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So What About The Next Generation, and the one after and....

posted Mon, 01/23/2012 - 5:40am in Thunderboats Museum Feed

I had a bit of an awakening this morning. Two of them actually. the first was the early (0530) arrival of a young man, 17 years of age, that I've taken under my wing during some difficult times. Divorce, problems with relationships, court orders, etc... I've known him since he came home next door a few days after his birth. His dad rolled him over in a stroller and introduced us. He and I have been close ever since... Including the current period as I help him work through family issues and some other difficulties that i'm sure some of us have gone through. He is a great kid.

Miss Chrysler Crew

posted Mon, 01/23/2012 - 5:40am in Thunderboats Museum Feed
As a professional film camera man for motorsports during the sixties and seventies I was privileged to be close to the action. In 1967 I was in San Diego filming the Chrysler Crew as it was firing up. The ringing scream of those two Keith Black Marine engines was ear splitting. As it pulled away the noise was positively shattering! I haven't seen any other comments on the sound of this machine but from dragsters to Indianapolis or Nascar, Nothing came close.

Let's Support Dave Villwock and our Sport -Vote! PLEASE

posted Mon, 01/23/2012 - 5:40am in Thunderboats Museum Feed

Although mentioned already on the home page under "Insider News" I think it might be worth reminding all of you to take the time to vote in the annual SSC awards, not only to recognize "our"  Dave Villwock - and by association his team -  for his achievements, but to further increase visibility and awareness of our favorite sport.

I realize we've become a "stick and ball" kinda' town, but let's do all we can to support Dave and our sport. Let's tell the committee that Unlimited Hydroplanes are still an important part of this community and Dave represents it well.

ANother Great Doha Party!

posted Mon, 01/23/2012 - 5:40am in Thunderboats Museum Feed

Over 80 hydro fans showed up at the Hydroplane Museum last night to watch H1 Unlimited’s live stream of the Oryx Cup UIM World Championship. The crowd enjoyed a festive party atmosphere and some great racing.

TV Coverage on Vs Channel.

posted Mon, 01/23/2012 - 5:40am in Thunderboats Museum Feed

 

I've caught the last two broadcasts (delayed and condensed) on Versus of the ANG H1 series. I have to say I think it's a pretty good start to bring the sport back into the public eye. I kind of like the up-close and personal approach, allowing the viewer to become acquainted with the drivers and the crews while condensing the heats into something that makes the sport more interesting to the casual viewer than it might otherwise be.

 

A Rewarding Race in Detroit

posted Mon, 01/23/2012 - 5:40am in Thunderboats Museum Feed

For unlimited hydro racing it was a remarkably uneventful event. Nobody got killed and the boats, most of them powered by aircraft engines, flew so low that Bill Sterett won with his Chryslers.

By Kim Chapin
Reprinted from Sports Illustrated, July 10, 1967

30 Years Ago Today............

posted Mon, 01/23/2012 - 5:40am in Thunderboats Museum Feed

 

Thirty years ago today, October 18, 1981 in Acapulco, Mexico, the legendary careers of Bill Muncey and his Blue Blaster Atlas Van Lines came to an end. It was an awful day not only for friends and family of Bill Muncey, but for the other drivers and crews involved in the final-heat crash. Muncey was leading after a brilliant start when the Atlas blew over on the first lap. It was one of the lowest points for the sport of Unlimited Hydroplane racing.

. . . And Bombers Hit the River

posted Mon, 01/23/2012 - 5:40am in Thunderboats Museum Feed

In one of the most unexpected upsets - and thrilling races - unlimited hydroplanes have known, a man who had never won before seized the President's Cup on the Potomac from the sport's last hero.

By Mark Kram
Reprinted from Sports Illustrated, July 17, 1972

Help!

posted Mon, 01/23/2012 - 5:40am in Thunderboats Museum Feed

As I’m sure you know the Hydroplane and Raceboat Museum is a member supported not for profit corporation.  We operate a real brick and mortar museum that houses a dozen or so of the fastest, most historic vintage unlimited hydroplanes in the world.  Restoring and running the boats is very expensive.

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