VOLUME 72, ISSUE 2 • MARCH/APRIL 2018
APBA.ORG • USA: $5.00
UIM VISIT
A New Era Begins
GOOD COUNSEL
R. Steven Hearn Retires
PROPELLER WISE
It’s Not a Black Art—It’s a Science
CHICAGO CELEBRATION
Fun, Family, Friends at National Meeting
DONATE TO THE OUTBOARD DRIVING SCHOOL FUND!
Outboard Driving Schools are a proven way to bring new members into APBA. The APBA Historical Society maintains a fund to provide grants to local clubs to help offset expenses, so they can introduce more newcomers to the thrill of racing. Invest in the future of racing. Please consider a donation to help APBA clubs with their Driving Schools in this racing season and in years to come. The APBA Historical Society is a 501(c)3 corporation, so your donation to the Driving School Fund is fully tax-deductible. Contact Linda Likert at the APBA office (llikert@apba.org) or visit www.apbahs.org .
IN THIS ISSUE 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 ACCOUNTING MEMBERSHIP SANCTIONS/ HIGH POINTS PROPELLER EDITOR
Linda Likert Sabrina Haudek Cindy Minoletti Tana Moore
llikert@apba.org shaudek@apba.org cminoletti@apba.org tmoore@apba.org
2018 APBA OFFICERS AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS PRESIDENT VICE PRESIDENT NATIONAL COMMISSIONER TREASURER SECRETARY EX-OFFICIO LEGAL COUNSEL REGION REP CATEGORY REP
Howie Nichols Chris Fairchild Charles Strang Steve Compton Mary Williams Mark Wheeler TBA Jean Mackay-Schwartz John Runne Fred Hauenstein Mark Tate Jerry Davids Kyle Bahl Adam Allen Rick Sandstrom Jeff Brewster
president@apba.org VP@apba.org NC@apba.org treasurer@apba.org secretary@apba.org mark.wheeler@wmich.edu legal@apba.org jean84c@earthlink.net j.runne@hotmail.com fhauenstein@new.rr.com mtate@suncoating.com racer3d62n@hotmail.com racerkyle@hotmail.com azallen@hotmail.com info@propshopltd.com jeff_brewster59s@yahoo.com
COUNCIL-AT-LARGE: Penny Anderson, Jeffrey Conant, Richard Fuchslin, Patrick Gleason, Sheri Greaves, Alex Jennings III, Jack Meyer, Steve Noury, Jan Shaw, Rachel Warnock, Bob Wartinger, Matt Yarno
2018 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
2018 COMMITTEE CHAIRMEN Inboard Endurance Ted Kolby Junior Classes Jeff Williams, Mark Wheeler Offshore Mark Wheeler Outboard Drag Chris Fairchild Special Event and Thundercat Robin Shane Vintage and Historic John Krebs H1 Unlimited (interim) Charlie Grooms
ted@tedkolby.com junior@apba.org offshore@apba.org chris@fairchildracing.com robin.shane@verizon.net krebs233@yahoo.com cgrooms@cliftyengineering.com
2018 REGION CHAIRMEN 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 14 15 16
Dave Jones Scott Reed Ann Marie Shaw Richard Shaw Jeff Titus Eli Whitney Kris Shepard Aaron Wachholz Denver Ray Mut Rick Sandstrom Julian Rucki Roger Carr Buddy Tennell Carleton Callahan Justin Squires
dmj-dmj-32-d@att.net reed28n@gmail.com instpov@yahoo.com shawracingt2@yahoo.com jstitus2@embarqmail.com donaldeli.whitney@sbcglobal.net racershep46@att.net xtremeh2@gmail.com denvermut@hotmail.com info@propshopltd.com renegadep28@aol.com rcinr12@aol.com btennell@bellsouth.net carletoncallahan@yahoo.com novakid@yahoo.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 No Surprises! 2 Good Advice and Counsel R. Steven Hearn Retires 3 In Brief 4 2018 Steering Committee 6 Suited for Safety 8 Race Calendar 9 Promotional and Marketing Seminar 10 Propeller Wise “It’s Not a Black Art—It’s a Science.” 12 Boat Racing Spoken Here UIM President at Annual Meeting 14 H1 Unlimited Metro Detroit Chevy Dealers Hydrofest Wins Awards 15 Chicago Celebration Fun, Family, Friends at National Meeting 16 APBA Hall of Champions, Class of 2017 Great Group 18 Grand Prix World and APBA Team Up 19 Make It a Happier Haul Tips to Avoid a Trailer of Tears 20 Category Corner Professional Racing Outboard 21 H1 Unlimited 22 Inboard 23 Junior Classes 24 Modified Outboard 25 APBA Offshore 25 Stock Outboard 26 Thundercat 27 Region Roundup 1, 10, 11, 12 28 Race in Peace 32 Muncey from the Beginning IBC CORRECTION
In the January issue on page 15, we misidentified the P5 rider shown with Tony Lombardo. That was Kyle Bahl, not Kyle Lewis. In the 2017 Yearbook on page 42, the H1 Unlimited 2017 season results were wrong. See the corrected results on page 15. ON THE COVER: UIM President Dr. Raffaele Chiulli, R. Steven Hearn, Hall of Champions inductees Cole Olson and Justin Gibson, and Scoring Committee Chair Lisa Jennings. Gleason Racing Photography and APBA photos
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FROM THE TOP BY HOWIE NICHOLS, APBA PRESIDENT
No Surprises
APBA President Howie Nichols with dad Pete and daughter Becky at Hinton, West Virginia.
Race season is now upon us. As you prepare your rigs for the 2018 racing season, take the time to go over every nut and bolt. If you look at an item and think, “Maybe I should replace this,” then you should! Remember, detail is the key to success and safety. With detail in mind, the Chicago “unconventional” meeting is well behind us. We started off slowly, discussing ideas, and changing region boundaries came up. This was a surprise to many, and left a lot of attendees scratching their heads, asking, “What are they doing to us now?”
The tone of the week went downhill faster than our Olympic athletes. Discussion immediately began on social media—and not in a positive light. Your Board of Directors saw this, after meeting with a special consultant for Associations. He presented many ideas that could be utilized to strengthen our organization. The #1 philosophy he emphasized was “No Surprises” —to his Board of Directors or members. I immediately took this to heart. The BoD was directed that the region map would be taken off the table, and a task force would be established. This group will gather information ranging from why the change is needed, to how it will affect the membership, to what the cost/savings may be, and what you, the members, think about it. That task force is now in place and will reach out to the membership to solicit input. Once the input is received, we can evaluate whether this is in APBA’s best interests, prior to any action taking place. I conveyed this to the attendees and the week took a turn towards the positive. As we move forward during my term as your President, NO SURPRISES is our platform. We will work for the membership, not against it. Commissions and committees met and discussed many changes. You will see those put into place. Remember, you do have a voice; contact the Commissioners you have elected to give them insight so they can make informed decisions. The APBA Convention in Chicago was an overall success with the seminars. We will continue with more seminars next year. The contract for the 2019 meeting has been signed. We will be going to Orlando, Florida Feb 6th-10th. It's WARM there. Mark your calendars and put in for the time off to see what it is all about. Stay tuned, and best of luck to everyone in the upcoming racing season.
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Good Advice and Counsel
R. Steven Hearn Retires after 36 Years as APBA Legal Counsel APBA has no better friend or greater champion than R. Steven Hearn of Leesburg, Indiana. Since 1957, Steve and his wife Delores have been a supportive presence at fast, exciting races and slow, less exciting meetings. As a racing family, the Hearns launched their children Richard, Edward and Beth Anne (and now their grandchildren) to race and win countless championships and titles. Although Steve did not win many trophies on the racecourse, Edward said, “He taught me everything I know about driving a raceboat and winning races. For all of the trophies I have ever won, I give credit to my dad for coaching me for 40 years.” And, for the past 36 years, the APBA has benefitted from Steve Hearn’s forthright, intelligent legal counsel. His dedicated service recently came to an end. At the January 27th APBA Annual Meeting in Chicago, Edward Hearn read a resolution acknowledging his father’s “good advice and counsel” and announcing Steve’s retirement from law “at the young age of 80.” (See facing page.) In motorsports, sticky legal questions come up. Racing does carry risk. Hearn understands the need for speed; but as a lawyer, he also understands how to navigate legal complexities. Steve Hearn has helped APBA build solid safety rules and practices, allowing racers to compete hard while protecting them and the Association. In particular, Steve was key to keeping the APBA afloat during challenging periods.
ordered Board was created; bylaws had to be amended; a Special Master was appointed to supervise elections. The officers changed in rapid succession. Hearn carefully built the case for APBA, all while holding down a demanding day job as a Prosecuting Attorney in Warsaw, Indiana. It was not easy. Steve’s professional reputation was attacked, and few appreciated how much he and Edward sacrificed to press the case. Steve also said, “Through all of this, I had the support of my wife. That was really important.” Edward said simply, “It was a group process.” That is true; many dedicated APBA members, including Charles Strang, donated financial and professional help. In 2003, the entire APBA Board of Directors travelled to Buffalo, New York to attend a hearing. However, without the Hearns’ able work in the courtroom, APBA would likely not have survived in its current form.
When Steve Hearn was elected APBA President in October 2002, he set out goals that are as relevant today as then: “...dealing squarely with our members and sponsors in difficult times; ...to give each and every member the highest quality service at a fair price, to listen to his or her problems, to address members’ needs, and to never deceive them...” Such simple goals, so rarely achieved. In addition to his 36 years as APBA Legal Counsel, Hearn made the APBA Junior Classes a reality. He has conducted races, served on the Stock Outboard Racing Commission, was Junior Classes Committee Chairman and APBA President. For his dedication, Steve has earned APBA’s highest non-racing honors. He was inducted into the APBA Honor Squadron in 1996, and received the Charles D. Strang Ultimate Service Award in 2012. We will miss his wisdom and rock-solid integrity, and wish him all the best in a well-deserved retirement. Thank you, Steve. See you at the races!
Above, Steve Hearn with APBA Executive Administrator Gloria Urbin in 2006. Below, Steve helps Edward launch in 2010. F. Peirce Williams photo
In the early 1990s, APBA got crosswise with the IRS. Hearn spent many hours reshaping APBA’s structure and rewriting bylaws to resolve the issue. In the early 2000s, a struggle for control of the Association culminated in a legal battle in New York State, under whose laws APBA was founded. Steve and Edward Hearn used their legal skill to preserve APBA as a member-based association. It was a costly and complex process. A court3
IN BRIEF... in this room tonight, by the way they shake hands and show their brand of sportsmanship toward each other after a hard race. My friend Billy Giles would be proud of you, and I am proud to be associated with all of you. It was a great honor and very humbling to be chosen for the 2016 Bill Giles Sportsmanship Award. —Billy Allen, on passing the Bill Giles Sportsmanship Award to Steve Noury
(L-R) Billy Allen and the late, great Bill Giles (Paul Luippold photo).
RACING, GILES STYLE I must be honest — winning the inaugural Bill Giles Sportsmanship Award last year took me by total surprise. I was stunned and did not have any remarks ready for my acceptance of the award. Therefore, I would like to take just a moment to say a few words about my friend Billy Giles. Even before I started racing in 1974 at the age of twelve, Billy Giles was already a favorite of the Allen family. Because of his terrific way of relating to people, including kids, and his always-ready smile, he was one of the first people that we sought out when we got to a boat race. When I first started in J Runabout, my mentors were my father Racer as well as his teammates. Guys like Glasses, Clark, Chucky McCabe and Steve and Stan Fitts—these were the guys that taught me how to drive and how to start. They also instilled in me to always be prepared and to be competitive, no matter what competition you were facing. Then there were the other drivers who taught you things that they did not realize that they were teaching you. Billy Giles taught me about sportsmanship. Not by anything he said, but by his example. You never saw Bill Giles come off the race course in a huff, yelling at anyone or throwing a temper tantrum about getting cut off on the course and getting a little spray in his face. He always had a kind word of encouragement for his fellow racers; and he always, always had the good of the sport of boat racing in the forefront of his mind. Later in life when I grew up and had to race against him, I learned another lesson, and that was how tough he was on the race course. In fact, it was in the last race of his long and illustrious career that he kicked all of our butts in the rough water at Standish, Maine, winning the C Stock Hydro event. But, throughout all of the years racing with Bill, whether he won or lost, he was always the first one with his hand out to congratulate his competitors. Now that I am an Inspector, I have the opportunity to silently witness the drivers come off the race course. Every time that the J or AX classes pull into inspection, I am especially proud of our young drivers, most of whom are 4
(L-R) Mark Wheeler and mentor Don Allen, Sr. in 2006.
DON ALLEN SR. AWARD My first “job” within APBA was as President of the Michigan Hydroplane Racing Association (MHRA). MHRA was formed in the 1980s; the club’s first event was conducted at Columbiaville, MI. At the end of Sunday’s racing on that first weekend, a short meeting of club members took place. At the meeting, MHRA’s President announced that he was overcommitted and needed to resign. At that point, Don Allen looked at me and asked if I was willing to be MHRA’s new president. I said yes! That first “job” led to many other volunteer roles in APBA. Don’s advice and counsel were a great help in each one of them. I want to thank the selection committee and APBA for presenting me with Don’s award. The The Don Allen Sr. Memorial Leaership Award means so much to me because Don was both a friend and mentor. I also want to thank Don for his willingness to take a chance on a “new guy.” —Mark Wheeler
CAPTURE THE ACTION Technology is changing the way we race and record events. Just wait— someday drones will become an essential part of race management. And, since APBA racers can’t mount cameras on their helmets for safety reasons, how about an affordable video camera right in a pair of sunglasses? Dave Deck demonstrated the Pivothead camera at the Driving School Seminar. The SIM card slides out of the temple and into your computer. Check it out.
NEW CLASS COMMITTEE The New Class Committee met Jan. 24th. Chair Jean Mackay-Schwartz welcomed Gary Miller, Jeff Brewster, Kristi Ellison, Jeff Williams, Mark Wheeler, Robin Shane, and Fred Hauenstein. Reports from the categories were accepted: Modified Outboard: Gary Miller reported their new classes are 125ccMod Hydro and Runabout with the Fireball motors. New motors will be available within three weeks from order. The Fireball is a go-kart motor, mounted on any type of housing and using any gearbox. Prototype motors were on display over the weekend. Jean noted the benefit of being able to take a currently available engine and adapt it to our uses.
JOHNNY’S ANGEL Patrick Gleason got this photo of Johnny Adams crashing at Cullaby last year in 20SS Hydro. The thing about this picture is not the boat in mid-crash, but look at the spray on the right side: see the face? And the torso, wings and halo rising up? We call it Johnny’s Guardian Angel shot (he was not hurt).
HELP SOLVE A MYSTERY The Walt Blankenstein Award once went to PRO 350ccH drivers only, but more recently to the driver who earns the most weekend points in a chosen class at the Orange Cup Regatta in Lakeland, Fla. Past winners include Terry Rinker (2011), Tom Thompson (2009), Chris Hellsten (2002) and Peter Crowley (1997). Question: where is the actual trophy? If you have a clue (or the trophy itself), please email editor@apba.org . And here’s another one: 2017 Hall of Champions Offshore inductee Scott Portá mentioned that his great-grandfather W. H. Snyder of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania raced between 1907 and 1913. His boats were the Kuleoff and the Seminole, sponsored by Buffalo Motors and Sam’s Oil. In 1911 issues of Motorboating and Automobile Topics online, the Kuleoff (driven by K.C. Goodwin) is mentioned. On a 4-1/2 mile course, the Kuleoff’s best time was 14 minutes, 40.5 seconds. The trophies Snyder won include the RockeyledgeCocoa Merchants’ Cup and Yacht Club Cup, the Jacksonville Power Boat Club Panama Cup, the Palm Beach Power Boat Association Park and Theford Cup, the Jacksonville Power Boat Association Visitors’ Cup, and “third place in the St. Augustine Power Boat Club 20-mile free-for-all.” Clearly W. H. Snyder’s boat was a champion. Yet a search of APBA records at Headquarters turns up nothing on either the Kuleoff or the Seminole. (The earliest Propeller is from 1935; there are rule books dating back to the beginning, but no early reference books with race results, champions, etc.) Does anyone have early 20th Century racing lore on either boat to share with Scott? If so, please email editor@apba.org.
Stock Outboard: Jeff Brewster said the SORC worked on restructuring their classes by dropping a couple of classes that do not have much participation. The proposal was to drop them and add two “B” classes, which are easier to promote. Engines are readily available for anyone to purchase. Offshore: Mark Wheeler reported they had worked on adding the Super Vee Xtreme class. This new class will help bring teams from other offshore organizations into APBA. PRO: F500 is a UIM tunnel boat class that has been adopted for 2018. Being a tunnel hull, F500 will be raced separately from other hydro or runabout classes. The 2018 rulebooks are being updated as soon as the changes are finalized. Check apba.org and look for the newest versions of your category rules.
Portage Bay Systems, Inc.
Steve Greaves 206-371-0486
Email: sgreaves@portagebaysystems.com Web: www.portagebaysystems.com/marine
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This is an exciting time for APBA. It will be awhile before the results become obvious to most members, but much has been changing behind the scenes since early 2017.
If you made it to Chicago for the National Meeting—I mean APBA Annual Convention, you’ll have experienced the initial changes, brought to you by the 2017 APBA Promotional and Marketing Committee. That would be the six seminars that took place on Friday and Saturday. For the first year, they were very well received by all that attended. There were some hiccups, but it was a great learning experience for us all. Next year they will be bigger and better than the standard set in Chicago. Soon, all of the seminars will be accessible on the new APBA website, thanks to the generosity of the APBA Historical Society, and Valerie Lighthart’s “Once Upon A Time Productions” and her sidekick Rachel Warnock. Also on the website, there is plenty of valuable new information for our clubs and race promoters to access under the RESOURCES tab on the home page. Now what’s new for 2018? Earlier I stated that this is an exciting time for APBA. We have had a Steering Committee for many years; however, this year our committee takes
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on a new mission. The BOD has asked us to do some things that hadn’t been explored before. For the past 114 years, the function of the APBA has been purely that of a sanctioning body that also provides insurance for all of our events. Now, the Steering and Member Retention Committee has been tasked with developing a plan to get APBA on a road to growth and success. Prior to this year, all of the growth had to happen on the local level, relying totally on the clubs. The clubs will still have to supply the manpower to acclimate new prospects to the sport, but the tools used to attract potential racers or develop potential new race sites will eventually be supplied by APBA. The Steering and Member Retention Committee comprises all of the category chairmen, as well as Jeff Williams, Mark Wheeler, Robin Shane, Adam Allen, Mark Tate, Dave Richardson, Paul Pittman, Scott Reed and myself. Our expanded directive is to create a Mission Statement, a Vision Statement, objectives, goals and a strategy to attain success for APBA. We would also like to hear any positive thoughts or input from the membership as we go through this process. Please contact me at: j.runne@hotmail.com . See you at the races.
From top left, Dave Deck shows off video camera sunglasses at the Driving School seminar; Roger Caddell demonstrates AiM Sports data collection; an attentive crowd listens to Roger’s presentation; and Jeff Titus talks Propeller Science. Caddell photo by Adam Allen
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SUITED FOR SAFETY BY DON (ELI) WHITNEY, APBA SAFETY COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN
The APBA Safety Committee met Friday, Jan. 26, 2018 to review old business, category safety experience in the past racing year, and national and worldwide safety trends; develop a new initiative, and discuss a recent HNR system for unrestrained drivers. Total meeting time was 50 minutes (45 minutes allotted). Good attendance and individual participation in the meeting were notable. A moment of silence was taken to remember individuals who passed away late 2017: Bill Chilcott contributed so much to safety, especially in helmet development, testing and development of safety initiatives, and engineering expertise. We also remembered Lou Jordan for his long service to APBA boat racers, especially with the Region 4 Rescue Team. We welcomed back Dave Noble (Box 21) who had been severely injured late 2017, but attended the annual meeting and Safety Committee as usual. No changes to the General Safety Rules or safety-related category rule changes were presented for review by the committee. Ken Smith reported no rescue issues this past year. Recruiting young volunteers for rescue teams is increasingly difficult. Fire departments are starting to restrict members’ outside work by allotting more on-call time demands; and volunteer time is generally decreasing. Bob Wartinger presented a quick review of 2017 UIM activities, emphasizing the need for: system design analysis; increasing the use of existing devices or components within cockpits to enhance safety and performance (low height SFI 38.1 certified head and neck restraints, seating, padding, six-point driver restraints, SNELL rated helmets). Boat racing fatality/serious injury rates remain constant worldwide, while declining in most other motorsports. We need to develop a database of APBA incidents in order to develop initiatives that target defined areas, rather than random SWAG application of effort. Racing Category Reports: MOD (Bob Koschka) noted two neck injury incidents, involving helmet bucketing and helmet coming off. He also noted SNELL 2015 helmets now feature built-in HNR attachment points. Stock Outboard (Tom Johnston) noted similar concerns regarding HNRs for unrestrained drivers. One device (BRASE) did not fit skid collars, and now is off the market. We need to define a suitable foam density for collars. PRO (Steve Greaves) reported no incidents. OPC (Sam LaBanco) reported two significant incidents. We have no info, except that at least one has resulted in paralysis. Lack of info means no ability to research and develop actions.
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Inboard (Eli Whitney) reported no incidents. Four safety-related Inboard rule proposals (reducing minimum # of divers required, eliminating physical exams, softening of hard limit to minimum water depth) were not passed by the IRC. Rich Evans reported that Vintage US experience was OK. There was, sadly, a GP hydroplane blowover fatality at a Canadian (CBF) vintage event. We proposed developing an incident database within the safety committee to track trends, identify problems and trend analysis, and develop solutions. A confidential form was developed to document incidents without identifying those involved. With additions suggested by the committee and audience, this document was presented to the APBA BOD for their review and decision to adopt. The committee was also asked to compile a list of active capsule manufacturers, to help a racer needing a new capsule to find who makes what more easily. A new HNR device for unrestrained drivers (Hit-Air) was displayed and described, furnished by Katelyn Shaw (thank you!). The device is gas operated, inflating when a lanyard is pulled off the boat (kill switch system). Reservations about the system involve its gas-operated aspect and its actual energy reduction performance. (Only test data from lower-than-racing speeds indicate energy reduction performance.) Bob Koschka and Bob Wartinger committed to contact Dr. Terry Trammell in Indianapolis for thoughts and comments on the device. (Dr. Trammell is the racing industry expert regarding injuries, prevention, etc.) Discussion and investigation will continue. Meeting adjourned at 8:50 AM. Items carried over from last year could not be discussed within time allotted: • Voluntary driver medical information tag/lanyard to enhance availability of critical information in emergency situations. A proposal was made to the BOD to provide these blank tags in racing membership packets to promote voluntary use (Jeff Brewster, SO Chairman). • Proposed testing of head and neck restraint devices/neck braces for unrestrained drivers. Currently, no standards (such as SFI) or testing exists; certain racing classes are requiring use of these devices. Budget requirement estimated to be $20,000; possible university engineering program support can reduce such costs. APBA BOD support is requested to move forward with this program. Don (Eli) Whitney APBA Safety Committee chairman
Ken Smith APBA Rescue Committee Chairman
RACE CALENDAR REGION 1
5/18-20 6/9-10 7/13-15 8/26 9/7-9 9/22-23
Standish, ME Milton, NH Thompson, CT Fall River, MA Standish, ME Kingston, NH
MOD-SO-J CLSES PRO-SO-J CLSES PRO-MOD-SO-J CLSES OFFSHORE PRO-SO-J CLSES PRO-SO-J CLSES
REGION 7
6/22-24 Rock Falls, IL 8/31-9/2 Evansville, IN 9/15-16 Beloit, WI 9/22-23 Madison, IN
REGION 3
4/21-22 Millville, NJ 5/20 Point Pleasant Beach, NJ 6/16-17 West Milford, NJ 6/23-24 Berwick, PA 9/1-3 Lock Haven, PA 9/15-16 Landing, NJ 9/23 Lake Hopatcong, NJ 10/13-14 Millville, NJ
MOD-SO-J CLSES OFFSHORE INBOARD MOD-SO-J CLSES PRO-MOD-SO-J CLSES INBOARD OFFSHORE MOD-SO-J CLSES
REGION 4
6/1-3 7/27-29 10/5-7
Ridge, MD Leonardtown, MD Leonardtown, MD
VINTAGE VINTAGE VINTAGE
REGION 5
3/3-4 Lakeland , FL 4/5-8 Jesup, GA 4/20-22 Miami, FL 4/28 Bimini, Bahamas 5/12 St. Cloud, FL 6/2 Jacksonville, FL 6/15-17 St. Pete Beach, FL 6/29-7/1 Sarasota, FL 11/17 Englewood FL
INB-SO-OPC-J CLSES PRO-MOD-SO-J CLSES OFFSHORE OFFSHORE OFFSHORE OFFSHORE OFFSHORE OFFSHORE OFFSHORE
REGION 6
6/5-9 Springfield, OH 7/29 St Clair, MI 8/10-12 Springfield, OH 8/11-12 Indian River , MI 8/25-26 Dayton, OH 9/7-9 Hillsdale, MI
SE-SOLAR SPLASH OFFSHORE VINTAGE-OPC SO-TC-J CLSES INB-MOD-SO-J CLSES PRO-MOD-TC-J CLSES
PRO-MOD-SO-J CLSES INBOARD PRO-MOD-SO-J CLSES VINTAGE
REGION 8
6/2 7/14-15
Lake Ozark, MO Forest Lake, MN
OFFSHORE OPC
REGION 9
9/1-2
Shreveport, LA
OPC
REGION 10
4/7 Kenmore, WA SE-VINTAGE-PRO-MOD-SO-J CLSES 4/14-15 Cascade Park, WA PRO-MOD-SO-J CLSES 4/21-22 Riggins, ID SE-JRR 4/28-29 Yelm, WA VINTAGE-INB-MOD-SO-OPC 5/5-6 Castle Rock, WA PRO-MOD-SO-J CLSES 5/19-20 St Maries, ID SE-JRR 5/19-20 Bremerton, WA PRO-MOD-SO-J CLSES 5/24-28 Grants Pass, OR SE-JET SPRINT 6/16-17 Soap Lake, WA VINTAGE-INB-IE-PRO-MOD-SO-OPC-JCLSES 6/29-7/1 Rogue River, OR SE-OBRR 7/15-22 Moses Lake, WA MOD-SO-J CLSES 7/27-29 Kennewick, WA VINTAGE-INB-UNL REGION 11
4/21-22 5/12-13 5/19-20 6/16-17 7/28-29 9/22-23
Oroville, CA SE-INB-IE-OS-PRO-MOD-SO-OPC-JCLSES Hoopa , CA SE-OBRR Oroville, CA VINTAGE-INB-PRO-MOD-SO-OPC-J CLSES Hoopa, CA SE-OBRR Nicolaus, CA VINTAGE-INB-PRO-MOD-SO-OPC-J CLSES Nicolaus, CA VINTAGE-INB-PRO-MOD-SO-OPC-J CLSES
REGION 12
3/3-4
Havasu Lake, CA
INB-IE-PRO-MOD-SO-OPC-J CLSES
REGION 14
6/15-17 6/22-24
Nashville, TN Guntersville, AL
OPC INBOARD-UNLIMITED
REGION 15
5/4-6
Port Neches TX
OPC-J CLSES
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Promotional & Marketing Seminar Chicago 2018 BY JEAN MACKAY-SCHWARTZ AND SHERRON WINER The second annual Promotional and Marketing Seminar was presented during the APBA Annual Meeting in Chicago on January 27th. This year’s presentations highlighted methods to publicize and market events using mainstream media. Tips on creating effective media releases and website content, various social media marketing techniques, and methods for harnessing the power and reach of internet advertising were shared. All are designed to continue the effort of getting everyone from HERE to THERE – a successful event. The presentations are just a quick click away on the APBA website Resource Directory. Clubs and members can download to have at their fingertips to use when promoting their events. “Promotion through Publicity/Media Release” and “Using Social Media as a Marketing Tool” presentations are in PDF format, listed under APBA Promotion and Marketing Seminar on page 1 of the Resource Directory. The Promotional and Marketing Committee also met on January 26th to unveil upcoming projects for the 2018 season, to assist and encourage APBA clubs and members with event promotion. Programs under consideration include a Best APBA Race Site Award and advertising incentives. During the meeting, we were fortunate to have several APBA members offer their graphic design skills to work with the committee and help APBA clubs develop marketing and promotional pieces. Thank you for stepping up with your offers to help! More information will be available in upcoming articles in SPIN and PROPELLER.
The committee will continue to produce a series of articles in the electronic online SPIN and print PROPELLER magazine as a supplement to the seminars. These will offer additional information covering social media marketing, tips for finding sponsors, growing a spectator base and using publicity to create successful events. Keep in mind that several categories have promotional materials available for APBA clubs. Stock Outboard has brochures, 300SSH postcards, decals, videos and “Boat Race” signs. The Modified Category has created a brochure, and the Inboard Category has flags, banners, rack cards, and calendars complete with race date schedule. The Promotional and Marketing Committee has updated the APBA Source Links document for 2018; it contains the contact information for requesting category promotional materials. The APBA Source Links document is currently available in Word format on the APBA website Resource Directory. APBA also has Club Support documents available to current APBA Clubs and Race Promoters to help solicit race sites and local sponsors. These documents, in Word format, can be accessed through the APBA Resource Directory under Club Resources. They can be downloaded and customized to suit your club’s event requirements. The documents created by and available through APBA include: APBA Demographics
Event Budget and Checklists
Sample Host Site Proposal Sample Sponsor Proposal Sample Host Site Contact 10
Sample Sponsor Contract.
Looking for the correct APBA logo? Look no further...Check the updated APBA Resource Directory to find APBA logos that can be downloaded and used when creating posters, flyers or other graphic pieces. The JPEG files are created in various colors to work well with grayscale as well as color applications. 2018 promises to be an exciting year for the Promotional and Marketing Committee as we continue to provide useful tools and innovative programs to APBA members and clubs to help promote and advertise race sites. The committee will continue to create targeted seminars, write monthly articles, develop internal promotions, and offer personal assistance when needed. It’s all part of our effort to provide a roadmap for hosting successful events for APBA clubs and members. Have a question? Do you need help? Please contact us; we’re just an email away. Jean Mackay-Schwartz jean84c@earthlink.net Sherron Winer winer.sherron@gmail.com
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“It’s Not a Black Art—It’s a Science.”
PROPELLER WISE JEFF TITUS GIVES THE LOWDOWN ON THE RACING PROPELLER
Jeff Titus has been designing, making, remaking and fixing propellers since, well, forever. He started out as a kid, testing boats with his father on the canal near his Florida home. His dad also tinkered with props (“heat and beat”) and so of course Jeff got involved. Working on a Switzer Shooting Star boat with a long-eared 2-blade propeller, Jeff tried a few modifications and got the boat to go 68 MPH. He decided the propeller was the most important factor in performance. Note: “The Wright brothers put more research into propellers than planes.” For years it was a hobby, but when Jeff retired from the business world 30 years ago, he meant to do what he loved: racing, helping others go fast, and working on propellers. Today he runs Performance Propellers in Lake Placid, Florida. At the Chicago National Meeting, he stood in front of a room packed full of racers, casually handling a shiny racing prop. Anybody who ever sliced a finger was a little nervous, so it was a surprise when Jeff handed the propeller to a teenager, saying, “Go ahead. It’s like a butter knife, not a razor.” Yes, he said, a thin, sharp edge may add to performance, but also tends to crack. Murmur of disbelief #1... “It’s not a black art,” Jeff said. “It’s a science.” What makes it scientific is repeated testing, and performance-based design. First, the basics: pitch (the distance a propeller moves in one revolution), rake and cup (the geometry of the working side of a blade) and cavitation. “We all know what cavitation is,” said Jeff, “but you’re wrong.” Murmur of disbelief #2... Cavitation is when the propeller creates a froth of air bubbles—’boils” the water around it. Cavitation can cause pitting and burning on the prop, and reduce its “bite” on water. It can literally burn off the propeller blades of large ocean-going ships. Ventilation (what most of us thought of as cavitation) is when the prop sucks in air—often when the prop is out of the water in a sharp turn, or in rough chop. Ventilation can reduce thrust while increasing RPMs.
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Jeff noted that flatbottom propeller technology is basically unchanged since the 1930s-40s. Rake (the blade’s degree of slant from base to tip) makes the propeller hold better by controlling the thrust column. Can there be too much rake? Jeff did not know. He prefers about 15° to 18° but some Mercury propellers are raked to 30°. Similarly, the optimum degree of cupping has never been scientifically established. Edgar Rose asked about computational fluid dynamics testing on propellers, but it would be hard to do. There are too many dynamics. Regarding pitch, it is known only that excessive pitch can make a boat “squirrelly” (scientific term). De-pitching brings the back of the boat down and improves handling. We love shiny things. Conventional wisdom says a highly polished surface works better on a prop. Jeff disagreed, citing the layer of static air that clings to a textured surface. “You have to have slip to have forward motion.” Mark Tate mentioned the dimples on a golf ball as an analogy. Again, testing will prove the point one way or the other. Murmur of disbelief #3... How many blades do you need? Basically, there is a trade-off between performance (fewer blades) and handling (more blades). Each rotation is a torque/release cycle, so the more blades, the more torque/release resistance. Jeff found a 3-blade propeller afforded good handling with performance equal to, or better than, a 2-blade wheel. A 4-blade offers better handling, not performance. A 5-blade offers greater surface area required by bigger boats, along with more resistance—thus requiring more horsepower. Again, testing is key to finding the perfect match. Murmur of disbelief #4... The debate about MPH versus elapsed time will go on forever. In OPC, the race to the first turn is key to winning; so it may pay to use a propeller with higher acceleration and less top end in that situation. How to care for your propeller? Jeff recommends cleaning after every use, especially if it has been in saltwater. Just wash in warm soapy water and dry it off—you’re done. Inspect it in sunlight if possible. Look for dings
on the leading ot trailing edges, and cracks. “If you just look at the damn thing you’ll see any cracks.” And if you do, it’s time for a new propeller. It’s risky to try to make the prop last for another race. “In Inboard especially, if you throw a blade, you’ll lose a strut and/or a rudder, and hurt your feelings real bad,” said Jeff. Don’t try to fix a propeller yourself. Every weld is 15% weaker than the original casting. Every groove is a stress point. The tried and true investment casting is the most cost-efficient method of making propeller blanks. However, gravity can cause blades to droop during casting. Air pockets can form near the hub, as the metal in the hub
acid plastic that melts out completely at 1100°. Since racing propellers will always be a small sector of the market, 3D printing would be the way to go—except that the big printers are impossibly expensive. Well, a certain Unlimited driver happens to have access to 3D printers in the course of his work. He has been able to experiment with them, creating a few propellers from metal powder. Somewhere out there, the future of racing propellers is spinning into existence. There are as many opinions about propellers as there are racers. Jeff Titus’s Propeller Science Seminar was an opening; the start of a conversation that will go on forever. Thanks to all who participated. Let’s look forward to another seminar next year. Between now and then, test, document, and retest. Then bring your disbelief, but bring some scientific data as well.
congeals before the blades do. Jeff asked, “Ever thrown a blade?” A few raised their hands. The break is usually about 1/2 inch from the hub—right where congealed metal blocked molten metal filling out the mold. Then, after casting, there is heat treating. CNC uses a thicker casting, with a machine doing most of the finishing. A third choice is forging the casting, but tooling costs are very high for a very low volume. After that, it’s heat and beat, test, heat and beat again.
Jeff held up a red plastic propeller. It looked like a toy. His 17-year-old grandson had made it in an inexpensive 3D printer. However, Jeff said, “This is the future, especially for short runs.” They use a non-petroleum polylactic
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BOAT RACING SPOKEN HERE A First: UIM President Attends APBA Annual Meeting
“The ocean just got smaller.” For the first time, the UIM President crossed the pond to attend an APBA Annual Meeting. In Chicago, APBA President Howie Nichols and Fred Hauenstein, UIM Senior Vice President, welcomed UIM President Dr. Raffaele Chiulli and UIM Secretary General Thomas Kurth. President Chiulli was impressed by the level of quality and exchange of ideas that marked the convention. “This event is a great platform and opportunity to learn, share and interact. I understand this is the first time—and I hope not the last!—that a UIM President crosses the pond to attend the Annual APBA Meeting and to listen in person to the voice of the American Power Boat Association. Our National Federations, like the APBA, are uniquely placed to promote and develop our sport, as you have a direct channel to your people.” All week, he expressed a desire for APBA and UIM to combine forces. “The challenge today,” he said, “is to encourage a new generation of racers.” Dr. Chiulli and Mr. Kurth visited a number of seminars, meetings and award ceremonies during the week. They had a chance to speak with a number of members and definitely got the big picture. They also handed out copies of UIM training manuals, used in training centers worldwide as part of the UIM Prop Stars Youth Development Program. As with APBA Driving Schools, the aim is to train new racers, but Prop Stars also seeks to “train the trainers.” Dr. Chiulli described the program: “Dream, train, race.” The APBA Annual Banquet was another highlight of the presidential visit, allowing the UIM delegation to meet with the APBA champions and key players, including the 2017 APBA Hall of Champions inductees.
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The evening saw Fred Hauenstein receive APBA’s highest recognition, the Charles. D. Strang Ultimate Service Award; while Howie Nichols and Bob Moore were inducted into the APBA Honor Squadron, and past President Mark Wheeler received the Don Allen Senior Memorial Leadership Award. Dr. Chiulli said: “I was amazed to see APBA’s racers’ and officers’ passion and dedication to preserve and valorize the history of our beloved sport of powerboating.” In conclusion, the UIM President underlined his willingness to further develop the cooperation between the APBA and the UIM; he characterized this visit as the “beginning of a new era of cooperation”. Above, UIM President Dr. Raffaele Chiulli listens to Sam Winer of the Powerboat Superleague. At left, Thomas Kurth, Dr. Chiulli, Fred Hauenstein and Charles Strang. Below, Dr. Chiulli and President Nichols at the Annual Meeting on Saturday, January 27th.
BIG NIGHT: METRO DETROIT CHEVY DEALERS HYDROFEST WINS TWO AWARDS FROM H1 UNLIMITED Saturday night (Feb. 10th) was a time for H1 Unlimited Hydroplanes to celebrate the 2017 season and look forward to 2018 during its 53rd annual Champion’s Gala at the Red Lion Hotel in Kennewick, Washington. It was also a big night for the Detroit Riverfront Events Inc. as the organization took home two awards for its efforts hosting the Metro Detroit Chevy Dealers Hydrofest last August.
The APBA Gold Cup is the oldest and one of the most prestigious trophies in all of the motorsports. The President’s Cup was also on the line for the first time since 1977, at the Detroit Hydrofest. On that Sunday, Jimmy Shane of Renton, Washington, the fourtime defending national champion in Unlimited hydroplanes, won his third Gold Cup in four years in the U-1 Miss Homestreet. Shane bested Andrew Tate of Walled Lake, Michigan, who finished a distant second in Realtrac/Delta Gear. However, one day earlier, it was Tate who won the President’s Cup. It was a thrilling doubleheader weekend in Detroit.
The Metro Detroit Chevy Dealers took home the Outstanding Regional Marketing Award, while the DREI was named the Race Site of the Year. “For the first time in the history of the sport we hosted a doubleheader of Unlimited hydroplane racing when the President’s Cup was held on Saturday and the APBA Gold Cup was raced on Sunday,” said Mark Weber, President of the DREI and Hydrofest Race Chairman. “We have a great group of volunteers but we could not have been able to pull this off without the help of the Metro Detroit Chevy Dealers.”
“These awards are ours because of our volunteers and the backing of the Metro Detroit Chevy Dealers,” said Weber. “They were onboard to keep our century-old hydroplane tradition on the Detroit River alive by supporting the race, letting us race for the Gold Cup again, and allowing us to bring the President’s Cup back into the sport. All in all, it gave the sport a great weekend of hydroplane racing.”
CORRECTION - H1 UNLIMITED 2017 SEASON RESULTS The 2017 Season Results chart on page 42 of the APBA Yearbook was incorrect. By pulling individual race results (below) from the H1 Unlimited website, we end up with the following top three in total points: U-1 Miss HomeStreet/Miss Madison - Jimmy Shane
7704
U-9 Les Schwab Tires/Jones Racing - Andrew Tate
7280
U-12 Graham Trucking - J. Michael Kelly
6505
(These are driver totals only; please see www.h1unlimited.com for the complete rundown on teams, and some really excellent race summaries.) We apologize for the error, and congratulate the H1 Unlimited teams and the entire organization for an exciting season. The new season kicks off with a return to Alabama’s Guntersville Lake Hydrofest June 22-24. Good luck to all in 2018!
HAPO Columbia Cup, Kennewick, July 28-30
Seattle Seafair August 4-6
President’s Cup Detroit MI, August 26
Hydrofest/APBA Gold Cup Detroit, MI, August 27
San Diego Bayfair Sept. 15-17
1 Jimmy Shane 1805
1 J. Michael Kelly 1570
1 Andrew Tate
1280
1 Jimmy Shane 1580
1 Jimmy Shane 1725
2 Andrew Tate
1769
2 Jimmy Shane
1469
2 Jimmy Shane
1125
2 Andrew Tate
2 Andrew Tate
3 J. Michael Kelly 1695
3 Andrew Tate
1151
3 J. Michael Kelly
950
3 J. Michael Kelly 1170
3 J. Michael Kelly 1120
4 Jimmy King
1435
4 Brian Perkins
975
4 Bert Henderson
809
4 Bert Henderson
865
4 Tom Thompson
1017
5 Tom Thompson
1250
5 JW Myers
937
5 Dustin Echols
352
5 Jimmy King
800
5 Dustin Echols
719
6 Tom Thompson
863
6 Tom Thompson
70
6 Dustin Echols
225
7 Greg Hopp
789
7 Jimmy King
60
7 Tom Thompson
60
8 Dustin Echols
507
8 Kevin Eacret
0
6 Greg Hopp
915
7 Brian Perkins
40
8 Dustin Echols
0
8 Kevin Eacret
1500
1580
0
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CHICAGO CELEBRATION
Fun, Family, Friends at National Meeting Stock Outboard hits the Hall (L-R) Kyle Lewis, Terry Kerr and Joe Pater. At right, from top: PRO inductee Justin Gibson and his wife Britni; Unlimited’s Jimmy and Bianca Shane, and Angela and J. Michael Kelly. Gleason Racing Photography
Junior Classes inductee Nathan Pittman is momentarily upstaged by his sister Erin. Gleason Racing Photography
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At an APBA Historical Society meeting, Jeff Brewster knelt between Charlie Strang and Edgar Rose and said, “Smile, guys, I am going to steal a picture with two of my heroes!� Christine Brewster photo Below (L-R) Cody Olson collecting a few awards Friday night; Scorers Achievement Award winner LouAnn Wachholz; and Hall of Champions bling awaiting the Saturday ceremony (Christine Brewster photo)
Outboard Performance Craftsmen (L-R) 2017 OPC Hall of Champions inductee Lee Daniel, Chairman James Chambers, and past inductee Jeff Reno. Gleason Racing Photography
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APBA HALL OF CHAMPIONS,
CLASS OF 2017 Representing the best of APBA powerboat racing in Chicago Jan. 27th were: (L-R) Front row: Lee Daniel/OPC, Terry Kerr/Stock, Joe Pater/Stock, Cody Olson/At-Large 2nd row: Kyle Lewis/Stock, Dave Bennett/Mod, J. Michael Kelly/At-Large, Nick Scafidi/Offshore, Scott Porta/Offshore, Austin VanOver/Mod 3rd row: Cole Olson/J, Jimmy Shane/Unlimited, Justin Gibson/PRO, Jeff Bernard/Inboard, Jim Nilsen/PRO, Nathan Pittman/J. Regrettably, R.J. West/OPC, Brian Boyd/Mod and Warren Exner and Mike Bocchino/Offshore were unable to attend. This was the first Hall of Champions without founder Fred Miller, who passed away last year. He was fondly remembered with a video salute, and his daughter Stephanie Iwanicki delivered the new Fred Miller Memorial Award to be presented this summer. Gleason Racing Photography 18
GRAND PRIX WORLD AND APBA TEAM UP
New Opportunity for Innovation, Development and Fan-Based Growth With an eye to the future, Grand Prix World and the American Power Boat Association have signed an agreement, creating a new racing class, “GPW Supercharged Automotive,” that will be part of the Inboard Category. The agreement allows GPW to create its own racing and technical rules, while adhering to APBA safety standards. It opens the door for new formats, power sources and hull designs. “We are excited about this opportunity and the cooperation from APBA, allowing us look to the future and innovate,” said GPW President Sam Cole. “We can encourage new power sources and would love to bring in other manufacturers’ engines to increase competition and excitement.” APBA President Howie Nichols said, ”It is a pleasure having you race with us and we are here to help grow the sport of boat racing.” Grand Prix hydroplanes use a Chevrolet 454/468
big-block engine; the engine has been used by Chevrolet for more than four decades. “If we are going to attract Gen X and Gen Y to boat racing, then we need to focus on power, designs and formats that are younger than they are,” Cole added. “We make a lot of noise with what we use; and it would be awesome to see Ford, Toyota, Honda—and who knows—someday, Tesla with a supercharger!” Next steps for GPW will be to create its rules for 2018, introduce formats that will attract new fans, and broaden technical rules to encourage new participation from a variety of sources. The recently announced purchase of the Conover Racing team by GPW owner Jerry Hopp will be a first step for innovation. Hopp plans to use dual carburetors (instead of injection) and install a blower on a Chevy to produce more than 1000 horsepower in a gasoline-powered hull.
“This allows new teams to step up more economically and compete,” said Hopp. “It uses gasoline, does not require complete outfitting of many of the existing hulls, will make a lot of noise and produce the power needed to compete.” “This allows us to bring in boats from other series and not have to change the rules to allow them to race with us,” pointed out GPW team owner Scott Pierce. “It will bring more ‘roar to the shore’ and let us build our sport for the future.” Under terms of the two-year agreement, GPW Supercharged Automotive will compete for APBA High Points and other championships throughout the year. The GPW racing season will kick off June 22-24 at the Guntersville Lake Hydrofest in Alabama. Check out Grand Prix World Supercharged Hydroplanes on Facebook.
REMEMBER WHEN... At left is John D’Elia, owner and driver of the US-1 SPECIAL EDITION. With his son, J.D. D’Elia on the throttles, John drove to the APBA Hall of Champions in 1986 and 1988. (Note the patch on his driving suit.) The former race car driver happened to catch one of the country’s most popular Offshore races, the Walsh Offshore Grand Prix, at Point Pleasant Beach, New Jersey, around 1980. He was hooked. Although he enjoyed the challenge of wind and waves, D’Elia did crash the SPECIAL EDITION during a 1985 race in Grand Haven, Michigan. Driver and throttleman were unhurt, but the boat sank in 75 feet of water. It was not found for six days. Apparently that did not deter him. Above, D’Elia captured first place with a winning average of 101.92 MPH in the Open Class at the Grand Traverse Bay Offshore Classic September 2-3, 1989. Remember when there was an APBA Offshore race in Traverse City, Michigan...? Paul Kemiel photos
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MAKE IT A HAPPIER HAUL Tips to Avoid a Trailer of Tears BY RICH SMITH
Beside our love for speed on the water, APBA racers have another thing in common. We all tow. And while we as racers will do anything to wring out that last bit of speed, many of us ignore the basic maintenance of our trailers. I know plenty of racers (including myself) who spent time on the side of the road fixing a trailer issue. So, I have compiled a few items to put on your pre-season check list. BRAKES: Obviously the first place to look is the linings, whether you have disc or drum. The best way to check operation, whether hydraulic or electric, is to jack up the trailer and engage the brakes. They should engage and release easily. If they don't, you need to look closer. LIGHTS: The biggest issue we see with lights is bad grounds due to corrosion. LED is the way to go (versus bulbs) and the price has dropped significantly. An LED upgrade will eliminate the common bulb issues. BEARINGS: We check our bearings before every long haul. If you remove the drum from the spindle and spin a bearing by hand in the race, it should rotate smoothly, no roughness. Use quality grease and, at a minimum, pop the dust caps off and check for moisture. Moisture is going to compromise the grease and the bearings. There are numerous types of bearing systems: bearing buddies, ez lube, oil filled. We prefer standard caps with high speed red grease. I have tried the other systems, but for me, quality bearings and grease with frequent inspection works the best. I also travel with a spare drum with prepacked bearings for quick pit stops if we lose a bearing.
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TIRES: Tread depth is not a measure of the condition of a trailer tire. Trailers see less miles than your car, so dry rot will occur before the tread is worn away. Look between the treads and in the sidewalls for cracks. Tires all have date codes molded in the sidewall. Life expectancy of trailer tires varies from 3-8 years. Carlisle Tire estimates 1/3 of a tire's strength is lost after three years. Make sure you have tires rated for the weight you are carrying. Check the tire pressure before each trip. SUSPENSION: The two most common types of trailer suspension systems are spring and torsion. Torsion has few parts, but they will wear over time. As the rubber in the axle wears, the spindle center will rise relative to the frame of the trailer. Spring axles are less expensive and have more parts that are subject to wear. Springs, U-bolts, equalizers, shackles and hangers are all subject to wear and corrosion. Shackles will wear out first; check for elongation of the bolt holes. A bent axle will lead to abnormal tire wear, so if a tire is wearing strangely, check the axle for straightness. FINALLY, check the safety chains, coupler and frame for wear and damage. If inspecting your trailer is out of your mechanical ability, find a qualified person to do it for you. No one wants their race weekend ruined or missed by a trailer breakdown. A few basic inspections before the season and between events will keep you rolling safely. Rich Smith, along with his brother Pete, are the 2015 APBA Offshore National Champions and 2016 APBA Offshore World Champions in Class 6. Together, they own and operate Cotner Trailers, Inc., a trailer manufacturing, sales and service company in Revere, PA.
Jean Tennell photo
CATEGORY CORNER PRO CELEBRATES CHAMPIONS and Adds New Tunnel Hull Class for 2018 BY KRISTI ELLISON, PRO CHAIR, AND JIM NILSEN, PRO COMMISSIONER The PRO Commission met in Chicago January 25-26, 2018 in conjunction with the APBA Annual Meeting. The Commission reviewed the past successful 2017 season and planned for more growth in 2018. The highlights of the Commission meeting were: 2017 Membership: The PRO Category had 268 racing members in 2017. 2017 PRO National High Point Champions Ryan Gowin – KPH Robert Cronin – 125ccH David Jones – 175ccH Kevin Valentine – 350ccH Ken McMurphy – OSY400 Dwight Malhiot – 700ccR & 1100ccR Jim Nilsen – CSerH & CSerR Jack Campbell – CRacR Justin Gibson – CRacH 2017 National Champions Ryan Gowin – KPH David Jones – 125ccH & 175ccH Chris Hellsten – 250ccH Dan Kirts – 1100ccH J Michael Kelly - OSY400 Tom Kirts – 500ccR Austin VanOver – 700ccR & 1100ccR Jim Nilsen – CSerH & CSerR Tim Weber – CRacR Justin Gibson – CRacH
2017 Records Ryan Gowin – KPH (Kilo) & 250ccH (1/4 mi) John Peeters – 125ccH (1/4 mi), 175ccH (1/4 mi) & 125ccH (3mi/3lap). Jim Nilsen – CSerR (1/4 mi) Jack Campbell III – CRacR (1/4 mi) Justin Gibson – CRacH (1/4 mi) 2017 Awards Hall of Champion Inductees: Justin Gibson & Jim Nilsen Col. Green Round Hill Trophy: Ryan Gowin George Townsend Medal: Ryan Gowin Gilbert Petermann Award: Chris Hellsten PRO Officials Award: Josh Kimble 2018 Race Dates PRO Nationals: Constantine, MI, June 22-24 (Includes Central MOD Divisionals, and (tentatively) a PRO driving school) PRO Divisionals Eastern Divisionals C Service & C Racing classes – Hillsdale, MI Other PRO classes – Jesup, GA Western Divisionals All PRO Classes - Eatonville, WA, August 18-19 North American Championship KPH, OSY400, 1100ccR & 350ccH, Moses Lake, WA, July 16-21 in conjunction with SO, MOD, J Nationals.
2018 Rule Changes High Point scoring in PRO has been updated. Regular Races are unchanged. Double points for both Divisional and North American Championships (NAC), and triple points for National Championships. Also, to receive a National High Point Championship in a class, the driver must have accumulated a minimum of 1,400 points in the class during the season. Specifications for the OSY400 motors match the technical specifications for the SO C Stock class motors. Recent changes by the SO Commission concerning the cooling water pickup modifications are allowed in OSY400. The next revision to the PRO Technical Manual will contain updates for OSY400 to correspond with the SO C Stock motor changes. An exciting new class has been added to the PRO Category for 2018 called “F500”. F500 is a UIM class and now is also a PRO APBA class. The technical hull and motor rules are the same as UIM’s F500 rules. See the UIM rule book online. The F500 class allows any motor up to and including 500cc on a tunnel hull, using a driver cockpit capsule and power trim. Being a tunnel hull, the F500 will be raced separately from other hydro or runabout classes.
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H1 UNLIMITED
BY CHARLIE GROOMS, ACTING H1 UNLIMITED CHAIR, COURTESY UNLIMITED NEWS JOURNAL
H1 Off-Season Report and 2018 Schedule While the “off-season” is far too long, it does allow for quality time to prepare for the frantic three months of the summer season. And, while the pace is not like June, July or August, much is being done to advance the sport we all love. Owners have had numerous planning meetings, and have agreed to a 2018 race schedule. Boat count, which has been a source of much dialog, is forming nicely. As of this writing, a minimum of eight boats are confirmed at all events. H1 has had multiple constructive meetings with race site partners. We believe this consistent dialog will produce a result more in keeping with all our desires. All sites view this effort a positive for all, most certainly the fan, and we are happy to advance that desire. I heartily commend Richard Anderson, Adam Cook, Kathy McLemore, and the entire Seattle Seafair committee for their effort in working with us to add value to the Seafair celebration of summer in Seattle. We are all pulling in one direction. That event and the partnership with the U.S. Navy, Seafair broadcast partner KIRO TV and its sponsors, Albert Lee Appliance, HomeStreet Bank, Les Schwab Tire, Beacon Plumbing, and others, are making constructive steps forward. Live TV and Seafair have been a real part of Seattle summers and we all want that to continue. H1 officials have submitted their wish list and budget items for approval. They include purchase of a brand NEW starting clock for the 2018 season. Tickets for the Championship Gala in the TriCities were SOLD OUT. The Water Follies are an exceptional partner, and their unending efforts to support H1 and Unlimited hydroplane racing were on full display on February 10, 2018. The occasion was a sad one too, as we mourned the loss of U-1 Crew Chief Dan Hoover. It was all the more important to be together with those who knew and loved him.
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The construction of two brand new boats that will debut at the spring training session in the Tri-Cities on June 1, 2018, is special. The Go Fast Turn Left Racing Team and the HomeStreet Bank teams must be commended for their efforts. These new boats, built and campaigned by experienced teams, will make 2018 new and different, and certainly showcase their commitment to our sport. We continue to make significant strides in our effort to open what were once restricted areas to better connect with the fan. While more action on the water is important, we believe a better connection one-on-one with the fans and our participants is achievable, even within our insurance guidelines. You will see more access in 2018. Finally, the notes that I took at the open forum in the HomeStreet race shop last fall have served me well for agenda items that need priority as we reshape H1. That was certainly a wonderful cross section of interested parties, and we are having success with those action items. Several of those action items were to be addressed as part of announcements at the Tri-Cities banquet. Our quest for a chairman has progressed, and I am certainly planning on getting it done RIGHT, as opposed to getting it done.
2018 H1 UNLIMITED RACES Guntersville Lake Hydrofest June 22-24 Boat racing returns to Lake Guntersville this summer, bringing back one of the oldest and most popular events held on the 69,000 acre reservoir. Don't miss this exciting Unlimited race! Tickets go on sale March 1, 2018. www.guntersvillelakehydrofest.com 68th Annual Madison Regatta Summer Festival July 6-8 The City of Madison's premier summer event features Unlimited and Grand Prix hydroplane racing. The summer festival also features a
Saturday night concert and Zambelli fireworks extravaganza. The Madison Regatta is one of the oldest sporting events in the state of Indiana. Tri-Cities/HAPO Columbia Cup July 27-29 The HAPO Columbia Cup is a favorite stop on the Unlimited circuit. Begun in 1966, the event brings tens of thousands of fans to the shores of the Columbia River for three days of sun-baked racing on one of our fastest courses. In terms of all-out speed and excitement, it doesn't get much better than Tri-Cities! Seattle Seafair/Albert Lee Appliance Cup August 3-5 One of the most popular events of Seafair is the Albert Lee Appliance Cup, held on beautiful Lake Washington in Seattle. The race attracts tens of thousands of spectators, both on the lakeshore, and in the spectator fleet. The Blue Angels also perform spectacular aerial stunts over the lake. Metro Detroit Chevy Dealers Gold Cup August 24-26 The APBA Gold Cup is the oldest trophy in all of the motorsports—literally the Gold Standard. The Detroit River course combines the widest and tightest turns on the Unlimited circuit. With 200+ MPH top speeds and the always unpredictable river, get ready for the action on the most unique racecourse of the series! HomeStreet Bank San Diego Bayfair September 14-16 Since 1964, the San Diego Bayfair has offered a variety of activities on and off the water. For three days, H1 Unlimited hydroplanes race on the wind-protected waters of Mission Bay on a 2-1/2 mile racecourse—one of the sport's two super speedways. For more on the new season, please see www.h1unlimited.com.
INBOARD
BY DUTCH SQUIRES, INBOARD CHAIRMAN It was truly an honor to crown our 2017 National Champions and other award recipients at the APBA Inboard Racing Banquet/Awards Celebration in Chicago. All our honorees should be proud of their accomplishments. Special congratulations to Russ Dodge on being the 2017 Mark J. Weber, IRC Meritorious Service Award recipient. Russ’s service to Inboard racing and APBA racing in general has been relentless over his many years of participation. Russ and his family have added great value to APBA. It is a long overdue honor, Russ. Inboard racing thanks you for your dedication and service. Speaking of honors, congratulations to Jeff Bernard and J. Michael Kelly for their induction to the 2017 Hall of Champions. Both young men are outstanding drivers and competitors. Great job on an outstanding season. You have earned one of the top honors in APBA. A special thanks to the Shaw family, Ann Fitzgerald and Randy Lientz for organizing the banquet and awards. Randy is new to the IRC, but has quickly proven his value. He did all the livestreaming of the IRC meeting/Banquet as well as the slide/video presentation. By the way, there were 14,000 hits on our livestreaming. I think there is passion for Inboard racing. The IRC meeting was productive, in my mind. I want to thank all the commissioners and other participants for their hard work and dedication. We tried to focus on things that target fun racing for all—racers, fans, officials, rescue, volunteers and race committees. We formed seven breakout groups that addressed current
issues in Inboard racing. The groups had good positive discussion. The goal is to put a few of the best ideas into practice. The groups are still meeting via email and conference calls, and hope to develop implementation plans soon. We will update you as progress is made. The IRC did approve some new or modified rules that we believe will be in the best interests of Inboard racing. Some are still in process, and will be posted as soon as they receive IRC approval. All rule changes are posted on apba.org under the Inboard rule book. As I write this message, the Lakeland Orange Cup Regatta is a few weeks away. All things point to a very successful event. I know the race committee is working hard to provide all participants, crews and families with a fun time. I hope that by the time you read this, we can say that Lakeland kicked off the 2018 season with a big bang, and the rest of the season can build on Lakeland’s success. Time to go racing. The goal is to win, but most of all—have fun. Good luck in 2018. At left, Russ Dodge, recipient of the 2017 Mark Weber Award for Meritorious Service to APBA Inboard Racing. Below left, Dustin Daily, 2017 Eastern Rookie of the Year, is a US Marine. He was deployed on active duty and was unable to join us at the award banquet. APBA Inboard Racing salutes you, Dustin! At left, Katelyn Shaw shows off Dustin’s Rookie of the Year jacket. Photos by Julie Ann Sparrowgrove
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JUNIOR CLASSES
Rule Changes and Championship events BY MARK WHEELER AND JEFF WILLIAMS, JUNIOR CLASSES COMMITTEE CO-CHAIRMEN
Rule changes: APBA’s Junior Classes Committee met at the APBA National Meeting and enacted a few rule changes for 2018. The first of these rule changes alters the number of races that may be run during the sanction period. For 2018, a club may run one race per day, per class, and one additional race, per class, during the sanction period. For events limited to two days of racing, a third race may be run for each of the Junior Classes. Notice of the third race must be put on the race circular, and all Junior Classes races must be scheduled for two heats. The 2018 High Point Championship will be decided in a different manner from the recent past. For the past several years, our rule book has stated, “The High Point Championship is awarded for the best 15 races-defined as the 15 races with the highest number of points scored.” This rule did not place a “cap” on the “bad finishes” that could be replaced later in the season. The Junior Classes Committee feels that young drivers should be allowed to make some mistakes, and replace a few races, but within a limit. Hence, our new rule for High Point Championships is: “The National High Point Championship shall be based on up to three (3) bonus point races (Divisional Championship, National Championship, and North American Championship) plus the best 12 of the first group of 15 regular races. Best is defined as the races with the highest number of points scored. If a contestant does not run one, or more, bonus point races, the point total shall include the next regular race or races.” The Committee has also changed the Hall of Champions (HOC) criteria for 2018. As in the past, our rules allow up to two drivers from the Junior Classes to be selected for the HOC each year. Rule 20.1.A was rewritten to clarify that one of the Junior drivers inducted into the HOC must be a JH 24
and/or JR driver. Rule 20.1.A now states, “A minimum of one driver selected to the Hall of Champions must be a participant in Junior Hydro and/or Junior Runabout and be inducted into the Hall of Champions based solely on their accomplishments in JH and/ or JR.” The second change to the HOC rules alters the role the AX classes play in the HOC. Rule 20.1.B now includes the statement, “Accomplishments in AXR and/or AXH can be used one time (one year) only for induction into the Junior Classes Hall of Champions.” At the 2018 APBA National Meeting, the Junior Classes Committee enacted two changes to engine and hull specifications. One of these changes deals with Mercury’s “High Energy Ignition Kit.” This kit is a popular addition to the Mercury outboards used in JH, JR, AXH, and AXR. Mercury no longer produces the kit, but does produce all components of the kit with the exception of the coil mounting plate. Because of this, our members will be allowed to use a mounting plate of any manufacture so long as the plate is installed in the factory location on the engine. A template for the mounting plate can be found in APBA’s Junior Classes rulebook.
Junior Classes Championship Events 2018 National Championships: Moses Lake, WA 2018 North American Championships: Rock Falls, IL 2018 Northeast Divisionals: Whitney Point, NY 2018 Southeast Divisionals: Bush River, MD 2018 Central Divisionals: Constantine, MI (MHRA) 2018 Western Divisionals: Warrington, OR 2019 National Championships: Wakefield, MI 2019 North American Championships: Constantine, MI (IOA Race) 2020 National Championships: Springfield, OH Finally, at the request of the Allen family, the APBA Board of Directors voted on Feb. 8th, 2018, to change the name of the award given annually to the racer with the highest point total in J Hydro. The Don Allen Sr. Award is now the R. Steven Hearn Award, in honor of our longtime Legal Counsel, past president, and friend.
The Junior Classes Committee has also clarified the rule on air traps for hydroplanes used in the Junior Classes. The Junior Classes rule now states, “Air traps shall be limited to a maximum depth of 5/8 inch at the aft end of the boat and 1-5/8 inch depth 18 inches forward. At no point shall the air trap depth exceed a line created by these maxima. The maximum width of air traps is 7/8 inch each.” All rule changes are approved for the 2018 racing season.
Don Allen Award winner Nathan Pittman.
MODIFIED OUTBOARD BY TOM SUTHERLAND, MODIFIED OUTBOARD CHAIRMAN The Modified Outboard Racing Commission would like to thank the New Class Committee and the Board of Directors for their approval of the new 125MR and 125MH classes before the National Meeting in Chicago. Their quick action allowed the Mod Commission to obtain powerheads sooner in an effort to get boats on the water in time for the 2018 racing season. (They have to be shipped from Australia.) The Mod Commission has obtained 20 of these engines, to be sold on a first come, first served basis by contacting Joyce Golley at (H) 757-224-5553 or (C) 757-273-4763. Currently the cost for one of these engines from the Mod Commission is $1,800.00. Jerry Davids has agreed to assemble the powerhead to your tower and gearfoot for a minimal or no cost, plus parts. The maximum gearfoot ratio allowed for these classes is 11:17 and the powerhead must be run with no modifications. Jeff Williams is working on
rules and specifications for these classes, which should be posted on the APBA website soon. Howard Pickerell (631-283-7181) who received the John Read Service Award for his work and effort to adapt this go-kart engine to an outboard tower and gear foot is also a dealer for the PRD Fireball engines used in these classes. From the National Meeting: 1) The 15 cubic inch Mercury motor (AX motor) and the 13.2 cubic inch OMC (200 class motor) are prototypes in the 125 classes. 2) Pistons used in the 13.2 cubic inch OMC motors in the 200 classes may now be coated. 3) Some of the money for the 500 pipe kits has been diverted to the 350 classes. 4) The 2018 Nationals will be held at Moses Lake, WA July 15-21. Contact Daren Goehring for more information.
5) The 2019 Nationals will be held at Constantine, MI June 19-23. 6) The 2018 Eastern Winter Nationals will be at Jesup, GA April 5-8 and the 2018 Western Winter Nationals will be held at Castle Rock, WA May 5-6. 7) The 2018 Divisionals are Southeast – Bush River, MD May 6-7; Northeast – Whitney Point, NY June 2-3; Central – Constantine, MI June 21-24; Western – Seatac, WA September 8-9. 8) The 2018 North American Championships were awarded to Constantine, MI (MHRA Race) 750MH, Constantine, MI (IOA Race) 125MR and 350MR; Kittanning, PA 125MH; Oshkosh, WI 200MR; Pell Lake, WI 200MH; Alexandria, KY 350MH, 500MR, and 850MR; Hillsdale, MI 500MH; Huntington, IN 750MR and 400MH and Whitney Point, NY or Lock Haven, PA 850MH. There were no bids for 250MR and 250MH.
APBA OFFSHORE BY MARK WHEELER, OFFSHORE CHAIRMAN NEW OFFSHORE CLASS The APBA Offshore Committee and the APBA Board of Directors have approved a new class for the 2018 season. The new class is call Super Vee Xtreme (SVX). Technical rules and all details on SVX can be found in the 2018 Offshore rulebook: www.apba.org/sites/all/files/ documents/2018%20OffshoreRules_1.pdf . Isn’t she lovely...Offshore engine, at right, by Paul Kemiel.
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A Stock Hydro driver Jacob Mauldin at Castle Rock, Washington. Gleason Racing Photography
STOCK OUTBOARD BY JEFF BREWSTER, STOCK OUTBOARD CHAIRMAN Only three months ago to the day of this writing, the 2018 Stock Outboard Racing Commission was fully formed by vote of our membership. On that day in November, I wrote in an email to the new commissioners that this year would be so much different than in the past, and that we would have to hit the ground running and work harder than ever before. With the excitement of a new National Meeting program looming in the distance, we knew that our time would be cut short. At the time, we didn’t know how short, so we started early. With fifteen commissioners from every corner of our country and the land in between, we met via phone conference every Tuesday evening to discuss the many topics at hand. These meetings were amazingly well attended; rarely did someone miss the call. Sometimes school or work would get in the way, but the commissioner that had to skip a meeting always got caught up on what they missed in some way or another. 26
Every week, prior to the call, we would discuss various issues presented to myself by the commissioners, or sometimes directly from the members via an internet forum. Of those issues from the forum, only 20% were deemed important enough to make it though our phone discussion and onto our electronic ballots that would come out the following Wednesday morning. Then the commissioners would have four to five days to reach out to the membership prior to voting to get the opinions of those in their region. This process worked very well for us. We were able not only to debate with each other, but to gather the opinions of those that we represent. I believe the only weeks we did not meet were between the holidays, and the week prior to our meeting in Chicago. Once we finally met face to face in our meetings, we already had the groundwork laid, and were able to complete a few of our remaining issues quickly. We were able to finish almost a half
hour ahead of time. With all of this hard work, this commission has been able to give its membership what it has wanted for a long time, and that is direction. Members now have a very clear view of what direction the future would hold, and what engine they need to have if they wish to just start out or to be as competitive as possible. Having a single motor of choice for all of our classes starts us on a path to avoid confusion and displeasure. Maybe not every decision was a “fan favorite,” but all were taken very seriously and deeply thought out so that we can have a bright future moving forward. When you see your commissioners this season, please take a moment to thank them for their valuable time spent in trying their very best to make our sport blossom.
THUNDERCAT BY ROBIN SHANE, THUNDERCAT CHAIR
Chair Robin Shane presented the Thundercat 2017 Annual Report during the APBA Annual Meeting January 27, 2018. Thundercat racing maintained its presence in Region 6 and 7 for 2017. The goals of the category for 2018 are: • Maintain our presence in Region 6 & 7. • Expand our presence to the East Coast, specifically with the UIM P750 class. • Have at least one driving school on the East Coast. • Explore the possibility of having the category be the main event at the Tawas & East Tawas, Michigan in 2019. Our Chief Referee Steve Roskowski has housekeeping changes, which will go to ballot for insertion into the 2018 Rule Book.
Two rule changes are already approved for the 2018 Rule Book. Below (in bold) are approved rule changes to the 2018 Rule Book. 50.108 Cylinders: Re-boring up to 0.030” maximum on all cylinders and resleeving is permitted. Exhaust relief slot not required in Outlaw. 50.122 Blueprinting Engines may be “blueprinted”; i.e: parts or ports where a dimension or a weight is quoted in the homologation sheets (published inspection/specification sheet) may be machined, altered or polished for the purpose of reaching that specific measurement or weight. The shape of the part machined, altered or polished may not change (ie: d, ports, etc.) Casting material may be removed where the ports meet the cylinder sleeve to match the specification sheet dimensions (i,e: port to casting overlap. No material may be added to the casting where the port meets the cylinder sleeve (Mercury/Mariner 59 ci excluded for Bandit).
Jeff Howie of New Hudson and Steven Parsons of Commerce Township won Thundercat X Class at Top O’ Michigan. F. Peirce Williams photo
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Soon... here the beautiful U-40 MISS BARDAHL flies across Lake Chelan. Gleason Racing Photography
REGION ROUNDUP
Left, the next generation of racers at the SSOA banquet. Below, Steve Noury accepts the Bill Giles Award from last year’s winner, Billy Allen.
REGION 1 As we look back on 2017, Region 1 members can be proud of all that was accomplished last season. The Region had five weekends and 11 days of racing in Stock, Mod, PRO and J Classes. Our largest class in Region 1 was 300SSH, comprising 12 different drivers—including nine that have raced for four years or less. The Region also took the initiative to promote this class by purchasing two sealed engines to have on hand, available for prospective buyers. The plan worked; the engines were sold to new APBA members who had no previous driving experience. They were able to start immediately, due to this brand new equipment being readily available. Connecticut Outboard Association celebrated the 40th Anniversary of the Thompson, Connecticut Regatta. Eleven drivers entered in this year’s competition also participated in the inaugural race back in 1977. Bruce Nichols was the only driver of those 11 who was able to reach the podium in both 1977 and 2017. He ran 2nd in 25SSH in 1977, and brought home a first place finish in the 25SSR class this year. Connecticut Outboard celebrates their 90th (!) anniversary this year, and it will be fun to meet and greet the COA Alumni at this year’s Thompson race. South Shore Outboard held its annual banquet in November, and there was a fantastic turnout of drivers, families and friends. Master of Ceremonies Lowell Hanson recapped the 2017 season and reported that SSOA’s membership held steady at 122 members. The club held nine days of racing, and all events turned a positive cash flow. The addition to the Club treasury now provides the funds necessary to pursue some nonsponsored events in Maine. In addition to being the largest class in Region 1, 300SSH was also the largest class in SSOA, edging out 20SSH, followed by ASH, ASR
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SSOA Club Hi Points were awarded to the top three in the following classes: J Hydro David Woodle, Eden Deware, Eli Campbell; J Runabout - David Woodle, Quin Roberts, Eli Campbell; AX Hydro - David Woodle, Eli Campbell, Jack Lyons; ASR - Billy Simmons, Bruce Nichols, Pete Nichols; ASH - Erin Woodle, Rachel Warnock, Lily Deware; CSR - Mike Akerstrom, Howie Nichols, Tim Noury; CSH - Billy Allen, Bob Howe, Joe O’Connor; 25SSR - Bruce Nichols, Tim Noury, Mike Akerstrom; 20SSH - Bob Cronin, Jeff Sherwin, Nick Nowak; OSY400 - Bob Cronin, Jeff Sherwin, Joe O’Connor; 300SSH - Jack Cavanaugh, Greg Hamilton, Jeff Sherwin.
and CSH to round out the top five classes. Tim Noury recognized the core of hardworking volunteers with the Commodore Appreciation Awards. These are the non-racing individuals that give their time so that others can run around in circles all day. Receiving merchandise provided by Cool Air Creations Inc. were Scorers Harriet Thompson, Meagan Allen, Annette Weber; Starter Annette Woodle, Announcer Carole Terry, Referee Jack Thompson and Club photographer Paul Luippold. In addition to serving SSOA, many of these individuals tagged along with the Stock Outboard Chief Referee to assist with officiating duties in Regions 2 & 3. A true testimonial as to the dedication of these individuals to the sport.
2017 saw six contenders run for the Rookie of the Year Title. This was the fifth consecutive year that SSOA has had a minimum of three rookies vie for the title, a true sign of growth in the Northeast. Competing in the CSH and OSY400 classes, second generation driver Joe O’Connor earned the award that you can only win once in your career. In addition to his performance on the race course where he finished third in the SSOA points battle in both of his classes, Joe has been visiting communities throughout the State of Maine in an effort to resurrect some of our old race sites. Joe is the newbie with the enthusiasm and energy that every club hopes to see in a rookie; and SSOA is proud to have him on our team. The Joe “FoFo” Travers Jacket was awarded to Larry Roberts. This award, in memory of Joe the Fo, is presented to the non-racing individual that has gone above and beyond in their contributions to the
success of South Shore Outboard. Larry stored and coordinated the transport of our rescue boats, was the Race Chairman at our Spring Standish, secured a new monthly meeting facility, and is actively involved with the J Class program. Larry also took the lead role for the Fall Standish and worked closely with the Standish Kiwanis to make that race an overwhelming success. Established in 1963, the coveted Saddle Award is presented to the driver that most frequent exits their cockpit during the race season. There are many notable names on the Saddle, and several drivers have managed to win it twice. One driver, Billy Sullivan, set a record that many thought would never be broken as he won the award three consecutive years—from 1995 to 1997. Well, never say never. Fast forward 20 years later as Jeff Sherwin took the Saddle home to his stable for the third consecutive year. In fairness to Jeff, he runs four classes per day; and right up until the last race of the season, he had run 91 heats and he was still dry. (Unless, of course, you count when he fell off the Scoring Barge while dismantling the starting clock at Milton, NH!) In an effort not seen in years, Jeff managed to pull off the hat trick of three spills at the season finale in Kingston, New Hampshire to capture the award. History has now taught us to not bet against the unthinkable. In 2015 we lost the legendary Bill Giles. Soon the SSOA membership not only realized how much his presence was missed, but how much he did for the sport of boat racing, and his role as an ambassador for the sport. For our sport to continue moving forward and providing the next generation the opportunity to enjoy what Bill enjoyed for 55 years, it is important for the membership to step up and try to fill that void. Bill will never be replaced, but our sport needs positive role models with the same passion as Bill for the next generation of racers to succeed and carry the sport forward into the future. The Bill Giles Sportsmanship award was the brainchild of Jack Thompson and was established in 2016. The award itself is in part the actual helmet that Bill wore in his last race, a CSH victory at Standish, Maine. The inaugural recipient of the award was Billy Allen, who proudly presented it to this year’s choice, Steve Noury. Fittingly, both of these individuals were protégés of Bill, and we are sure that he is smiling down knowing that his legacy continues. The finale of the evening was naming Billy Allen as a Life Member of South Shore Outboard. As we move out of our past and into our future, we try our best to plot a
successful course of direction. “To know where you are, to know where you are going, you need to know where you have been”. We need to look back on our successes and determine if it was blind luck or the effort of certain individuals. Many times it is the success and drive of certain individuals that bring national recognition to the club. Once the spotlight is on the club, it is up to the club to carry forward the best product that we can. Billy has done this for South Shore Outboard. His racing accomplishments rank with the best, but it is his promotion of the sport that raises the bar for South Shore Outboard. Moving the sport into the public forum is his passion, and SSOA has been the beneficiary of his unselfish efforts. He has spent his lifetime in powerboat racing, and it is with great pride that SSOA welcomes Billy into this exclusive club. As 2018 is revving up, Speed Safely. —Lowell Hanson REGION 10 The Region 10 delegation made it back from the APBA National Meeting in Chicago all in one piece. The overall feedback from attendees was that the new format, with seminars and workshops regarding our racing, was a great new addition, and added value to meeting. We look forward to seeing this format continue in future years. A big thank-you to the National Meeting Committee, who makes this whole thing work as smoothly as it does: Sheryl Rucker, Penny Anderson, Tracy Trolian, Linda Hauenstein and the rest of their crew. They did a stellar job of planning, organizing and executing a great week in Chicago. Back in our corner, the focus now shifts to pre-season preparations, as all our groups are gearing up for a busy 2018 season. Ron Morrison leads us off with his Vintage doings: “Region 10 Vintage bought 99 entries to 11 events, 98 Inboards and 11 Unlimiteds, in 2017. The season’s Vintage award winners were: small hydro, S20 Gang Green Returns, Ed and Janet Kelson; midsize conventional, E1 Calypso Too, Jeff and Frank Schneider; mid-size cabover, E66 JB and Water, Gordy and Judy Cole; Large Hydro, H10 Miss Vitamilk, Doug Brow; Rookie of the Year, S21 Coyote, Mike Currie; Event of the Year, Mahogany and Merlot, Hydroplane and Raceboat Museum, David Williams. “John Woodward has offered to take on a role in Region 10 Vintage leadership, accepting some of the load from Jim Olson. John and his brother have
run a Vintage Inboard hydroplane in eastern US events. John is now living among us here in the West, and will bring his Vintage roots to help direct our collective capacities moving forward. Stephanie Aird will also be coordinating more of the Vintage group activities. And, speaking of group activities, Region Coordinator Jim Olson is looking forward to two additional meeting of the Vintage faithful before the new season begins. Stay tuned for dates and locations. “APBA has a Vintage promotion fund. It is funded from the promotion fee paid as part of each regatta entry. Two requests have been made for dollars from Region 10. The first is for a poster of Region 10 Vintage hydros to be available for promotional use in 2018. The second is for help in funding a Region 10 Vintage ‘school boat.’ “At one time, British Columbia, Canada had an active APBA Inboard and runabout racing scene. Not much of it remains. Paul ‘Kiwi’ Russell, who is currently active in Region 10 Vintage, lives in Kamloops in central BC. He has been exploring possible Vintage event sites in his area, and is excited about what may be possible. If this comes together, some Region 10 Vintage teams should be able head up north, decode litres and kilometers, and bring Inboard raceboating back to Western Canada. “The request continues for all Region 10 Vintage drivers and owners to take the APBA Vintage inspector’s test. Questions? Talk to Jim Olson.” Our Region 10 OPC Commissioner Mike White kept himself busy in commission meetings in the Windy City. Here’s Mike’s report on OPC preparation here in the region: “We had a great time at the 3-club Award Ceremony and Banquet put on by Seattle Inboard Racing Association on January 20th. Thanks to our OPC racers and families for making the drive down from Canada to participate. Then, it was back east to the National Meeting in Chicago to take care of business. “It was great to see the sunshine, for we haven’t for months out here in the Pacific Northwest. February 24th we had the Region 10 Winter meeting, then off to the races. We are getting information from racers as to which regattas OPC will be participating in. So far, it looks like Lake Lawrence in Yelm April 28-29th will be our first; then Sport Cs will be heading to Newberg, Oregon May 26-27th where they will be
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racing for the North American Championship.” One of the members who didn’t make the trek east was SOA Secretary Ana Cappelletti, who was busy keeping the home fires burning and, no doubt, doing prep work for this summer’s SO/MO/J National Championships at Moses Lake. Here’s Ana’s report on SOA’s activities: “As the season is quickly approaching...I can hear the grinders going, the motors being fine-tuned, and gearing up for our 2018 season. Those returning from the APBA National Meeting in Chicago enjoyed a lot of great seminars and meetings. SOA had a great season in 2017. There were successful races, records set, a couple of Hall of Champions inductees, and some National High Point winners. “Let’s start off with the records, shall we? John Peeters killed it in multiple classes; J Michael Kelly, Ryan Gowin, Bob Wartinger, Jim Nilsen, Kyle Lewis, Jason Williams and Daren Goehring excelled at races such as Lake Lawrence in Yelm, Black Lake in Olympia, and Lincoln City for the Kilos and ¼ mile records. Our HOC inductees were Kyle Lewis and Jim Nilsen. A few of our own scored National High Points and accomplishments. In the J Classes, Trey Marquard starred in both JR and JH, Kierra Marquard in AXR, and Devohn Pendergrass in AXH won the Western Divisionals in 2017. We also had others place in the top 10 of National High Points, such as Ken Zahn, Josh Zahn, Kierra Marquard, and Trey Marquard. In the Stock Category our region had quite a few High Point champions: Kyle Lewis, Ryan Gowin, J Michael Kelly and Ron Magnuson. And, last but not least, in the Mod category we celebrated J Michael Kelly and Daren Goehring. CONGRATULATIONS on all of your accomplishments, and way to represent our region well! “SOA is currently working on putting together the 2018 Outboard Nationals in Moses Lake. We are looking forward to some exciting racing and seeing friends and fellow competitors from all over the US and beyond. At our upcoming winter region meeting, we will finalize all of our race dates for the 2018 season. We look forward to seeing you all very soon at the races!” Tacoma Inboard was well represented in Chicago, as they proudly inducted one of their own into APBA’s Hall of Champions. Boat owner Chris Fanaris, our new TIRA Correspondent, provides us with this update on his club: “Hello, race fans. With the start of the 2018 race
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season just around the corner, TIRA is putting 2017 in the books and getting to work on our upcoming events. Recently, at our National Meeting, there was a good showing of local club members contributing valuable input and effort, with a common interest in attracting more racers and intensifying fan experiences. Chicago was not all work and meetings, though. There was also celebrating of championships, special recognitions and awards, and great camaraderie with our peers. “As we get all geared up for this quickly approaching race season, many groups and clubs are pitching in and making stuff happen. Several capsule training sessions and a Region 10 meeting at the Hydroplane Museum are up next. It really seems like our joint club approach of ensuring the future of our sport is in full stride. We are truly fortunate to have such talented racers in our area. Keep up the good work, team! With that said, it’s time to get out to those boat shops, pull the covers off, and get to work. I can almost smell the race gas now.’ Jim Codling proved to us that he is mortal after all, and is only just now recovering from a serious bout of the flu plague that has been dogging our country this winter. We’re glad Jim finally recovered enough to settle in front of his computer for this report: “Well, first you get a ‘senior’ brand flu shot, several pills, vitamins and all. Then, smugly thinking you are safe from the bug: wow, right in the face. NOT fun but here we are, so off we go. “A large Seattle Drag and Ski meeting at the Wizard’s shop, a place that builds real high end customs (they have won Pebble Beach before) and we all got a tour of the current cars and items they are building. Very nice, hands-off stuff. Thanks to Craig and his staff for giving the tour. And believe it or not, 36 boat people obeyed and did not touch the cars. Steve Whisman is heading up an Inboard trailer update along with Dave White and his welding shop. Austin Eacret will be cleaning up the clock carriage, and the gang from Prism Graphics will doll it up a bit with some signage. So, thanks to those members. “Our schedule is getting closer to being finished, with the thorn still being the tidal race at Oak Harbor; but it looks like it will work out. The Outboard clan is coming back this year along with the Vintage racers. This is one fun event. “On the 24th of February, we had the spring meeting,
along with new tips on the rules, a referee refresher course, and scorers’ gathering. Ringmaster Rick Sandstrom will be the leader of the event, starting Saturday morning at the Hydroplane Museum. We listed the rest of the capsule dates at the meeting, or you can call Dave White or David Dodge for more info. “Come on down and see what’s up, and how we get to the finish line. WE NEED YOU ALL, so come to the meetings, please.” By the time you read this, we’ll be closing in on our first Region 10 event, the Kenmore Cup exhibition race on the legendary Sammamish Slough. That means it’s time for me to wander out to the garage, dust off my B Utility and get the 20H corn popper ready for its annual boat ride. Hope to see you all there! —Patrick Gleason R-19 REGION 11 Happy 2018, Region 11, I would like to welcome Nancee Gillis to our region family. She has graciously stepped up to take on the duties of publicity chairperson. “Hello, I’m Nancee. I’m so excited to be named Publicity Chairperson for this wonderful group of people. Born and raised in the Sacramento Valley, I have two wonderful kids, Robbie and Mindee; two granddaughters, Skyla and Zena; and two Boston Terriers, Maggee and Mollee. I’m an adrenaline junkie; I run in 5Ks, love to ride rollercoasters and take corners fast. Maybe that is why my dad never let me have more than a 4-cylinder engine, but I’m making up for it now. “I met Brian Schmeltz in August and was welcomed to his boat racing family with open arms. I look forward to getting into a kneeler this year to get my adrenaline rush for corners and speed. As a beginning photographer, I hope to capture some pictures at upcoming boat races this year. Stop by to say hi. I look forward to reporting on exciting events and my new racing family.” On to Region 11 business... the 2017 season was very promising here. Growth continues in 300SSH class; and the efforts from all the different classes and Daniel Wilde’s Junior Racer program have been successful in bringing in new racing blood. 2018 will be even better and more promising for all racers and spectators. Our Region 11 Crackerbox class has increased by two boats, with hopes for more in the future. We had more
(L-R) US-1 Crackerbox Championship Team Wicked: Norma Ausejo, Julian Rucki, Kyle Masuen and Gary Hyman. Ray Hoot, Western Inboard Rookie of the Year in Crackerbox. Julie Sparrowgrove photos
boats on the water in 2017 than in previous years, and are looking forward to even more boats in 2018, as the sport has become more popular. Let’s keep the momentum going! I’m also proud to say that Region 11 was well represented at this year’s National Meeting in Chicago, with a full roster of commissioners, category chairpersons and national champions, Rookie of the Year and the Hall of Champions. So let’s get ready for a great 2018 season. See you all on the water. —Julian Rucki REGION 12 Last October I went to the race at Mossdale, and was happy to see that Jean Mackay-Schwartz did a great job reporting on the event. It was a good race, with drivers from all three West Coast regions in attendance. In November the Region 12 meeting was held. Roger Carr was elected Chairman, David Hale SO Commissioner, Dean Wilson for OPC, and Scott Schatz for Inboard. Ed Solis, sponsor of West Coast Racing, P-2 and P-92, provided a great feed.
Who is Skelton Racing? Chuck Skelton got hooked into boat racing in 1972 while living in Ojai, California, and began racing on Lake Casitas. In 1978 he bought his first OPC boat, a SJ-1 (OPC has had many different classes over the years). He raced with the Calif. Outboard Racing Association (COBRA). In 1981 he won US-1; in 1982 he was US-2 in MOD-UJ, and raced in that class until1986. Then he moved up to MOD 110. Racing an OMC, he was the 1988 National Champion and US-1. In 1988 capsules were mandated, so he partnered with Joe Johnson and Ric Widoe in SST 140 and formed Gold Coast Racing. They raced both locally and with IOGP in 110 and 120. In 1991, qualifying for Champ Boat, he blew over and destroyed the boat. Got another boat and won US-1, but at the 1994 Havasu Classic the boat caught fire and burned up. Chuck then bought a Hoffman 120 in 1995, and shared driving with Craig Shaid in the Powerboat Superleague Series. Chuck quit the big boats in 1998 due to the expense. At that time, he bought an SST 45 and sponsored his
nephew Sean Comer in the Western Formula Lights Series. In 2006 the driving was turned over to RJ West, and Skelton Racing was truly born. With RJ at the helm, they won the WFLS and raced all over the country. They won three US-1s and three Hall of Champions inductions, and set three 1/4 mile records. This is only a short summary of his racing career. Skelton Racing not only has RJ but Dean Comer driving, and Warren West racing SST 45 under this banner and Dean Wilson running SST 120. The crew has consisted of Jason Turner, Tim King and Tim Dwyer. Chuck has been doing this for 46 years and is not showing signs of slowing down. Skelton Racing is at all of the California events and all over the country. Chuck said the thing he remembers best is racing against the likes of Molinar, Jimbo McConnell, Kennedy, Sanders Seebold and May. Hats off to Skelton Racing and Chuck Skelton. —Ernie Dawe
Skelton Racing (L-R) RJ West, Chuck Skelton, Jason Turner and Dean Wilson. Paul Kemiel photo
SCOA has held two meetings planning for the season, which includes Havasu Landing, March 3-5 (the Stock Western Championship). Then, April 28-29 at Bakersfield, we host the Stock Divisionals and the SST 45, SST 120, and Sport C Divisionals. These two events are extremely important to APBA racing in Region 12. If you have not come to a race here recently, we are ready to welcome you. Region 12 needs your support—and it’s warm here!
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RACE IN PEACE BILL CHILCOTT William C. Chilcott, Ph.D., P.E passed away on November 8, 2017. He had lived a full and active life. For over 20 years, he traveled the free world as a representative of the US Air Force Engineering Division. Bill enjoyed boat racing and flying; he owned a number of both sorts of crafts in his time. His interest in boat racing drew him to an intense study of boating safety, and eventually to a career as a court-recognized expert in marine accident forensics. In pursuit of this, he studied and photographed boat wreck incidents all over this hemisphere. To better study crash dynamics, he deliberately crashed over 100 boats himself in carefully controlled conditions. His expertise enabled him to develop and improve boating safety equipment. The ruling life jacket standard he authored is in use in the US, Japan, Australia and New Zealand. At the time of his passing, Dr. Chilcott was a member of the Board of Directors for the Snell Memorial Foundation and Chairman of the Board for the Snell Safety, Research and Education Center. In Bill’s own words, he enjoyed and appreciated life as few men have; he was particularly grateful for his wife, Wilda Gail, and for his many, many wonderful friends. He will be remembered for his intelligence and straight-ahead practicality as well as for his kindness and open-handed generosity. Bill is survived by his wife, Wilda Gail; brother, Scott Chilcott, M.D.; sister, Mary Lou Reck; and several nieces and nephews. —Hooper and Weaver Mortuary
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DAN HOOVER It is a sad and baffling time for the U-1 HomeStreet/ Miss Madison team. Their personable and talented crew chief Dan Hoover, 45, was found dead Sunday, Feb. 4th near Seattle. He apparently had taken his own life. Crew members had been finishing construction of the new U-1 race boat. Dan left Saturday to visit his mother, then missed a dinner appointment with a team member. The crew grew concerned when they did not hear from him by Sunday morning. When they called his phone, a police officer answered and delivered the tragic news. H1 Unlimited Chairman Charlie Grooms said no one had any indication of Dan’s state of mind— not his mother or team members, including his longtime friend, driver Jimmy Shane. The two had worked together on Ted Porter’s Precision Performance Engineering team; Shane drove, and Hoover became crew chief. Later both joined the Miss Madison team prior to the 2014 season. As crew chief, Dan was key to the Miss Madison team’s repeat championships. Hoover had major boat racing chops. He had raced boats, built boats, worked on gearboxes and propellers, fine-tuned engines, strategized races, and been a radio man. He had done it all. Shane posted online: “I have no words and I am hurting a lot right now. Dan was a great leader and a dear friend. I will miss his friendship, and his incredible laugh. Thanks to everyone who has reached out; your thoughts and prayers are appreciated. Dan: I love you, I miss you, and racing will never be the same without you. Race in peace, my friend.” — from “Madison Team Heartbroken over Death of Hoover,” February 6th Madison Courier, by Mark Campbell, Sports Editor Photo by F. Peirce Williams
PEGGY WENDT We lost our best friend on February 8th. Margaret C. (Peggy) Wendt, of Blackwood, New Jersey, fought a hard battle, but her body finally said it had enough and it was time to give in. Now she can spend eternity with her beloved husband, Hank Wendt. Peggy loved APBA boat racing, and all the friends she had in the sport. Hank and Peggy were literally a team. In 2010 the PS-529 Wendt Racing Team won the Cambridge Triple Crown: UIM World Championship, Canadian Championship, and APBA Inboard Summer Nationals. For many years, Hank was an Inboard inspector, and Peggy was a member of the APBA National Scoring Committee. She helped to mentor new scorers via the committee, and as a hard-working member of Winding River Boating Association. Peggy received the Inboard Scorer’s Award...a wonderful way to say "Thank you, Peggy, for all you have done." Peggy was also elected to the APBA Board of Directors (2005-06 and 2012-13). When Hank passed away in 2013, I offered to send her a plane ticket so she could visit the Titus family in Florida. She said, "I would love to come south in the winter, but can we make it when you have the Orange Cup Regatta in Lakeland? That way I can see a race and all my friends." And that is what she did; instead of sitting on the beach, she worked the boat race. That was our Peggy. Born and raised in Media, Pa., Peggy graduated from Penncrest High School. In addition to APBA racing, she was a homemaker, accomplished cook, animal lover and orchid fancier. She is survived by her son Richard (Deborah) Wendt; brother Richard (Karen) Fields, nieces Carol and Lisa and nephew Taylor (Jessie). — Sally Titus and www.haganfuneralhome.com Photo by Ray Dong
MUNCEY FROM THE BEGINNING ARTICLE AND PHOTO BY PAUL KEMIEL I attended my first Unlimited hydroplane race at the 1981 Gold Cup in Detroit. I came as a spectator, while carrying my Canon Ftb camera with a 70-200mm zoom lens and two rolls of film.
Then it was time for a heat race. I knew who I was rooting for... Muncey and Atlas Van Lines. I photographed the boat action as they roared out of the Roostertail turn, battling deck to deck.
Purchasing the $6.00 ticket for admission to a seat in the Roostertail grandstand, I was joined by my good friends, Jim McLachlan and Dan Pishkur. Not knowing much about the sport, the teams and players, I was curious and anxious to experience the sights and sounds and speeds of the world’s fastest race boats.
When we returned home to Michigan City, Indiana, I had my color slide film processed. I then searched and found an address for a boating magazine in Chicago. I submitted my photos and, lo and behold, I was contacted by the editor! He said we are going to purchase a photo and publish it in the next issue. My first payment for one of my photographs! I was now a professional.
Waiting for the action to begin, I wandered down to the pit row area, and innocently walked into the pits without a proper credential. My first experience of seeing the boats up close, I was amazed by the massive hulls. I went to the camp of Atlas Van Lines. I was in awe of the neatly arranged stack of Rolls Royce Merlins. I took several photographs of the engines. I was then approached by a man who appeared to be a team member. He greeted me, “Great to see you, son. Are you having a good time?” as he patted me on the back. I responded that I was enjoying the sights along pit row. Upon leaving the pits, I returned to the grandstand. Jim was thumbing through the race program and was reading the team info for the Atlas Van Lines. I said that was the guy that I had just met in the pits. Jim’s eyes grew wide and he exclaimed, “That’s Bill Muncey, the Babe Ruth of Unlimited hydroplanes! You sure was lucky to meet one of the greats in the sport.”
I then expanded my network to magazines throughout the United States and abroad, photographing and selling images of the Unlimiteds, Offshore and US F1 tunnel boats. Going to the races helped generate credibility and visibility in building my client base. As I reflect years later, it was Kismet that in that chance meeting, Mr. Bill Muncey was instrumental in helping me focus on photographing powerboat racing. I will never forget that moment, meeting the casual, friendly man who innocently introduced me in this direction. I have been extremely fortunate. As the calendar turns to 2018, I enter the 37th year in my professional photographic career, and am looking forward to many more years to come. Thank you, Bill Muncey!
The Atlas Van Lines and Mr. Kemiel by Paul Kemiel, and Bill Muncey by Art Thiel, Sportspress Northwest
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