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.
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
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.
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
Two days of hydro racing end with four hospital cases, three retirements and no real winner.
By Emmett Watson
Reprinted from Sports Illustrated, August 22, 1960
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.
Would it be possible for anyone who remembers or has pictures of the
Tahoe Miss that had a Buick or Olds V-6 engine driving the aux stage
blower please forward any information on this unique application to me. I saw the boat in Detroit in the late sixtys.
I believe the name of the Crew Chief was Harry Volpe. Additional information would be appriciated.
Thanks,
Bill Grunow,
About four weeks ago I was able (with a few friends) to locate the first of a series of inboard hydroplanes built in Sweden. It was built in 1963/64 and based on a design by Ron Jones Sr. It was powered by a Volvo 4-cylinder engine souped up to about 135 hp. It was raced in the 1800cc class and was able to reach speeds around 70 knots. This boat was found in a barn where it has been sitting since 1967. Rear cowling, engine cowling and the engine is missing but otherwise it is in not too bad condition. My plan is to restore the boat and race it once again.
As a fan and participant of "Live Theatre" for many years, I have experienced several moments where a particular performance is just "magical". The kind of show where everyone nails their lines, hit all their marks. The lighting and the set just looks right together. After a few scenes you realize that the audience is just eating it up. The audience can't quite explain it, but they know that whatever they're seeing is cool beyond belief.
