski/PWC racing. These events are in addition to the 2019 Hydro-Cross races featuring the ProSport and Spark personal watercraft classes.

“We were looking for simple, non-technical designations for our series that were easy for fans to remember and would quickly identity the boats we race,” said Powerboat Nationals’ Managing Director Dan Bunting. “This, combined with our new partnership with the Hydro-Turf HydroDrags, helps us move closer to our goal of being the go-to organization for world-class tunnel boat and jet ski/PWC racing in North America.”

See Powerboat Nationals’ 2019 schedule on https://youtu.be/73zfM9lH328.

Races will be seen on nine television networks, including the national motorsports channel, MAVTV. For more information, please visit www.powerboatnationals.com.

inboard driving schools in 2019 Ready for the Ride of a Lifetime? Learn from the pros at an Inboard Driving School. We now have the dates for the Inboard Driving Schools. Cost will be the same as last year, $500.00 per person. You may reserve a spot by going to the APBA Shop. Dates are as follows: East - Dayton, Ohio Area - May 3, 4, & 5, 2019 https://apbashop.com/products/2019-dayton-oh-area-inboard-driving-school West Coast - Richland, Washington - June 27, 28, 29, & 30, 2019 https://apbashop.com/products/2019-richland-wa-inboard-driving-school West Coast - Pateros, Washington - August 16, 17, & 18, 2019 https://apbashop.com/products/2019-pateros-wa-inboard-driving-school

OPA Racing and Powerboat P1 have been involved in APBA Offshore racing since 2003. A key aim of the new partnership is to strengthen the future of U.S. racing by delivering an expanded, cohesive, world-class race series split equally between northern and southern states. The four venues announced so far: • Cocoa Beach FL: 17-19 May - ‘Thunder on Cocoa Beach’ • Lake of the Ozarks MO: 31 May -2 June - Lake Race • Sarasota FL: 5-7 July - Sarasota Powerboat Grand Prix Festival • St. Clair MI: 26-28 July - St. Clair River Classic Azam Rangoonwala, chief executive of Powerboat P1, which has its United States office in Orlando, said: “Our aim is always to stage events that excite and entertain, ensuring enjoyment for spectators and TV audiences with sponsor value and a real economic impact for the host venues.”

The St. Clair River classic will return for its 25th year. Blue Water Offshore Racing Association President Steve Brunner said, “Combining this new offshore racing partnership with Blue Water Offshore Racing Association’s experience in race production in St. Clair; and, the entertainment and vendors managed by Funfest Productions, will absolutely enhance St. Clair’s event so it will continue to be a fan favorite.”

Solar splash 2019 Want to see a completely different type of powerboat racing? Check out SOLAR SPLASH 2019. This competition pits college teams against each other to create and run solar-powered boats. The site is the Clark County Fairgrounds Lake in Springfield, Ohio. The dates are Tuesday through Saturday, June 11-15, 2019. Springfield is located about 25 miles east of the Dayton airport off I-70.

A map, site location, and other travel information are on the “Travel and site information” link at solarsplash.com.

2019 UIM Superlicence UIM Secretary General Thomas Kurth sent notice that XCAT, F1, F2, F4 and Aquabike drivers can now apply for their 2019 UIM Superlicence on the UIM website. Under “Documents / Officials forms and procedures” look for APBA’s section within http://www.uim.sport/ . Please respect the application deadlines. Also, note that the UIM General Assembly approved new UIM Superlicence fees at the 2018 annual meeting. The 2019 UIM F1 Superlicence fee has been increased from €300 to €400 and the fee for the 2019 UIM XCAT Superlicence has been raised from €300 to €500.

If you have any questions regarding the online Superlicence application procedure, please contact Maxime Lagarde at maxime@uim.sport

5

methods to get you from an idea to a reality

From HERE to THERE Finding YES in a Basic Sponsorship Proposal (levels under $1000) The cost of producing a powerboat race varies from venue to venue, and what you produce varies within the scope of your planned program. What does not change is the fact that you need money to cover your expenses. Relying on entry fees may work, but may also reduce the number of participants, leaving you and your club with a monetary shortfall. The simple answer is finding sponsorship. Not so simple? With a bit of research, a carefully crafted proposal and some legwork, sponsorship should produce sufficient funding to hold an event. Your idea may be amazing and exciting, but if your club cannot cover all of the expenses, the race will never happen.

Decide from the beginning to treat your idea as a business proposition, be prepared to execute a solid plan of action, and always make your proposal professional. There are some red flags that potential sponsors can spot immediately that communicate your lack of understanding. If you can swap those proposal “killers” for best-practice business applications, you are one step closer to getting a yes. Outlined below are the danger zones for proposals.

Proposal Red Flags and the Swap Never use a sponsor logo in your proposal, for key and legal reasons: you don’t have permission (a license) to use their logo, and the probability of incorrect use is very high. Those two legal issues immediately tell your client that you are not professional.

In reality, a sponsor already knows their logo, so putting it in front of them is not impressive. What will impress them is a proposal centered on how they will fit into your event and how they will benefit. The Swap—leave the logo out; simply use the company name or brand in the text. Explain within the proposal how their name and logo (with their written permission and used within corporate guidelines) can be used to maximize their participation.

A long event overview (more than two paragraphs) is not helpful. It’s not about you, so an extended explanation of you, your club, powerboat racing, and your proposed event is unnecessary. Generally, if the event summary is too long, most clients will skip right to the pricing page and see if your voluminous overview matches the price point. The Swap– include a brief event synopsis, keeping in mind that this should be about the event, not the summary of the proposal. This is your opportunity to highlight your race and why it matters to the community and your fans. In a strong proposal, each section serves a specific purpose. Be brief and accurate, and cover all of the basic information. If you do this, your client can easily decide the validity of the proposal, and agree to participate. Warning: be sure that your summary contains critical information including the proposed date, location, and projected audience. At this point, you have outlined the event; now the proposal must be sponsor-centric.

Letters of Support do not lend credibility. The Swap– Leave them out, entirely. If you have an endorsement, mention it - briefly - in your event summary.

Sponsorship is tax-deductible; it’s a business expense. If you are a 501(c)3, include your Federal Tax ID number so a client can decide to include the sponsorship as a charitable donation. (Note: it cannot be taken twice). Some corporations use charitable foundations to support community events, so consider becoming a nonprofit. The Swap- at all levels, keep in mind that sponsorship is a form of marketing.

Try not to use donation wording (support, gift, or help) in your proposal. To sell sponsorship, you need to be able to speak about marketing.

6

Reference to “good corporate citizenship” or “giving back to the community” is a presumed guilt trip; it never works. To imply that sponsors “should” be giving back, unfortunately for you, usually results in an automatic no to your proposal.

Companies have other vehicles for altruistic giving—not via sponsorship. Sponsors do have a responsibility to the company bottom line, and that includes responsible spending. The Swap– if a sponsor needs to build bridges within a community, you should know this going in, and prepare a proposal that demonstrates how they can use participation with your event to achieve their goals without ever mentioning “corporate citizenship.”

Cookie-cutter sponsorship levels, and names for those levels, often indicate a lack of concern for the individual client. How often have you seen, or used, “gold, silver, bronze,” or “admiral,” and other nautical terms? Along with their common benefits, cookie-cutter proposals don’t always work as well as a singular, personal proposal.

The Swap– provide one customized offer. This makes a strong statement and indicates that you have put some thought into your presentation.

No price, or an overpriced proposal, makes it impossible for a potential sponsor to make a decision. The Swap– give careful consideration to pricing. Check your price scale against events in your area that offer similar benefits. Make sure that return on investment (ROI) exceeds the perceived value of the stated benefits. That will help in the sponsor’s final decision-making process.

Proposals should build a strong business case for participation with your race to receive that elusive YES. The process isn’t difficult, and we’re here to help. The committee’s previous articles have outlined the basics and how to create benefits.

Now use the above information to get you to YES. Can we assist with fine-tuning your proposals? We are an email away; part of our effort, through APBA’s Promotional and Marketing Committee, to get you from HERE (an idea) to THERE (a successful race).

Jean Mackay-Schwartz – jean84c@earthlink.net Sherron Winer – winer.sherron@gmail.com Win-win: sponsoring a popular event (like the APBA Gold Cup shown here).

Paul Kemiel photo

7

8

The team competing on rougher water.

Below, Andy Foster and Charles Morris celebrating a race win.

Brits set world record A year after so nearly breaking the world speed record for the P1 SuperStock 250 class, Andy Foster and Charles Morris returned to Lake Coniston and set a new record of 68.15 mph on Nov. 2, 2018.

Situated in the heart of the Lake District, Coniston Water is regarded as the spiritual home of record breaking.

Its link with speed records goes back to Sir Malcolm Campbell in 1939 and it has staged the famous Powerboat Records Week since 2005.

Andy and Charles arrived in Coniston the previous Sunday and, with time running out to beat the current record set in 2015, it all came right on one of their final runs on the one-kilometre straight course. A jubilant Andy Foster said: “We were flat out when we hit the timing line and our outward run put us right on track, but we know that the recorded speed is an average of the two runs so it was vital to let the wash settle and then aim for a perfect return run. Charles kept us both calm and now we are world record holders.”

Speaking on the lakeside afterwards, Charles commented: “Waiting for the official announcement was more testing than being on the water, and I know that our families and friends in Yeovil and Cardiff will be delighted at the news. We are about to start our celebrations with our team manager and chief engineer, Duncan, who has put his heart and soul into this successful record attempt.”

Quality Personalized Racing Jewelry Boat Pendants and Earrings Any category; guaranteed to resemble your boat

Propeller Pendants and Earrings

3- or 4-blade All jewelry with or without diamonds or gemstones of your choice.

All miniatures in 14K Gold (white or yellow) or Sterling Silver Call or e-mail for a quote

609-889-9181

salesinfo@racing-images.com www.racing-images.com

At Hampton, Virginia, Sept. 29-30, the 2.5 Litre Mod action was fast and furious (and FUN!). Mark Manos’s A-51 BLACK MAGIC chases Norm Cameron’s A-33 IN CAHOOTS AGAIN. Ultimately, the A-33 prevailed to win the Summer National title.

F. Peirce Williams photo

9

New P1 Raceboat Takes Shape Exciting upgrade programme moves into demanding testing phase in Florida The upgrading of the P1 Panther powerboat, which is at the heart of the P1 SuperStock one-design race series, is in full swing. The focus is now on carrying out an extensive and rigorous testing programme, both in lake conditions in Florida and on the challenging waters of the Atlantic.

Following the fitting of new carbon hulls to the fleet last winter, the boats will be repowering for the 2019 season with new, four-stroke outboard engines and converting to closed canopy craft.

Last July, Mercury Racing announced that their all-new 300R V-8 outboard will replace the legacy two-stroke 300XS as the exclusive power for the 2019 P1 SuperStock USA race series.

Rick Mackie, PR & Communications Manager at Mercury Racing, believes the SuperStock teams will be impressed: “They will experience a noticeable improvement in acceleration—particularly useful when powering out of turns—together with an increase in top-end speeds. Our Mercury propellers will deliver best performance and handling as well. Racing is not all about straight-line speed. It’s exciting to have our consumer products used in this highly competitive, one-design racing environment. There is no better way to prove their performance and durability.”

Having carried out the hull replacement work on the P1 USA fleet last winter, specialist boat builders Wilson Custom Composites (whose owner Craig Wilson has almost twenty years of racing experience) are focusing on fitting the boats with a closed canopy. That involves the use of cutting-edge technology and materials. Working closely with Martin Sanborn, who was one of the lead developers of the P1 Panther some eight years ago, Wilson is now taking the boat to the next level through utilising the resources of the Performance Boat Center in South Florida. He explains that the move to the canopy configuration will have a number of important results. They include enhanced safety for the crews, improved race performance, and the change from a mechanical control system to a digital throttle and shift system which will increase responsiveness and simplify the rigging process for the boats.

Sanborn points out that the work being carried out is compliant with current UIM and APBA certification, and he is keen to highlight the safety and performance benefits that will result from the canopy system: “The canopy and cockpit feature a carbon composite structure that’s both light and exceptionally strong. Engineering, that Azam Rangoonwala includes a complex integration of a polycarbonate windscreen in his racing and receiver together with recessed carbon hatches, is days. targeted with aerodynamic, hydrodynamic and mechanical impact considerations to provide maximum protection for the racers. On top of the significant weight loss from the hull replacement programme a year ago, the boats will see another reduction resulting in a lowering of the vertical centre of gravity and better handling.”

Wilson adds: “Powerboat P1 is leapfrogging the marine

10

industry by having the most technically advanced, full safety canopy system and interior available. The DD-compound racing seats are carbon/glass with billet aluminium brackets and stainless steel runners. They are tested to withstand huge G-forces, and we fit a 6-point harness and full SCUBA system.”

Whilst this upgrade work progresses, the race crews will be undergoing specialised training and certification that will include “dunk tests” in the new Panther. Similarly, members of the Powerboat P1 safety team will undergo familiarisation training in all aspects of the new safety systems.

P1 chief executive Azam Rangoonwala describes the upgrade programme as a “world class team of specialists harnessing advanced technology and materials to produce a high-speed racing work of art.” He concludes by saying: “The principal objectives are to improve the race performance of the boats, enhance safety on the water, and attract new racers to the series. The 2019 Panther will look sleek and stylish, but maintain the character of the original deck design. It’s going to be fast and nimble, and will require 100% of the skills each crew brings to the series.

Am I excited? What do you think?”

PROPELLER Magazine will have privileged access to the boat testing and will report on the progress of the P1 Panther upgrade programme in the next issue.

Vintage Rises in the West

BY JOHN WOODWARD, APBA VINTAGE AND HISTORIC REGION 10 REPRESENTATIVE

The GP-247 Lauterbach Deepwater Special, owned

by John and Stephanie Hucik, makes a Region 10 appearance at the 2018 Mahogany & Merlot regatta on Lake Chelan. Two other Lauterbach hulls have joined the Vintage fleet. Gleason Racing Photography

Vintage and Historic enjoyed another great season out west in the everbackstretch of the unpredictable Ohio River. popular and steadily growing Region 10. The boat count rose with each regatta Those fond memories came flooding back when the Tiger debuted at Black Lake throughout the summer. The final event in early October, Mahogany & Merlot in early July. Her presence in Region 10 helps to bolster the already exciting on picturesque Lake Chelan, is considered the icing on the cake for the entire vintage 225 class thanks to her new owners Gordy Cole, George Leick, Doug Vintage family.

Sharples, and Duane Yarno.

As a member of this closely-knit family, it is my The other Lauterbach to come west in 2018 was the GP-111 privilege to witness these hulls run, many being Advance United. Jim Labrie and his father, former racing legend past champions in their respective classes. But Ray Labrie, took ownership of the hull during a road trip to the what is most enjoyable is seeing a hull that has 2018 Gold Cup in Detroit. I first saw this magnificent hull run at been found in someone’s barn or garage that the Gold Cup in 2008 with former owner Tom Bertolini behind was no more than a field filler back in its day. the wheel. This is the second Advance United Lauterbach hull; The N-72 Tiger driven by Gordy Cole leaves the dock for the first AU was destroyed while attempting to break their own Then the restoration process starts, and the once-forgotten hull has been reborn to a second the first time in Region 10 at the 2018 Black kilo straightaway record set earlier in the day at 170.024mph. career as an entertainer in the Vintage Division. Lake regatta. John Woodward photo Once again, the man responsible for her The fleet of 35 to 40 hulls in the region has a restoration was Carl Wilson. With the help of Tom wide range of designers and builders. At the end of the 2017 Bertolini, he brought the dilapidated hull back season, there was only one Lauterbach hull participating, the to life as the beautiful vintage GP-111 Advance GP-247 Deepwater Special, originally built and semi-restored by United. This monster of the midway made her the master himself, Henry Lauterbach. However, much to the Region 10 vintage debut at the 2018 Mahogany region’s good fortune, that number increased to three as the & Merlot Vintage regatta.

N-72 Tiger and the GP-111 Advance United made their way west After all the talk, it was time to walk the walk. under new ownership. These two classic Henry Lauterbach-built Jim Labrie driving the GP-111 Advance United pulls Driver Jim Labrie did just that, handling this away from the dock in this hull’s Region 10 debut at hulls bring an impressive pedigree to the region, including a bucking bronco like a true champion. the 2018 Mahogany & Merlot Vintage regatta on long list of accomplished drivers.

Lake Chelan. John Woodward photo As we prepare to roll into the 2019 season, In 1974, the Tiger, with racing legend Sherman Polhamus be assured that more surprises are in store driving, set a world kilo straightaway record for the 225 class at 134.636mph. for Region 10, as the boat count is set to rise once again. Stay tuned as we She was also the 1976 Inboard National Champion, among her numerous feature more hulls from out west in the next issue of Propeller. Until then, keep highlights. I was fortunate enough to run alongside the restored Tiger at my spreading the good word about Vintage. first Vintage event in 2005. Carl Wilson, the man responsible for her restoration, showed me a thing or two about driving a race boat as I chased him up the

11

2 0 1 8 SU MME R N AT I O NA LS

Hampton Cup Regatta

BY KATELYN SHAW • PHOTOS BY F. PEIRCE WILLIAMS The Summer Nationals are always the most prestigious event in the Inboard Racing circuit, and this year in Hampton, Virginia was just that. A recent rule change allows those who join APBA in September to remain members through the following season, so many additional competitors were present. In total, there were 11 J Hydros (five of them racing for the first time) and 70 Inboard boats that made the call for the 93rd Hampton Cup Regatta at Fort Monroe.

The J Hydros brought some pretty exciting racing, with locals Grant Liddycoat and Johnny Orlando taking on fierce competition from the West Coast—Carson Kelly and Avy Hansen. Nick Wheeler, Gianna Misero, Jackson Morton, Joseph Thompson and Cheyanne Nelson rounded out the competition. The Js are always a great class to watch, as the friendships off of the course are just as close as the competition on the water, and all kids and parents walk away smiling. It is fantastic to see the Inboard J Hydro program on the rise again.

Inboard action was just as jam-packed, with 44 heats being run over the two days. Luckily, with all competitors vying for National High Point Championships and with the Summer National title on the line, there was clean racing (for the most part) and no accidents.

The T-class was exciting all year, with four rookie drivers competing. Owen Henderson, driving the T-5 “Trophy Hunter,” had a perfect day Saturday when the heat was on, taking home his first championship title. On Sunday, a few rookie mistakes opened the door for some other competitors to take a shot at the podium. Veteran Courtney Stewart in T-720 “Hangin’ Loose” showed the rookies how it was done, finishing with a perfect day of racing on Sunday.

Second place went to rookie Robert Boleslawski driving the T-2, who had one of his top finishes of the season. The overall podium saw Courtney Stewart on top proving that consistency pays off, Owen Henderson 2nd and Kevin Gunther and Dusty Bradley driving the T-16 “Sportin’ Wood” in 3rd.

Owen Henderson, driving the T-5 “Trophy Hunter,” took home his first championship title. Veteran Courtney Stewart in T-720 “Hang n’ Loose” took second.

12

Pressure was on for Tim Collins and J. Michael Kelly (Y-1 “Shenanigans”) who fought bad luck all season. After a blowover at Cambridge and an accident at the Western Divisionals, it seemed we might see a new leader after many years of Tim being on top. Although not a perfect weekend, Mike was able to pull off three wins, with one being the title. Second place went to Chris Ritz and 3rd to Kathleen Maurer. Overall results had Ritz in 1st, with Bob Wilson and Keith McMullen’s Y-80 in 2nd and Collins in 3rd.

Ten 2.5 Litre Stocks answered roll call in Fort Monroe, and the decision to run them all together led to some tight racing. Several boats shared lanes at times.

Oops! The competition was the best-of-the-best, as the reigning champion S-1 “Windjammer” and the S-83 “Mega Bucks” trekked across the country to see how they would hold up against the East Coast. Other fierce competitors included Patrick Haworth driving the S-80 “On the Edge” (still being dialed in after a “whoopsie” last year in Hampton), Valerie Wilson in the S-54, Alan Bush in the S-711, and Marshall Gildmaster in the S-581. With the HRL season concluding weeks before the event, several of the top 2.5 drivers were in attendance, including Al Thompson’s S-92, Doug Martin’s S-33, Grant Hearn in the S-14 and Richard Wilhem in the S-404. To call the action exciting would be an understatement. After a few gun jumpers and many boats swapping paint, a champion was crowned. Rising to the top was Jeff Bernard driving the S-1 for Chris Fanaris, with the S-80 in 2nd, and S-14 in 3rd. The title podium and overall winners were the same teams, with some of the best competitive racing we saw this season!

Seven 2.5 Litre Mods attended but, as usual, attrition was an issue. Andrew Tate in the A-25 “Fat Chance” was literally on fire in the warmup, causing a restart.

Norm Cameron and Jim Aid’s A-33 “In Cahoots Again” swept Saturday with Carter Parrish’s A-73 in 2nd and Mark Manos in the A-51 in 3rd. Overall winners were Jim Aid, Mark Manos, and Scott Liddycoat driving for Carter Parrish.

In a 10-boat field of 2.5 Litre Stocks, there was some bumpin’ and bangin’. When the spray settled, a triumphant Jeff Bernard had driven Chris Fanaris’s S-1 WINDJAMMER to the National title, with the S-80 in 2nd, and the S-14 in 3rd.

With seven 5 Litres, you can bet that there was some bumping and banging going on. Both “birds” (Big Bird

by Pennzoil) hit the water, with Andrew Tate driving the new 300 and Brandon Kennedy behind the wheel of the 30. Defending champion Patrick Haworth was driving Mike Grendell’s H-79, Donny Allen in the E-14, John Shaw in the E-54, Michael Tremblay in the E-8, and rookie Jared Behrman in the E-181. I think Jared learned a few things from racing against some of the best. Patrick Haworth was fast in the 79, taking home the first heat win; but after that Andrew Tate proved untouchable in the 300.

The National Mods began the weekend with five boats, but the curse of the modified motors struck again.

Patrick Haworth driving the NM-247 “Blitzkreig” for Greg Isaac looked like the boat to beat, but a gun jump cost them the title. Tony Black in the NM-100 was awarded the win, with Chris Owen in the NM-72 taking 2nd. Unfortunately, not enough boats made the heat on Sunday.

Grand National Hydros also struggled all weekend.

Thom Heins in the GNH-115 was looking like a top contender after taking the qualifier, but was unable to finish the final. Tony Stalder’s GNH-83 was able to walk away with the title, and Andy Denka’s GNH-111 took 2nd.

For the first time in 15 years, the Grand Prix class attended Hampton for the National Title. Mike Monahan, driving the GP-35 for Ron and Sandy Thompson, was the only one to complete the qualifier;

National Modified: Tony Black in Tom Newman’s NM-100 was awarded the win, with Chris Owen in the NM-72 taking 2nd.

the GP-93, GP-14, and GP-525 were all DNF. The boats were fixed and ready to put on a show for the National title. Once again, it was the GP-35 that received the checkered flag, with the GP-14 taking 2nd and GP-525 finishing 3rd. It seems that the Hearn/Tate team have worked out their gremlins and will be ready to run for a series title in 2019.

Four SEs and four SAs made up the flatbottom contingent. Dustin Daily made his debut in his SE-40 “Slow Poke,” shaking up the competition. The Jones’s SE-57 seemed untouchable, but a leaking shaft seal cost them a perfect weekend. Parks won 3 of the 4 heats, while Dustin Daily won his first heat in the SE final on Sunday. Dale Hernandez (SA-516 “Cherokee Thunder”) made the trip from St. Paul, Minnesota to sweep the SA heats on Saturday, but a motor issue kept him out on Sunday. Dustin Daily finished 2nd on Saturday, with Paul Reid in the SA-801 rounding out

the podium.

The Jersey Skiff class was a nailbiter. 10 boats showed up, three vying for the national high point championship. After the first day of racing, it was the JS-712 “Just Flyin’ High” of Mike Buturla and Katelyn Shaw on top by just 2 points, with the JS-7 “Rolling Thunder” of Tom Pakradooni and Michelle Morgan, and the JS-991 “Bound for Glory” owned by the Sewell Boys, hot on their heels. It would come down to the last heat of the last day of racing. How exciting!

Billy Sewell unfortunately threw an ear of the prop, taking them out of the running. The national title went to the JS-7, with the JS-721 “Goin’ Skiffin’ Crazy” driven

by Courtney Stewart and Jimmie Stewart finishing 2nd and the JS-712 in 3rd. Overall winners were the JS-7, JS-712 in 2nd and JS-721 in 3rd. continued on page 27

13

D RIVING SCHO O L H I T S A HO M E RU N !

Quake at the Quarry

BY STUART FORD, EBBC COMMODORE • PHOTOS: JEAN MACKAY-SCHWARTZ, NANCEE GILLIS Building on the strength of the June Father’s Day race that attracted 600 spectators, East Bay Boat Club (EBBC) took to the water again October 27-28, hosting a second Quake at the Quarry this year. The end-of-year race in Lathrop, California has become a favorite for many spectators, new drivers, seasoned drivers seeking year-end points, and retired drivers looking for a reunion and bringing new blood into the sport. Among the families attending were the veteran Morris clan, newcomers (the Ingham and Link families) and returning spectators, including the Davis family.

The second race of the season lived up to its promise.

Attracting 500+ spectators, the race provided a good show, and opportunities for interested spectators to attend a driving school onsite and take test laps with seasoned drivers acting as mentors.

New racers David Ingham and his son Brad returned to race at Lathrop. Having had the ride of a lifetime and falling in love with boat racing, driving school graduates David and Brad were able to purchase new 300SSH equipment onsite at the 2017 Lathrop Father’s Day event. That equipment was made available for sale by the collaborative efforts of Stock Outboard Chair Jeff Brewster and the Stock Category, R.J. West, and Region 11. Now, David and Brad help get other new folks in boats. What a great way to build a class and a strong racing membership!

Another father/son duo, Matt Davis and son Weston, attended the Father’s Day race in June. They enjoyed watching their first boat race so much, the family decided to return in October with additional family members and friends to celebrate Weston’s 10th birthday.

And what a great way to celebrate a birthday! The APBA/EBBC Test Rides hit a home run with the partygoers and spectators alike. Who needs to rent a bouncy house when you can take your party to an APBA boat race and offer your guests test drives?

All partygoers were treated to test drives in a J, AX or 300SSH rig, depending on age and skill level, following instruction by Daniel and Pamela Wilde.

Among Weston’s friends, race team crews and spectators, thirteen new drivers were able to participate in the Quake at the Quarry school coordinated by the Wilde family (Steve, Daniel and Pamela) with David and Brad Ingham. Joe Johnson also lent a hand, mentoring drivers on the water and letting rookie driver Jeff Link take a ride of a lifetime in Joe’s C-139 C Stock hydro.

14

Adam and John West, two of Weston’s friends, participated in the school and test laps, mentored by Pamela Wilde. The West family also fell in love with boat racing, the racing community and the extended racing family. They are currently looking at equipment and future “folks in boats” programs in the area for the 2019 season.

Among the students were Cracker Box owner/driver Ron Haskins’ family members, Eaton Day and Tesslyn Blair.

Eaton and Tesslyn took test drives in a 300SSH, courtesy of David Ingham, and were mentored by Stock Commissioner David Hale.

Also taking test laps in the 300SSH, 54-C Ingham rig were John Barnes, Greg Schlinker and David Dyson.

Returning to the racing scene after a brief absence, Donnie Morris brought his daughters Emily and Amanda to try their hand with the J/AX equipment, receiving instruction from Daniel and Pamela Wilde. The J/AX equipment for the program has been made available by the Wilde, Banducci and Croft families.

Robert Hendricks made the trek from Van Alstyne, Texas to deck ride for his cousin J.W. Myers in the 1100ccr challenge, and also took to the water on his own. Robert ran test laps in the 300SSH, 515-C rig, courtesy of Jeff Link. With the school’s popularity growing during the event, APBA Stock rookie Jeff Link jumped into action, loaning his new 300SSH rig for students Robert Hendricks and David Walker to drive for their test rides.

Daniel Wilde has been very proactive in starting the J/AX Young People’s program in northern California—writing grants, purchasing safety gear and T-shirts for participants, and giving of his time to mentor young up-and-coming drivers. As Daniel pursues his academic interests during the next couple of years, we wish him success and look forward to Pamela learning the ropes from big brother Daniel.

Driving schools are critical to the growth of APBA. The driving school coordinated

by East Bay Boat Club at the fall Quake at the Quarry certainly was an outstanding collaborative effort by several APBA members to remove the barriers to boat racing. Look for more as EBBC follows through with a stand-alone driving school in California’s warm winter days.

Let’s build racing in 2019 and beyond!

Above, clockwise from top, Amanda Morris test driving a J Hydro; a 10-year-old’s best party ever; Pam Wilde explains racing to Deegan; the judges stand; and Tesslyn, getting suited up for her test drive.

Clockwise from top left, a happy birthday guest prepares for a test drive; birthday boy Weston Davis; a 13-year-old friend has fun too; high fives as a star is born; Robert Hendricks from Texas driving a 300SSH; and Jeff Link stepped up and generously loaned his boat to attendees.

15

Rock Falls, Illinois SEPT. 22-23, 2018 • PHOTOS BY F. PEIRCE WILLIAMS J Runabout drivers Ashten Cafarelli 2V of champaign, illinois, and Treiden Schleicher 1W of Rhinelander, Wisconsin.

C Stock Hydro driver James Schallcross 9V of Kirkland, illinois.

WINNERS SATURDAY BSH MIKEY PAVLICK CSH KENT GABRIELSON 300SSH MIKEY PAVLICK 20SSH MIKEY PAVLICK AXR JARED PAVLICK AXH JARED PAVLICK 200CCMR BILL PAVLICK III SUNDAY 750CCMR LARRY TERZINSKI 200CCMH COLE OLSON 750CCMH LARRY TERZINSKI ASH COLE OLSON BSH MICHAEL SHEPARD DSH BRENT J WALBRUN 300SSH MIKEY PAVLICK 20SSH MIKEY PAVLICK JR CODY OLSON JH CODY OLSON AXR KARISSA MITCHELL AXH JARED PAVLICK

16

Buckhorn Lake

OCTOBER 20-21, 2018, WILSON NC • PHOTOS BY F. PEIRCE WILLIAMS SATURDAY 125CCMR

SUNDAY 125CCMR

750CCMR

750CCMR

JOHN WLODARSKI III SCOTT MILLER MAC MILLER JERRY DAVIDS SR STEVEN KOHLENSTEIN MATT D’AGOSTINO 850CCMR

STEVEN KOHLENSTEIN VALERIE D’AGOSTINO JERRY DAVIDS SR 350CCMH

JOHN W MAUCK FRANK NOVOTNY 500CCMH

FRANK NOVOTNY ALEXANDER JENNINGS IV SCOTT MILLER ASH

NATE MITCHELL ABBY POND KARISSA MITCHELL BSH

JOHN WLODARSKI III MICHAEL SHARPHOUSE ALBERT SHARPHOUSE CSH

MIKEY PAVLICK HERB LANPHEAR MATT D’AGOSTINO 300SSH

MIKEY PAVLICK JOHN WLODARSKI III GEORGE BRESSLER 15SSH

JOHN WLODARSKI III NOAH ROMBERG ABBY POND 20SSH

MIKEY PAVLICK VALERIE D’AGOSTINO TOM BURWINKLE J HYDRO

GRANT LIDDYCOAT NICHOLAS WHEELER JACKSON MORTON AXR

JARED PAVLICK KARISSA MITCHELL MAC MILLER AXH

JARED PAVLICK KARISSA MITCHELL GIANNA MISERO

Karissa Mitchell 50-S gave Jared Pavlick a tough battle in AX Runabout.

JOHN WLODARSKI III SCOTT MILLER MAC MILLER JOHN WLODARSKI III STEVEN KOHLENSTEIN ALEXANDER JENNINGS IV 850CCMR

JOHN WLODARSKI III STEVEN KOHLENSTEIN ALEXANDER JENNINGS IV 850CCMR

JUSTIN IVIE ALEXANDER JENNINGS IV SCOTT MILLER 500CCMH

ARTHUR RAYFIELD FRANK NOVOTNY ASH

NATE MITCHELL ABBY POND KARISSA MITCHELL CSH

MIKEY PAVLICK MATT D’AGOSTINO HERB LANPHEAR 300SSH

MIKEY PAVLICK GEORGE BRESSLER JOHN WLODARSKI IIIE

Mikey Pavlick continued a season-long victory tour in C Stock Hydro, 300SSH and 20SSH. Hall of Champions, make room for the Pavlicks!

15SSH

JOHN WLODARSKI III NOAH ROMBERG ABBY POND 20SSH

MIKEY PAVLICK CASEY CARR TOM BURWINKLE J HYDRO

JACKSON GALLAGHER GIANNA MISERO GRANT LIDDYCOAT AXR

KARISSA MITCHELL JARED PAVLICK JACKSON GALLAGHER AXH

JARED PAVLICK KARISSA MITCHELL JACKSON GALLAGHER

17

Tabor City - It’s a Wrap!

SEASON FINALE OCT 27-28, 2018 IN TABOR CITY, NC PHOTOS BY F. PEIRCE WILLIAMS

Justin Ivie driving 500 Mod Hydro SATURDAY C RACE R JUSTIN GIBSON TIM WEBER JACK CAMPBELL III C SERVICE H JUSTIN GIBSON DEVIN HUFF DAVID EVERHART 500CCMR JASEN DIRCKSEN TIM WEBER 750CCMR STEVEN KOHLENSTEIN VALERIE DAGOSTINO JERRY DAVIDS SR 850CCMR STEVEN KOHLENSTEIN JOHN WLODARSKI III VALERIE DAGOSTINO 200CCMH AMY SWEENEY SUMMER DIRCKSEN

18

500CCMH AUSTIN VANOVER JUSTIN IVIE ARTHUR RAYFIELD 750CCMH ALEXANDER JENNINGS IV AUSTIN VANOVER JASEN DIRCKSEN 850CCMH AUSTIN VANOVER JASEN DIRCKSEN ALEXANDER JENNINGS IV ASR JOHN WLODARSKI III PETE NICHOLS BECKY NICHOLS ASH NATE MITCHELL ABBY POND BSH JEFF BREWSTER MIKEY PAVLICK JOHN WLODARSKI III

CSH MATT DAGOSTINO JUSTIN IVIE HOWIE NICHOLS 300SSH MIKEY PAVLICK GEORGE BRESSLER JOHN WLODARSKI III 15SSH ABBY POND JOHN WLODARSKI III AUSTIN VANOVER 20SSH CASEY CARR VALERIE DAGOSTINO MIKEY PAVLICK J HYDRO ALDEN MERRILL GRANT LIDDYCOAT CAMERON LUPTON AXR KARISSA MITCHELL KELSEY BENNETT BECKY NICHOLS

AXH KARISSA MITCHELL JOSEPH J.T. THOMPSON ALDEN MERRILL SUNDAY C SERVICE R JUSTIN GIBSON JACK CAMPBELL III DAVID EVERHART C RACE H JUSTIN GIBSON DEVIN HUFF DAVID EVERHART 200CCMH SUMMER DIRCKSEN AMY SWEENEY 500CCMH AUSTIN VANOVER ALEXANDER JENNINGS IV HOWIE NICHOLS 500CCMH ARTHUR RAYFIELD JUSTIN IVIE

750CCMH AUSTIN VANOVER JASEN DIRCKSEN ALEXANDER JENNINGS IV 850CCMH STEVEN KOHLENSTEIN KRIS WIRTH AUSTIN VANOVER SUNDAY ASR JOHN WLODARSKI III PETE NICHOLS KELSEY BENNETT CSH MATT DAGOSTINO HERB LANPHEAR JOE OCONNOR 300SSH MIKEY PAVLICK ROBERT TROLIAN MICHAEL SHARPHOUSE

20SSH MIKEY PAVLICK VALERIE DAGOSTINO CASEY CARR J CLASS H ALDEN MERRILL JOSEPH J.T. THOMPSON JACKSON MORTON AXR KARISSA MITCHELL BECKY NICHOLS KELSEY BENNETT AXH DAVID CANO JOSEPH J.T. THOMPSON JASMINE DIRCKSEN

In A Stock Hydro, Abby Pond 24-E pushes Nate Mitchell 44-S.

Jessica Goodwin #22 and David Cano 6-P deck to deck in AX Hydro.

He’s got this: J Hydro driver Jackson Morton.

Herb Lanphear, comin’ at you in C Stock Hydro.

19

CATEGORY CORNER

That’s Larry Terzinski of Rhinelander, Wisconsin, cruising to a 750 Mod Hydro win at Rock Falls, Illinois. F. Peirce Williams photo

MODIFIED OUTBOARD

BY TOM SUTHERLAND, MODIFIED OUTBOARD CHAIRMAN This was the first year for the new 125 go-kart engine powered hydro and runabout classes. Three people who rose to the occasion to put motors in the hands of racers were Gary Miller, Jerry Davids and Steve Roskowski.

The PRD motor raced in these classes is imported

20

from Australia. Gary Miller made arrangements with the U.S. distributor of these motors to import 20 engines to help jump-start the class. He also arranged to have them converted for marine use.

Jerry Davids has become a dealer for the PRD engines, working with the distributor to make parts

readily available to us. Jerry has also been, and will continue to be, converting and assembling these motors for racing, charging only for parts. If you have all of the parts, he will assemble them with no charge for labor.

Steve Roskowski has designed and is selling a tower assembly for the PRD for under $700.00. This comes with everything Val D’Agostino racing 750 Mod Runabout right up to season’s end that you need except the powerhead at Tabor City, North Carolina. F. Peirce Williams photo and gearfoot. Clamp handles, steering bars, pipe support bracket, driveshaft, couplings and carburetor linkage are all included. This saves about $400.00 for adaptors that you would need to assemble this motor using an OMC A tower.

With the work of these three, we are now able to purchase a complete Mod motor (some assembly required, or it wouldn’t be Mod) and parts for the person who wants to race in a smaller class.

Thanks to all three for making this happen.

JUNIOR CLASSES

BY MARK WHEELER AND JEFF WILLIAMS, JUNIOR CLASSES COMMITTEE CO-CHAIRMEN The APBA Junior Classes Committee will meet at the APBA Annual Convention to award championship events and discuss rule changes.

Our meeting will take place at 2:00 pm on Friday, February 8, 2019. All are welcome to attend.

Alden Merrill 17K and Colby Crook 15K race J Hydro at Springfield, Ohio.

Paul Kemiel photo

APBA bylaws state, “The APBA Junior Classes shall be governed by a committee determined by the President with approval of the Board of Directors. The committee shall consist of a chairman appointed by the President and selections from the respective categories which have a common interest in developing the APBA Junior Classes.”

For the 2019 season, President Nichols has appointed Jeff Williams (Co-Chair), Mark Wheeler (Co-Chair), Jim Sweeney (SO), Fred Hauenstein (MO), Jim Nilsen (PRO), Chris Fairchild (OPC), and Andrew Tate (I) to the Junior Classes Committee.

The Junior Classes Committee can be reached by sending an email to junior@apba.org.

Alec Johnston 72R of Des Moines, Washington chasing Trey Marquard 142R of Puyallup in AX Runabout competition at Castle Rock, Washington.

Gleason Racing Photography

21

STOCK OUTBOARD

BY JEFF BREWSTER, STOCK OUTBOARD CHAIRMAN Our Stock Outboard Commission hit the ground running as soon as it was formed in midNovember. Due to the bylaw changes last year with the new region make-up, the commission changed a little. I have nominated three members to join the commission this year.

Steve Noury joins us as a representative of the New England area. He has been our Chief Referee over the past few years and will also fill the position again this year. Steve’s first task will be assembling this season’s referee test.

Kurt Romberg joins us again after his region was merged into Region 4. Kurt will fill the position of Chief Inspector. Kurt fills the shoes of Tom Johnston, who has held this position for many years. Tom has been a huge asset to the entire category by keeping our technical manual accurate and up to date.

The third nominee is Brian Mitchell, who has been a huge help to the category with his talents in promotion, marketing and assistance in our driving schools.

The commission also included four members that are joining us for the first time.

Shawn Breisacher from Region 3 follows in the footsteps of his mother Jill, who has been a commissioner many times in the past.

Joe Pater from Region 6 is now involved and has already been a big help on the technical side of our rules.

Mike Pavlick from Region 7 pulled himself away from the boat shop this year and is filling the shoes of his brother Bill on our commission.

Our fourth is Steve Noury, as mentioned earlier. I tried to get Steve to join us for many years, and finally was successful. I do not believe that my persistence won him over, but the simple fact that he is in “semiretirement” at this time after selling his business, and has a little more free time.

Throughout my years as Stock Chairman, I have been trying to find a way to involve our youth in the political process of Stock Outboard. I thought back to my first year in the 1980s, after being nominated by thenChairman Steve Warnock. I was overwhelmed by the years of experience represented by that Commission

22

Mike and Bill Pavlick meditate deeply on Stock Commission issues.

John Wlodarski photo

that year. As a newbie kid, I had no idea what I was getting into; and if not for Steve, I may have never received the nudge needed to head in this direction.

So, this year I am trying something different—a Novice Commission. To be considered for this commission, there is an age requirement: late teens into late twenties. I appointed three leaders from across the country to help me with this task: Kyle Lewis (West), Peter Lauer (Central) and John Wlodarski (east). They all agreed, and we began working right away. I asked them to each nominate two more members from their age group to join them, so this group of nine can start having the exact same discussions that the SORC is having each week. For our weekly phone conferences, I will ask one of them

at a time to lead our meeting. Once the meeting is complete, they compile their notes and give a report the following evening to the SORC to pass along the thoughts of their generation on the current topics.

We greatly appreciate having Nate Mitchell, Laura Wheeler, Mikey Pavlick, Abby Pond, John Mathews and Cassandra Olson step up and join us each week. They have named this group the Novice Racing Commission (NRC) and the name fits very well. The term “Stock Outboard” is not used in the name, and that is perfect in my opinion, as they will hopefully help all of our APBA Categories in the future.

I also feel that this additional commission will not only provide a voice for their generation, but also give them the experience to be among our future leaders of our sport.

VINTAGE & HISTORIC

BY JOHN KREBS, V&H CHAIRMAN 2018 has been a great year for the Vintage and Historic group. We have had stable membership, less the Florida contingent, and added an event or two that were not on the schedule when we left Chicago last year.

MISS PAY N PAK at Seattle, Washington.

Gleason Racing Photography

Looking forward to 2019, we have a lot of positive things going on for both the East and West Coasts.

There is the potential for a couple of historically famous race sites returning to our schedule for the 2019 season—this is extremely exciting. There are also a couple of “new” sites that may join the Vintage and Historic schedule for 2019. I am working with a group from Erie, PA that is very interested in collaborating with us on an event in 2019. Some things still need to be worked out, but there is potential. Stay tuned, and see you at the regattas!

OUTBOARD PERFORMANCE CRAFT

BY JAMES CHAMBERS, OPC CHAIRMAN Sure hope everyone is getting ready to come to Orlando, Florida! When you get off the plane at the Orlando Airport, the REAL MICKEY may be waiting for you. At least, I can promise warmer weather than some of you have been waking up to each morning! SeaWorld, Disney World and Universal Studios are all a short distance from the Annual Meeting hotel, so take some extra time to enjoy the Sunshine State.

I hope to see you at the OPC Commission meetings during the APBA Annual Meeting. I suggest that you go to the APBA website and print off the Meeting Schedule. Under RESOURCES, look for APBA Annual Meeting, where Registration, Schedules and hotel information are listed. We assume you have already registered for the meetings and reserved a hotel room, but you will find a current schedule very handy.

The OPC Commission meetings are Thursday afternoon from 1:30 – 6:30 and again on Friday morning from 9:00 to 11:30. I have already emailed all the commissioners to send me any rule changes and/or updates. My plan is to keep the meeting discussions

“on task,” so we will have email discussions of rule changes prior to the Annual Meeting if needed.

There are several seminars scheduled through the week, including Motor Representatives & Inspector Training, Tools of the Trade, and Jeff Titus’s Propeller Science Seminar.

Remember that Friday night is the Combined Category Awards—always a fun evening. And, of course, we will honor our Hall of Champions inductees on Saturday night. Don’t miss it.

Congratulations to our OPC Hall of Champions inductees, Lee Daniel and R.J. West. Both repeated their outstanding 2017 performances in 2018, so they are back for the second year in a row.

northwest of Tampa. Last month I ran for a seat on the City Council and was elected to the position. I say this not to pat myself on the back, but to let you know that if you call me I may not be able to talk immediately, However, I will continue to be available, and will return any emails, texts and/or phone calls as soon as possible.

Sally Titus asked if she had to address me as “Your Honor.” You will be relieved to know that I said no.

See you in Orlando!

Jake Alkema #191 and Leland Broge #67 at Port Neches, Texas. F. Peirce Williams photo

A quick note: I have lived most of my life in Temple Terrace, Florida, just

23

REGION ROUNDUP

REGION 3 It feels as if the 2018 season just started, but here we are kicking off the 2019 season. Region Three was well represented in all categories this past season, with 14 events held across the new realigned region. Lock Haven claimed the title of best-attended race for the 2018 season with 571 entries for the weekend. The race officials made sure everything went smoothly and all heats were completed! Spring Millville had 95 entries, fall Millville had 183 over the three days, and Berwick had 79, per Delaware Valley Outboard Association. We are looking forward to working with the new clubs and racers who have joined the region.

It was a very successful year for drivers who call Region Three home. R3 high points are as follows- ASR, BSH, 15SSH-Johnny Wlodarski*, CSR- Adam Allen, ASH- Abby Pond, CSH- Dave Breisacher*, 20SSH- Val D’Agostino Kohlenstein, 300SSH- George Bressler*, 350CCMH-John Mauck, 500CCMH- Frank Novonty, 750CCMR, 850CCMR- Steve Kohlenstein, JH-Gianna Misero, AXH- Karissa Mitchell, and AXR- Mac Miller.

Congratulations on a great season to all!

Johnny Wlodarski of Newton, New Jersey claimed his first National Championship in 15SSH at Moses Lake, also earned National High Point Championships in BSH, 15SSH and 125CCMR and a North American Championship in both 750CCMR and 850CCMR. * true region members.

In the Hydroplane Racing League, Dylan Runne of Rumson, New Jersey, Thomas Huganir of Port Indian, Pennsylvania and Bobby King of Wales, Michigan (driving for Al Thompson of Seaford, Delaware) all had an impressive year in the Formula 2500 class.

Weekend after weekend the points battle grew tighter and tighter, and Runne came out victorious for the second season in a row for the 2018 Formula 2500 HRL Championship. Brandon Kennedy also had an

24

300SSH: Jim Tryon and David Ingham 54C rocket down the straightaway. Attend a driving school and buy a rig on the same weekend, and it’s game on! Nancee Gillis photo

This East Coast Crew brought home the 15SSH title from Moses Lake, L-R: Johnny Wlodarski, Abby Pond, Kelly Shane Allen, and Adam Allen.

impressive season in the Grand Prix Class. The offseason effort showed every weekend, as Brandon took home the coveted win at Valleyfield and GP 25 took home the GP HRL Championship.

As I look back on the 2018 season, a few memorable moments stand out. Jackson Gallagher of Fair Haven, New Jersey came out guns blazing at Jesup, Georgia, and won his first race. The three amigos of Jesel Racing—Dylan Runne, Max Acierno and Johnny Wlodarski—put on a show in BSH at the spring Millville race. Dylan Runne even showcased his rodeo skills in the first turn for everyone. After hearing about how great the fishing was in Milton, New Hampshire, Billy Simmons was seen exiting his boat in the first turn of ASR. Johnny Wlodarski put himself in contention for the SSOA Saddle Award after not only barrel-rolling his 15SSR at Lock Haven, but proving the Bennett Phantom ASR cannot be tamed at Standish, and going for a swim there as well. Of course all of these drivers were okay—maybe a little damage to

the pride, but that is to be expected.

Hope everyone has a great winter and look forward to seeing everyone in 2019.

—Johnny Wlodarski REGION 5 Happy New Year to everyone! I know a lot of you are snow skiing and ice skating, but down here we are already planning for the racing season to begin in a few short weeks. Take a look at the upcoming events this spring so you all can start to make your plans to come south!

First on the calendar is the APBA Annual Meeting, February 6-9 in Orlando, Florida. The hotel is located within a block of Sea World and not far from both Universal Studios and Disney World. People who know that area tell me there are many shops and restaurants located within walking distance to the hotel. There are several seminars scheduled ( including Jeff Titus’s Propeller Science Seminar). Friday night is the

The Tenacity crew (L-R): John Fitzgerald, Bob Hurley, Al Thompson, Bobby King, and Ann Fitzgerald.

Category Awards—always lots of fun, and a great way to support your category and friends.

First event of the new year will be a Powerboat Superleague race in Bradenton, Florida. The sponsors moved the date a week earlier and the Annual Meeting was moved a week later, so they are now on the same weekend. Fortunately, the Superleague event is on Saturday only, so Sherron Winer will be able to do double duty. She is a big part of the Promotional Committee seminars in Orlando, and will be in Bradenton as well on Saturday.

The Orange Cup Regatta (Lakeland #1) is scheduled for the first weekend in March, and will host Inboard and OPC. This race features a record course for the Inboard classes. Check the APBA website under Schedules for up-to-date information and classes. The Stock Outboard classes are returning the weekend of April 13-14 for Lakeland #2! This race takes place the weekend following the Stock Outboard regatta in Jesup, GA. Tavares, Florida has been home to a very popular Vintage event for several years. When Hurricane Irma (Sept. 2017) damaged the dock area, the event had to be postponed. A new club, Florida Vintage Raceboat Club (FVRC) was formed and sanctioned the fall Vintage event once again. I was asked to help, and it was quite a learning experience, as I have never officiated at a Vintage event before. By the time the event was finished, I had learned a lot about registering Vintage boats, etc. It sure is different from an OPC event. Since this event was only two weeks into the new APBA year, I could explain the membership forms, pit waivers, etc. We all had a fun weekend, and I made new friends. This past year, participants had to be able to trailer launch. However, the FVRC is already making plans for a more inclusive event in Tavares on March 15-17, 2019, with a crane launch.

Billy Joule has been a big part of the event in Gulfport, Florida. He is working closely with the city of Gulfport to make this event very special. The date has been moved up to March 29-31, 2019. For details on the Grand Prix of Gulfport, please look for the ad in this issue of Propeller Magazine. Two OPC classes are scheduled, SST 45 and Formula 150; and one Inboard class, Jersey Skiffs. I want to highlight a few details: appearance money is $350 per entry, to be paid on site on Sunday. Also, NO ENTRY FEE! Prize $$ will be paid as follows: OPC is 1/$1000, 2/$500 and 3/$250 pending results of the final on Sunday.

Jersey Skiff winners will collect the same 1-2-3, but on the total points accumulated from the qualifier and finals both Saturday and Sunday.

Sure looks like a very good 2019 for boat racing in Region 5. Why don’t you come down for the Annual Meeting, bring your boat and stay for the entire spring!

Thanks for listening, —Sally Titus REGION 9 Welcome, racers from Region 9 (formerly Region 11): It is hard to believe that 2018 is over and we are on to a New Year and a new Region 9. We had a wonderful year, and a lot was accomplished by many of our racers. New families and individuals were introduced to our boat racing family.

We ended the year with a bang in Lathrop’s Quake at the Quarry, put on by East Bay Boat Club on October 27th and 28th, 2018. Over 500 spectators joined us in perfect California Indian Summer weather, with clear skies and temps in the 80s. Teams from Washington, Oregon, Northern and Southern California all came together to race. On Saturday night, East Bay Boat Club put on a taco feed and awards party following the races. Hoot Racing, Gina Fowler, the Link and Ingham families, L’il Fox Racing, and Laurie Gowin pitched in to make the evening successful.

Dean Wilson was a fantastic announcer, keeping the spectators informed on the action on the water.

Dean, a veteran runabout driver, brought an extra CSR so Brad Ingham could take an inaugural drive in a runabout. The Crackerbox North American Championship was won by Courtney Cooke and John Canfield’s P-5 with Tony Lombardo driving and Pam Wilde riding. Congratulations on the win! The largest classes racing were the Yamato 20, 300 and C. A big thank you to Mitchell’s Harley Modesto for sponsoring radio air time on 104.1 HAWK classic rock station.

We want to thank the race committee for all their hard work to make this a wonderful way to end the year: Teri Ziemer and Stuart Ford– race directors, Heidi Dunk-Vincent and David Hale– referees, Jean Mackay-Schwartz and Laurie Gowin– chief scorers, Joe Johnson, Allen Rouse and Steve Wilde– inspectors, Karl Bishop- risk manager and Bill Miller- timer.

Some of the spectators joined us on the water that weekend. One young man had his birthday party at the race and was able to go for a test drive along with his brother. A big thank you to the Wilde Ones (Steve, Daniel, Pam), Joe Johnson, Jean Mackay, the Inghams family, and Stuart Ford for offering newbies an opportunity to receive instruction and test different setups depending on age and skill level; a J/AXH or ASH rig for the youngsters, and a 300SSH rig for the older kids and adults. Several driving school students hit the water under the watchful eyes of veteran drivers and some new drivers this year with guidance from Joe Johnson, David and Brad Ingham, Daniel and Pamela Wilde and Jeff Link.

East Bay Boat Club is starting a pre-season test day and a driving school in 2019. The date and location are to be determined, but we are thinking about a warm CSR class at Mossdale.

Nancee Gillis photo

25

spring day in the beautiful foothills of California at Salt Springs Valley reservoir. Testing only would occur on Saturday, followed by a driving school on Sunday for J/AX and 300 SSH. We hope all members will reach out to family and friends and bring a new driver to the school. Pre-registration and payment will be required for the driving school. Saturday night EBBC will have a potluck dinner and a fund raiser lunch barbecue on Sunday. Look for future updates for Region 9 members in the SPIN and via e-mail blast from APBA. The following people have volunteered and are available for question. David Ingham 925-427-1990, Steve Wilde 925-876-5396, Brad Ingham 925-852-9859 and Jeff Link 707-592-2653.

Some highlighted accomplishments this year: RJ West is headed to the Hall of Champions again. He has traveled across the nation to pick up his new SST120.

This is a new chapter for RJ, and familiar territory for Chuck Skelton Racing. Joe Johnson took a national title in 850ccMR. The P28 manned by Richard Rucki and Brian Schmeltz took National High Points for Crackerbox and will be heading to Orlando, Florida to receive their award. Kyle Masuen drove the 99P to first place at the Western Divisionals in Spanaway, WA. Hoot Racing had a first full season of Crackerbox racing.

Jeff Link took off in the Stock classes with his yellow boat, and David and Brad Ingham family with the 54C purchased at the June Mossdale event, also had a good start in the season. We look for more accomplishments this coming year with the new Region 9 family.

Region 9 election results: Region chair– Julian Rucki, Secretary/Treasurer– Nan Rasmussen, Publicity Chairperson– Nancee Gillis. Commissioners: Inboard- Julian Rucki, MOD- Jean Mackay-Schwartz, OPC- RJ West, PRO- Rich Fuchslin, Stock- David Hale.

Congratulations to the new Region 9 officers!

2018 was a successful year with new families being introduced to the sport, and new babies and marriages continuing the future of our region. Congratulations to everyone for participating in this wonderful life we have in the Region 9 family. We look forward in the new year to seeing all the Region 9 members at the annual banquet in February. I have been uploading a lot of pictures on Facebook. If anyone wants any of the photos to print, please IM me. I look forward to the new season and sharing my pictures with everyone.

In SO, MOD, PRO news... the APBA BOD has passed a new rule for 2019 requiring cut-resistant footwear (socks and/or boots) for unrestrained drivers in SO, MOD, PRO, J. Make sure you get the proper gear for 2019! In OPC News... The late Frank Banducci’s Sport C boat, the Patriot, will find a new life with new owner Rick “Ricky” Ciandro. Rick will fine-tune the boat and campaign it in the 2019 season. Lance DeStefans is coming out of racing retirement and recently

26

purchased Steve Walde’s red, white and black #560 Sport C Composite Craft. RJ West is moving on from the Skelton Racing Team SST 45, replacing an OMC 3-cylinder with the 6 cylinders of a mighty Mercury F-1 class. Look for more OPC action in Region 9 as classes continue to grow in the West.

As the season came to a close and many changes coming in the New Year, we are looking for new faces and new families to join our wonderful new Region 9.

The families that have been together for many years have showed so much love for this sport, and we support each other. 2018 was my first year as a part of this family, and I look forward to many more years to come. I hope everyone’s holiday was a great and safe one. 2019 is going to be a blast! Happy New Year to everyone!

Look for more information to follow on the APBA Region 9 page https://www.facebook.com/ groups/130495724451558/.

—Nancee Gillis, Publicity Chairperson REGION 10 The offseason is officially in full swing in Region 10.

Boats are put away, engines are apart, parts and props are on order, and folks are beginning to reload for 2019. Jim Codling leads off this month with his keen observations from the Seattle Inboard/Seattle Drag and Ski gang: “Off we go into the cold and wet—finally, some rain.

All of our forest fires are finally out, so our firefighters are home; but now all of our telephone guys and girls that we can spare are off to California to start putting up new poles and wires. Gosh, you wonder what happened to cell lines.

“Some of our members have loaned out their motor homes to the families in California—pretty cool deal; that’s a great thing to do.

“With Thanksgiving behind us and Christmas just ahead, we are regrouping for the 2019 season.

“Many of our members take part in the Red Line Lucas racing series, but the company just cancelled out of all of it, including the 2018 awards banquet. It was a very strange deal. I was told they just didn’t see the sales results from the racers, and they want to go a different direction. Boy, I have heard that one a lot.

“Most of our race sites are solid in 2019, but the dates have moved in several cases.

“Please attend your club meetings for more information, and hey—volunteer for something!

“New twists to the annual meeting, they are looking for more ideas and fewer new rules. Be sure you stay on top of this change in the normal meeting schedule.

“Seattle Inboard’s new commodore is Matt Yarno, and Seattle Drag and Ski Sprint Boats new commodore

is Lenny Baker. Come to the meetings and welcome the new guys and gals that run your races and your club(s).

“Several elections for Boards of Directors are upcoming, AND Christmas drinks will be at the SD&S December meeting.

“Well done, Dorie Ross, for the memorial service for Anthony Newton. It was a full house, lots of tears, lots of smiles.“ Somebody in our Region who clearly can’t find enough to do is Kyle Bahl: APBA Board Member, Chairman of Race Management Committee, Finance Committee member, Stock Commissioner and Technical Committee Czar for Party Stock Hydro, and this year he has signed on to be Secretary for Seattle Outboard Association.

Here’s the first of what we assume to be many reports on behalf of Seattle Outboard Association: “With the 2018 season closed, Region 10 celebrated our class winners on October 27th in Tacoma, WA at the region banquet. The region perpetual trophy for most outstanding outboard driver, The Babcock Award, was awarded to Kelly Hannon for the second year in a row. Last year Kelly was a co-winner with Trey Marquard, but this year won the award outright for her accomplishments in 200CCMH. Congratulations, Kelly! Below are the region high point winners for each outboard class. Great year by all!

2018 Region 10 Outboard High Points: 1100CCR-DWIGHT MALHIOT 200CCMH-KELLY HANNON 200CCMR-RYAN GOWIN 20SSH/25SSR/CSH/CSR-KYLE LEWIS 300SSH-JIM TRYON 350CCH-TIM FIHN 45SS/500CCMH-J MICHAEL KELLY 700CCR-NATHAN ADAMS 750CCMH-JAYSON SHROCK 850CCMH-DAREN GOEHRING ASH/ASR-KIERRA MARQUARD AXR/AXH-TREY MARQUARD BSH-CARLTON JONES C RACE H/C Race R-DOUG MARTIN C SERVICE R-JIM NILSEN DSH-TIM FIHN JH-JOSH ZAHN JR-CARSON KELLY KPRO-COLTEN KING OSY400-RYAN GOWIN “Stock Outboard announced its APBA Hall of Champions. SOA’s Kyle Lewis, not surprisingly, led the way with 36 Hall points. You can read about his 2018 accomplishments driving for Sutter’s Gold Racing Team in the Nov/Dec Propeller. Congrats again to Kyle and team.

“The Rockey Stone Memorial Kilo and the Buzz

Thorsen 1/4 Mile at Devils Lake occurred at the end of September, and several records were broken. See the new records below, thank you to Columbia Racing Outboard Association for continuing to put on a great event at Lincoln City, OR year in and year out.

Bob Wartinger OSY400 74.688 UIM ¼ mile Bob Wartinger CSH 76.267 SO Kilo Daren Goehring DSH 84.467 SO ¼ mile Bob Smiley 125MH 57.638 MO Kilo Bob Smiley 125MH 55.952 MO ¼ mile Bob Smiley 125MR 52.462 MO ¼ mile Bob Smiley 125MR 54.123 MO Kilo John Peeters 500MH 92.818 MO Kilo John Peeters 500MH 91.556 MO ¼ mile Jason Williams 750MH 97.576 MO Kilo John Peeters 125ccH 84.905 PRO ¼ mile John Peeters 175ccH 84.785 PRO ¼ mile Ken Hehr 350ccH 97.826 PRO ¼ mile Rob Garratano/John Shaw JS 86.401 MPH INB Kilo Rob Garratano/John Shaw JS 86.401 MPH INB ¼ mile “Seattle Outboard Association has started 2019 off with new officers and board of directors elected. Lots of new faces. A big thank you to Ron Magnuson for his 2 years as the SOA commodore!”

“Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays. See you in Orlando for the APBA National Meetings.”

Our Vintage crew keeps growing and growing, with numerous restorations going on, and key acquisitions of existing boats making this group of racers a strong factor in our region activities. Ron Morrison tells us the latest from this group: “The Mahogany and Merlot regatta was the capstone of the Region 10 Vintage activity in 2018. With 25 Vintage inboard hydros in the pits and on the water, a great show was delivered, complementing the Vintage Unlimited hydroplanes that were on the program too.

With the season complete, the 2018 Vintage award winners were announced: Rookie of the Year, John Jackson, Gang Green Returns-S 20; Event of the Year, Hydros for Heroes, Oak Harbor WA.; Small Hydros, Gang Green Returns-S 20, Ed and Janet Kelson; Midsize Conventionals, Sunup-E12, Kathy and Mike Curry; Mid-size Cabover, The Don-N37, Shaun and Crystal Kelson; Large Hydros, Miss Vitamilk-H10 Doug Brow.

“For 2019 the Region’s Vintage Activity leadership will have three APBA inboard representatives: Jim Olson, Jill Glass and John Woodward. The addition of the third rep is due to the size of Vintage Activity in Region 10. John will be the Region Vintage Activity Chair.

David Williams will continue as the APBA Vintage Unlimited Representative.

“The new poster is out featuring Vintage Inboard hydroplanes active in Region 10; already 400 have been distributed to fans. The APBA Vintage Promotional Fund paid for the first printing of 1000

copies. When this first printing is gone, the plan is to reprint the poster with an updated display of active Vintage boats in the region. Funding this time needs to come from within the Region. Questions about this poster, including getting one? Contact Jill Glass.

“Early in 2019 it is expected that a group meeting will be called together to take the Vintage Inspector’s test. At events during the season the goal is to have a Vintage inspector for each 6 boats.

“Conversation has continued about Vintage-only events, with some actual plans moving forward. In 2019 a Vintage-only event will be on the schedule at Harrison, Idaho on Lake Coeur d’Alene. In 2020 stand-alone Vintage events are being sited for western Montana and British Columbia. To work out, these will take solid attendance commitments from the region’s Vintage race teams.”

Even our tunnel boat racers are in the process of regrouping over the winter. Mike White provides this brief update: “OPC has been fairly quiet since the Region 10 2018 racing season came to a close, but whispers of the 2019 season are starting to accelerate. I have been in contact with some folks/racers in Region 9 about participating in each other’s races to increase the number of boats, to help support both regions, in hopes of expanding the sport. We want to thank Russel Mead for taking his Sport C to California to participate in their races, making the trek 3 different times. Thanks to all who helped with the annual Region 10 fall meeting and awards banquet, which was an exceptional event. Also, congratulations to all OPC trophy winners for the 2018 season. Mike White has been elected 2019 OPC Commissioner for Region 10 and is looking forward to attending the APBA National Convention in Orlando, Florida in February.”

Wrapping up this issue’s report is the news from Chris Fanaris, and Tacoma Inboard Racing Association: “Hello race fans. Our off season here in the Pacific Northwest has been active in preparation for next season. We have been working as a collective group between the clubs and some really good stuff is happening. The Tri-Club Banquet (TIRA, SIRA, SD&S) is locked in for January 19th and should be an awesome time with our great racing community. Other club business has been rolling along with elections, general housekeeping on the by-laws, and working out the final race details for 2019.

“Things were looking good at the Region 10 meeting back in November, with decent attendance and great participation. Overall, it sounds like we all have the same agenda to work together next year in order to put on a successful 2019 race season. As I go over my notes here, I can’t help but smile when I see 26 weekends full of racing in Region 10, from outboards

to Inboards and Vintage to Kilos. Tacoma Inboard is excited to be hosting Western Divisionals at Spanaway and a school boat appearance at the Terry Troxell Memorial in Pateros. We encourage everyone to plan ahead for next year and continue to support this great motorsport we all love. That’s all for now. See you all in Orlando. We have some business to attend to and need to bring home some hardware.”

Many of us are looking forward to ditching the Pacific Northwest for a week in February to hit Orlando for our National Meeting. These meetings are always great for catching up with racers from around the country during the offseason—even better when the climate is warm and we’re ready to thaw (or in our case, to dry) out. Looking forward to seeing you all soon!

—Patrick Gleason R-19 Hampton Cup Regatta continued from page 13

Overall, the Hampton Cup regatta was a fantastic event with fun for all. Both nights at the Oozlefinch Brewery, drivers and crews could sample local brews while receiving their awards.

On Sunday, in addition to weekend winners, several were acknowledged for their exceptional contributions to the event. Paul Reid and Pete Hackett took home the Ronnie Hearn Sportsmanship Award for hunting down and returning Lisa Adkins’ father’s boat to her. Patrick Haworth earned the Buddy Roper Hard Charger Award (for the person who drove the most boats). He also received the Eddie Cannon award for the best performance in the 5 Litre class. The Henry Lauterbach Memorial award went to Tom Pakradooni in the JS-7 for earning the most points for the weekend, and Andrew Tate earned the Hampton Cup trophy for coming closest to the record in the E-300.

Hats off to Lisa Adkins, the race director for HCR and her staff: Kraig Cole, vice chair and “king of the bridge,” pit boss Jimmie Sheppard, club secretary Rebecca Schaefer, treasurer Courtney Darden, and Skip Brown and Boyd Easter, who handled logistics.

Also a big thank you to the officiating team: Don Melillo, Dave Shaw, Ann Shaw, Lyle Gunther, John Ronchetti, John Tomey, Bruce Ambrose, Wally Johnston, Tom English, and Baron Baily. Of course, a huge thank you to all teams for their support of the event. And, let’s not forget Region 4 Rescue who always make sure that all drivers are safe and sound.

Knowing this race club, I have no doubt that planning has already begun for the 94th Hampton Cup Regatta which will host the 2019 Summer Nationals.

I hope everyone has a happy and safe off-season, and look forward to seeing you in Lakeland for the kickoff to the season!

27

RACE IN PEACE ED KARELSEN

H1 Unlimited reported that hydroplane designer and boat builder Ed Karelsen, 86, passed away Saturday, December 29th in Edmonds, Washington. He had been involved in powerboat racing for over 60 years.

Born in Tacoma, Karelsen moved with his family to Seattle at a young age. There he became fascinated with boat racing. He studied engineering at the University of Washington, but left to build boats. Karelsen became a master craftsman who excelled at building beautiful, fast boats out of wood. He built successful outboards, inboards, tunnel hulls and Unlimited hydroplanes.

He won in nearly every class.

His National Champion Inboard hulls were SHAZAM, CALYPSO TOO, CHAMPAGNE LADY, MADAME BLUE, MR. BUD, JUST E NUFF, HEART BREAKER, and LAST BLAST II. He built the Unlimited hydroplanes MISS EXIDE (1963), MISS BARDAHL (1967), MISS BUDWEISER (1968), NOTRE DAME (1969), PARCO’S O-RING MISS (1970), HALLMARK HOMES (1971), and OH BOY! OBERTO (1982). His wider, lower Unlimiteds

won five national championships from 196771. The MISS EXIDE proved to be a learning experience. The hull went to pieces in its second race. Ed used a similar design, with stronger construction, after that.

Karelsen also designed the world’s fastest outboard hydroplane, which still holds the world straightaway speed record of 176.556 mph.

Retired national champion hydroplane racer Chip Hanauer said, “Ed Karelsen created boats that were simply the perfect tool for the job they were designed for—to win powerboat races.”

Hanauer referred to Karelsen’s boats as “cupcakes,” saying his grandmother could safely win a race in a Karelsen hydroplane.

Even with his phenomenal success at the top echelons of powerboat racing, Karelsen stayed humble and personable. He was often seen walking through various racing pits shaking hands, telling stories and handing out free advice.

Hanauer said, “(Ed) was perhaps the most pleasant man in racing. He was much loved and respected.”

Ed’s 2000 APBA Honor Squadron nomination reflected that same appreciation.

Ed has built perhaps the finest hydros in the U.S. since the 1950s. His Stock, Mod, PRO,

REM E M BE R WHEN ...

Above, Todd Bowden came in first at Peoria, Illinois in 1999. Todd drove just about every OPC tunnel class—Sport C, SST 60, SST 120, SST 140, Mod U, and ChampBoat. He won several series and national titles, and was inducted into the APBA Hall of Champions in 1993. At right, Todd and his dad Fred were pretty happy after that Peoria race.

Paul Kemiel photos

28

Inboard, Unlimited and OPC boats won world championship titles as well as 26 competition and straightaway records. One holds the record for the fastest outboard-powered hydro in the history of the sport, with runs of over 170 MPH and an average of over 168 mph. One of his Inboard 6 Litre boats won the national title four out of five years. The 1968 BARDAHL revolutionized Unlimiteds, winning national titles in 1967-68. In 1988, the MILLER AMERICAN wore the first pair of Karelsen shoes that helped Chip Hanauer set a record and win another APBA Gold Cup. (The late Fred Farley described the shoes as “transom-mounted mini-sponsons, designed to increase lift in the turns.”)

Ed Karelsen epitomizes the spirit of APBA racing. He is never too busy to help someone, usually with simple down-home imagination that borders on genius. He has served on many committees, and championed the use of safety cells. There is little that Ed Karelsen has not done in his nearly 50 years in the sport.

Ed Karelsen’s contributions to the sport of powerboat racing will live forever.

— from H1 Unlimited, and thunderboats.ning.com “The Ed Karelsen Story” by Fred Farley.

Photo by Ray Dong

17640 East Nine Mile Road Eastpointe MI 48021-2563

ith w t c e Conn cing on _ra a b p a am! r g a Inst

Perfect Starts at the Touch of a Button Complete Timing System for Hydroplane Racing

The 6500 performs countdown and count-up start and race functions for Inboard racing.

All hardware, switches and wiring included.

Contact Lap Magic Corporation of Dublin, Ohio Tom Newman at 614-889-6249 or email tomn6175@aol.com