Newest Member

[Miss BK]

From the main page:
Welcome to our newest member, Johnnie Sanders

Yes!
Welcome Mr. Sanders! :)

[Miss BK]

Johnnie Sanders

[Mark75H]

Here's Mr. Sanders on an OMC promo postcard:

[Ron Hill]

Hey, that picture of you in Paris...is the John Schubert with his back to us???

Johnnie Sanders....

I wish you'd post some of your old pictures...

Let me ask you a few questions:

1. What WIN of your do you consider your GREATEST WIN???


2. When you and Tommy won Paris in 1970 (I've got slides of you at the finish that my wife took)...Can you tell us anything that stands out in your mind from that win???

3. Did you and Alan Yaw always get along?

4. Is Tommy Posie alive?

5. Anything you'd like the readers on BRFto know about Johnnie Sanders???

[John Schubert T*A*R*T]

Welcome Johnny. Pretty soon we will have all the OMC racing alumni here!

[beaver]

Hey Johnnie do you have any pics of your yellow powercat hydro? I have one now slowley putting a 78 235 on. Pics of the yellow allison and all of those noa boats you ran. If you have any with me or my stuff I would like to see them. Oh yes the twin glasstron and triple.

[Master Oil Racing Team]

Seems like word of BRF is spreading through the Lone Star Boat Racing Association. Two of the newest members are Paula Schultz who is Clayton Elmers daughter and Charles Fowler who we used to race with. Ray Yates is working on Bruce Nicholson and Charlie Bailey.

Speaking of Clayton Elmer I've got a couple of good stories.

We were at Calaveras Lake in San Antonio and the wind had whipped up. I don't remember if was C or D hydro, but Clayton was running my 12-2 Marchetti and I had his 12-8 marchetti. He liked my smaller boat & could really make it run. I couldn't stay in it because I bounced around too much in the rough water.

We were racing together through the first turn when the 12-8 took a hop and hooked in. My dad had identical 12-8's built for both Clayton and me with the exception that Clayton's had 1/4 inch more air trap. It ran fine with Clayton, but it always had a tendency to pull left with me about halfway through the turn. I always managed to correct until that time. When it landed it hooked so fast I was thrown to the outside. Clayton was right there & so when we tangled he went out too, except he went the direction of the 12-8 I was in and the 12-2 ended up by me.

They boats ended right side up so I swam to Clayon's boat and he swam to mine. They pulled us in together, & when we got to the pits, we found my dad & Jack Chance argueing about which boat each of us left the pits in.

The other story was the last race in 1966 at Lake Corpus Christi. Clayton and I had been racing the 4 carb, open megaphone Konigs in C and D. My dad bought two new rotary valve konigs with the cans. Clayton got a C and I got a D. All Jack did to them prior to the races was to mount some new type of coils on them we wanted to experiment with. He mounted them on the boss where the Model and serial number are stamped. Then he took his own metal stamp and marked mine "C" and Clayton's "D" The plan was to break them in, run a few heats on them and Jack would go through them and test during the winter.

The race course was short so we set up for good acceleration. Nobody could touch Clayton. He would punch it in the turns and he was gone. On the other hand, I had our smallest D wheel on my boat and it just had no life in the corners.

After the races were over we loaded both motors in Jack's trailer to take back & he told my dad, "I'm not going to touch Clayton's C, but Wayne's D is a dog". Imagine his surprise when he opened my "D" to find 10 cubic inches missing.

[Master Oil Racing Team]

Welcome Stan. I figured word about this site would get around to you pretty quickly,

[Master Oil Racing Team]

Welcome Johnny. Won't be able to make it to Conroe. Guess by now you've heard from Wharfrat

[WharfRat]

Ain't talked to him yet, but emailed him my phone # & hoping he'll send me his, plan on trying to call him tonight if I can get his home #

I would LOVE to get my hands on an old Vixen, got alot of seat time in one, besides, it would look good next to the Laser ;)

Hey Johnny, What's Darrell Burnett up to these says ?

[Master Oil Racing Team]

Scott, I don't recall you mentioning Darrell Beaulier in the Master Oil T Shirt. You know him don't you? (2nd group of the driver's meeting)

[Master Oil Racing Team]

Welcome Toni. I didn't have time to round up more photos of your dad the other day. Debbie made me clean out the study. Wharfrat is going to help me set up computer networking so I can work out of my darkroom with my light table. Anyway, here's one of Dale at Hinton 1977.

[WharfRat]

Name sure sounds familiar, Wayne :rolleyes:


If you talk to Johnny, tell him to check his email or his PM box, still trying to get his phone #

[Master Oil Racing Team]

Welcome James. When I saw Brand X Racing I knew it was an Aderholdt. This has to be you in the yellow T shirt.

[Brand X Racing]

You are right Wayne. The yellow shirt is me! I'm not sure when this was taken but it had to be around 74 or 75. I spoke with Daddy yesterday and when he gets his computer up and running ...... I'm sure you will be hearing from him. He's not involved with racing anymore but I did talk him into coming to Italy last year for a race. Your photos make this site one of the best!

[Master Oil Racing Team]

That was taken in Valleyfield Canada James. 1976. You and your Mom and Dad were throwing a frisbee. I looked for some photos of your Dad's boat but couldn't find any. Were ya'll just being spectators? Be sure & get him on line. This is the best place I know of to learn how to use a computer.

[Brand X Racing]

I'm almost sure Dad was driving an A&H hydro that year and we were racing for the John Ward Throphy. We blew a motor (burned pistons) if ....I remember correctly. Things have changed alot but the boat racing family will always be the same!!!!! I'll send you a photo of my 2005 F500 boat if you will give me your email address. I can't reduce the photos with my home computer.

[Master Oil Racing Team]

I figured something like that. He must have been in the same elimination heat I was in. I sat on the bank too for the finals. Tim and I were in the same heat and battling it out. A wire came off my motor between turn 3 and 4 and Tim was DSQ (probably jumped the gun) so Fred Hauenstein won that first elimination heat.

Seems like if you can scan something into your computer you would also be able to reduce it. There are a bunch of guys here that can help. It would be good to be able to share your photos with everybody.

A couple of more photos from Valleyfield in 1976. Haven't looked through the b & w yet. Maybe find some more of you and your Mom and Dad.

Wayne

[Master Oil Racing Team]

Welcome Dick O'Dea. I was saving that first slide for either you or Jeff Hutchins, whoever signed up first.

[fred tyson]

now ,that name brings back alot of memories for me, Always remember those black boats with the steering wheel set high on the dash, especially that fast A Konig as it was called then..Fast boats a Cadillac tow vehicle and a good looking blonde,that is Dickie Odea, watched him at alot of races thru out the east coast as well as the nation, my father always remarked about his boat the Bismark, never saw it but heard it was a sight to see.

[F-12]

What a pleasure it is to hear Dick is on the site. The best times I can remember was when I was fresh out of college and working for Walt Blankenstein in Lakeland. When Dick showed up it was like the secret service was in charge. Walt would send me out to the back building to work on the turret lathe and spit out parts for something he contracted out and Dick and Walt would have a session in the main shop. Two of the greatest minds in racing and I missed it! Had to listen to Uncle Walt. THEN Jerry Simison would show up and the party began. Back then, Jerry was a God among racers and you would have to wade through the ladies to get to him. Wayne Bladwin was another icon back then. I remember getting a package from Baldy with a set of cylinders in it and Walt putting the package on a stool and MARKING the exact placement to see if I would snoop. I did, he caught me, and took the rest of the day expalining to me what we were going to do with the jugs. I never met a bad person at Walt's shop except when Jim McKean sold me an F Konig that Walt said was junk and had me send back. He still owes me for that engine. Long time ago, but still a bad experience.

[Master Oil Racing Team]

Charles--did you start working for Walt in '73 or was is shortly thereafter? I never saw the backroom. Didn't even know there was one. Saw the cot Walt would take a nap on after lunch. You are one of the few that was part of the history of Walt Blankenstein and his shop. Please share some memories with us and some of the goings on.

I remember during the gas shortages in 1973 that Walt guaranteed that any racers that got to Lakeland could get all the gas they needed to get headed back home. In those days, for many months, gas stations shut down on Sundays. In fact, many stations only sold gas to their regular customers. Walt had arrangements for a station to sell gas to his boat racing fraternaty.

I think I have some more photos of you from Lakeland '93 but they were overdeveloped. Try to do something with the computer.

Wayne

[F-12]

I started working for Walt the end of 72. I had a travel trailer set up to the right of the parking lot when you parked behind the building so I could have a place to crash after trying to keep up with Walt all day. Then home to New Smyrna Beach on the weekends if we didn't have a race.
The back building I was talking about was the one you had to turn left around to get to the main shop. The one out by the road. He had a turret lathe in that building that I would feed round stock through a hole in the wall into the spindle and would spit out thousands of pieces of whatever Walt decided we were making that day. I remember also doing some Cresent lower unit housings for Dick on the mill.
Anyway, I have to go back and see if I can remember any good stories from the shop. I remember one about a spider I will post later that is really funny.
I also remember you and I getting some people together and going to the drags one night after racing in Lakeland. I'll leave that story to you...........

[Jeff Lytle]

Welcome to our newest Member--------HENRY P. SHAKESHAFT III.

See guys and gals, a bit of diggin' gets them here!!

Here's a story I posted on another Board about Henry:

I remember a great guy named Henry Shakeshaft III from Virginia. His wife Renee and Henry used to go to alot of races by themselves without crew, and always get help.
Henry used to race in the hotly contested 500cc Hydro Class--we're talking 120+ MPH here guys, in a 13' kneeler !!

I remember seeing Renee standing alone with Henry on the starting stand, waiting for help. I had a free hand so off I went. I was heading for the carb side of the engine where she was, she waved me off to the pipe side. She primed the engine, clenched the squirt can in her teeth and snapped the engine over like any man could. Off he went--1st pull........or so we thought. Henry crapped out before he could get over the hump--so now the REAL race was on.....drag him back in and HOPE the plugs weren't fouled cause time was quickly ticking away.
I arrived 1st--in 4 1/2' of water and went to my customary cranking side--AGAIN!! she waved me off !! ----Now, I'm 6'4" and she was no more than 5'6" Do the math !! I ran to the pipe side and lifted---AGAIN she snapped like a trooper with the can still between her teeth and off he went to win the heat, but this time, the engine was almost above her head !!!!

Never forget that as long as I live--WHAT A WOMAN !!!

[Jeff Akers]

Welcome Dad,
bout time you showed up here. :cool:
Don't be shy, start posting...

[fred tyson]

Henry should have plenty of tales to pass on , especially about my Basset Hound dog falling in live the his german Pointer female Sport.We traveled to alot of races together drankseveral cold beers and ate alot of "Hot Pepper Cheese",atrue sportsman and a very close friend.

[Master Oil Racing Team]

Welcome aboard Henry. You must have been in a lot of the same heats as I was. Seems I'm having a hard time finding pictures of you in your hydro.

[Master Oil Racing Team]

Welcome Jim Schoch. Glad to see you here. Hope you have some stories to tell. At the nationals when you had only two spots per qualifying heat and I drew a heat that Jim was in, it meant there was only one opening.

[John Schubert T*A*R*T]

Welcome Jim Schoch. Glad to see you here. Hope you have some stories to tell. At the nationals when you had only two spots per qualifying heat and I drew a heat that Jim was in, it meant there was only one opening.
Cool picture with expansion chambers on a Looper. I had a pair designed by a renowned Motorcyle guy (can't recall his name but was associated with a NY Motorcycle magazine) I called him, gave him all the engine specs and he sent me to a guy near my home in NJ to get them rolled, welded & fitted to the engine. THey were rather long, so we had braces similar to on Jim's and several shock absorbers. Anyway, made a big difference, but because they were so long they tended to "whip" in the turns. I actually had planned to use them at the 1970 nationals, but while testing one came out & dangled in the water & distorted the pipe. O.F. saw them and asked if he could borrow them for dyno testing. I agreed and at that time he said it was the best he ever tried. I never raced them and after the fact thought we should have turned the powerhead around to shorten the length of pipe behind the boat.

[Master Oil Racing Team]

I know you guys got some stories to tell. Don't keep them to yourselves.

[Peter Crowley]

Skip was at the recient Thompson, CT race to watch! He said that he hadn't been to a race in 22 years! We had a good time talking about the "old days" and comparing notes....

[Master Oil Racing Team]

Hope you have some stories to tell here on BRF.

[Master Oil Racing Team]

Welcome Don Nichols. Glad to see you here hope you will tell us some stories, maybe have some photos, etc.

Peter Crowley, you remember Don! He was referee at the 1993 UIM World Championships at Lakeland. You remember that well. That was the last time I saw Don. Him and his wife sat to our right at the banquet. Don, make plans to be at the Baytown reunion.

[ferv888ipba]

Wayne,
I was (un) fortunate to be able to announce the race,(arguement), race (arguement) that weekend in Lakeland. Don is and was one of the best referees in the country for the Pro division.

Don did a heck of job of being a barrister to that group. When people show up for the drivers meeting with their UIM rule books in their hand, you know you are in for a long day of meetings.

I must tell you that Don was always a gentlemen and was able to move the process forward. We were together for many USTS races and they usually went off with out trouble.

Welcome aboard Don.

Ray :)

[Peter Crowley]

Of course I remember Don! I even remember when he was still racing! Must have been around 1989 that he stopped racing.... He was involved with Kay Harrison when they were building the "Harrison/ Yamaha" 250cc and 500cc engines. I had one of there engines... broke a kilo record with it too! I was a stock outboard guy turned PRO and Don gave me a lot of help in keeping that engine going and somewhat up-to-date. He was the referee that I remember most from my USTS days (1988-2000) and he did an excellent job!

[Racerxgirl]

Hi all! I thought I would go ahead and introduce myself and let you know a few things about me, myself, and I :)
I live in Chandler Arizona, I work at Firebird Raceway in Sales and Marketing, love my job! Nothing like hearing a engine start up, and then looking out my window from my desk and watching a boat rip around the lake a few times!
My passion is motorcycles, I race a TZ125 2 stroke GP bike, won the championship last year for the Southwest, and hope to do it again!
My uncle races boats up in wisconsin, my brother drag races his Chevelle, and my pops is a triathlete. I enjoy any and all kinds of racing!
I am sure that I will probably meet a few of you coming up in November here at the IHBA World Finals! See ya around! :D

[David Mason]

Are you married ? :D

Your job sounds like a dream job, congrats. And more congrats on your championship. I race the smaller boats, kneeldown, MOD. I always thought National Champs were the best, high points are okay, but Nat's are the one to win. Congrats on your National Championship.

[Hydroglobe17J]

Skip was at the recient Thompson, CT race to watch! He said that he hadn't been to a race in 22 years! We had a good time talking about the "old days" and comparing notes....
I remember racing JU and watching the older guys and waiting my turn, Skip always was a nice kid to everyone.
Earl Desiato

[Master Oil Racing Team]

Yeah! What a great job. Raced there in 1976. Went to Phoenix with my wife on business in 92 and I got to play while she worked. I went to the old racesite to find that it had grown tremendously. It was in February if I remember correctly and a lot of the Indy guys were there testing for Indy and , am I right?..... an early champ car race there at Phoenix?

There was no activity on the water that day, but behind the offices was a road course and it was full of hot road racer motorcyles. They were testing for a road race coming up that weekend. Seems like Bob Bondurant had a driver training school there as well. Glad to see you aboard.

[Master Oil Racing Team]

Welcome Benny Bob. When I saw BBaron, I knew it was you. Ever hear from Ronald Jones and Donald Brady?

[Master Oil Racing Team]

Stanley, are you still out by Lake Amistad? One of the last races I went to. Stanley put on a great race, but it was a little too much of a haul for most of LSBRA. It was three hours just for us South Texans. Heck, maybe closer to 4.

[Cameraboy]

It looks like we can welcome Sam aboard. We're very happy with the B&H hydro we acquired this year.

[Master Oil Racing Team]

Are you the Mike Ward from the UK that is working on a book with all the UIM World Champions? If you are, I have a lot more information to send, but I am having problems with the make of the boats and also total numbers on entries per class. I have much more information than before, but I was waiting to get a few more bits together before I sent it. The last time we corresponded I had never done an E mail before. This website has taught me much and has a lot of information you may be interested in. I had planned to send you an invitation to join, but looks like the BRF reputation is spreading rapidly. If you happen not to be that same Mike Ward, stay tuned because the the other one will also become a member. There is too much good boat racing news here to pass up.

[Cameraboy]

Mike what class do you race?
I think if you race as well as you photog , no problems there :cool:

Thanks for the kind words. My nephew and I moved up from ASH to 20ss this season. Tough class to run with a restricted 102, especially when you are new to the powerplant. We've done pretty well, but our inexperience shows (like the last 3 races :( ). His driving has improved, but I don't think my crew chiefing has. Maybe when I have 25 years under my belt like I do with the camera.

[Master Oil Racing Team]

I just met Jody a few days ago, but he was one of those diehard fans of boat racing that we need to survive. His Dad Joe was in the oilfield and was a friend of my Dad's. They used to come watch us race when he was a kid. He would take all of his Dad's boat racing magazines and open them to the pages of his favorite racers. Joe raced some, but quit a few years after Jody was born.

Jody was telling me that Joe used to hang out with a few guys at Powercat in Victoria and they built him a boat that he hung a couple of big Mercs on. I am probably a little confused, but are there two Powercat boat builders? The one I remember was from Victoria,Texas and built some really fine boats. I went to college with a guy named Pat who had something to do with it. I think his last name was Greene, but I may be confusing him with the singer.

[Master Oil Racing Team]

Are you the T-80 Alan Davis....North Texas Boat Club member and accomplice of the notorious Vapor Trail Joe?

[alandavis]

That be me!.....thanks for all the great pictures. I can sure burn a lot of time at this web site!

[Ron Hill]

Wayne,

Your pictures are ART...Thanks for taking them and DOUBLE THANKS for posting them!!!

See you at Parker, NEXT YEAR!!!

[Master Oil Racing Team]

Yeah Alan, I have not only burnt time here, but I also burnt up my tomatoes. Instead of feedin' and waterin' my garden, I been feedin' transparencies and negatives into my scanner. But hey----This has gotten me into contact with friends that I will never forget and were part of one of the greatest times of my life. Feed some stories to us.

And to Ron---OK!

p.s. Good luck to all, I know you will all have fun, be safe and God bless.

[Master Oil Racing Team]

Welcome Rick Sandstrom. Had to check out that Bad Call nom de guerre. Figured it had something to do with officialdom. Are there any other past APBA presidents that are members of BRF? Isn't Fred Hauenstein a past president?

[BBaron]

Welcome Benny Bob. When I saw BBaron, I knew it was you. Ever hear from Ronald Jones and Donald Brady?


Have not seen them in about 6 years and at that time

Brady was in bad health hart problems
How is your dad?
Like the pictureBenny

[Ron Hill]

Welcome Rick... How many pictures must you have, Mr. Master Oil.....???

Why don't you start going to 2006 races and continue your ART???? It would be so great for BOAT RACING to have your types pictures of today's racers......

Plus, maybe you and I could get us a TRI HULL...except Fred Bowden think those thing are for YOUNG MEN!!!!!!

Maybe, my OFFROAD BOAT PROJECT!!!!




Mr. Sandstrom, you are more than welcome to advertise your propeller business here, under our FREE AD SECTION!!!!

[Master Oil Racing Team]

Sometimes when my daughter comes home from college we climb to the top of one of our big oak trees.

How many pic's? Don't know. Of boat racing, more than 10,000 probably. But you said Pete DeLackner told you he had more than I did. I'm going to have to call him out. I hope to make some races in 2006. If I listened to the local news, I might have been able to make the Offshore East West Shootout in Corpus Christi last weekend. I forgot about it until it was too late.

Tri hulls? Can't say.

[David_L6]

I hope to make some races in 2006.

Wayne,

You and Joe should try to make the APBA Winter Nationals next March in Alex.


I talked to Albert Snell yesterday morning about the old timers' get together ya'll have planned for February. If I'm not so young ;) that I don't make the invitation list I'm going to try to come down for that.

[Ron Hill]

Now that Ernie Dawe is aboard... I might have to start telling more Needles Stories...

I was in Havasu, last weekend for a car show. I thought of Ernie. I saw a cool 49-50 Chevy like Ernie had when he was a Young Buck. He once let me drive it, when I was 15 1/2...He told me, because the car was lowered to go over this big bump sideways...Well, I went sideways.....and we bottomed out big time...What Ernie really meant was to go over the bump , LONGways.....

Ernie and I roomed together in Flagstaff, at NAU....I hope he doesn't tell any of those stories on me here!!!! Well, maybe one or two...Like the time we drank 54 quarts and 24 cases of beer in two weeks....Ernie ain't drank in 25 years......I tell him he use to be A LOT MORE FUN!!!!!

[racnbns]

Thanks B.R.F. Ron and the rest for the birthday greeting,now the rest of the verse:

The Golden Years

I can't see--I can't p--

I can't chew--I can't s---w

All these things have come to pass

These Golden Years can kiss my A--!

P.S. Now that my age is the same as my race[boat] no. I think it's time for my farewell tour.

Bruce Summers
V-71

[John Schubert T*A*R*T]

[QUOTE=racnbns]Thanks B.R.F. Ron and the rest for the birthday greeting,now the rest of the verse:

The Golden Years

I can't see--I can't p--

I can't chew--I can't s---w

All these things have come to pass

These Golden Years can kiss my A--!


Bruce, knowing your location, and knowing that you and Shirley are clos to USTS, could you 2 volunteer to chair a reunion for next year? Some committee member suggestions: myself, Wayne Baldwin, Joe Rome, Rex Hall, Ron Hill, Fred Hauenstein, Mike Schmidt & from the midwest or Michigan, Ed Thirly & from Florida, Tim Small & David or Tommy Hooten.

What say you?????

[racnbns]

John:
I think something like that would be great. Our drivers, pit crew, family party on wed. nite is one possibility. It's very informal, sort of a big Bull Session.
Our Title Series annual meeting is tomorrow so I'll bring it up.

Bruce Summers
V-71

[Ron Hill]

Welcome, Shanon!!!

I sure wish you'd get with your brother and write your family's history right here.....Your dad and my dad became friends at the 1954 Stock Nationals in DePere, Wisconsin....And alwasy seemed to be very close after that!!!

The name BOWMAN helped built Stock Racing when it was BIG....

Thanks for joining...hope you post often!!!!

FYI: The kill switch in race boats, as we know it, was required after Hank Bowman lost his life in the 9 Hours of Miami...Hank was Craig, Tarcy and Shanon's dad....and one hell of a guy!!!!

ADD DEPUE:

I won't go to no reunion unless I'm guaranteed ten cent beers....First time I went to DePue, corn was two for twenty-five cents and beers was a dime!!!! Bring back the old days!!!

[Ron Hill]

Welcome "KING WOODS"...Jimbo, Cathy and I were talking about you last night...In fact, I had your card and was going to write down your phone number and call you....Instead, I got side tracked and Cathy put Jack Leek's phone number on my phone.....

Wish you'd post some of your pictures...YOU WERE HUGE IN THIS SPORT....Thanks for the many memories!!!!

[Master Oil Racing Team]

I thought I had a decent photo to share to welcome you to BRF, but the only one I could find was at a driver's meeting and it looked like you were about to sneeze. I think I have some pretty good ones when you won the 500 Hydro nationals in 1983. Unfortunately.......I haven't developed them yet.

[Ron Hill]

I just saw tp197 and knew it was Tommy Posey. I'll bet you have a few thousand pictures you could share. At the time, when Allan Yaw ware that French bret, I never realized how much fun we were all REALLY having...

[Master Oil Racing Team]

Welcome Tommy Posey. I'm with Ron. Hope you will post some photos and stories.

[Master Oil Racing Team]

Keep getting an error message on uploading Tommy's tunnel. One more try.

[jrome]

Brian, glad to hear from you again and welcome to BRF!!!!!

[Ron Hill]

Welcome Rusty, I hope you'll enjoy BRF and I hope you post often....

I know your book Speed and Spray didn't ever make you any money, but I do know that several hundred kids in Garden Grove read the covers off everyone I ever had.

My nephew, Bunker Hill, and his best friend (STILL), read Speed and Spray about fifty times each....

Again, WELCOME and any and all your posts are ALWAYS WELCOMED WITH OPEN ARMS.....See, "WE HAVE A SPORT TO SAVE.".....One person at a time!!!

[Mark75H]

Welcome, Carlo! How about a few pictures of your engines?

[Ron Hill]

Welcome, Marcel. Marcel called me today and said I'd left Sandy Rae off the WHO'S WHO in women drivers....He's right, but I also told him he knew more about her than I. Sandy is married to Mark Tate, and has been for about 20 years. Their kids are racing J and AXS and doing well..

I've told Marcell to post some pictures...and I also told him if he can't, to mail them to me and I'll post them....

Marcel moved from Canada to Orange County, California in 1960... He'd looked at the Propeller magazine and saw all the races Califonia had and decided he hell with Canada, Califronia here I come...

He did tell me today, though, that Florida has more lakes than California ever dreamed of...and he is very happy in Florida...

Marcel built some amazing boats over the years....as I told him today, I've always considered him to be CRAZY but never thought of him as insane!

[jrome]

Your articles and photography captured the best of boat racing. These pictures were taken when Rusty was with the USA Team in Italy in 1985 for the OB World Championship. Glad to you on board with BRF!!!

[Master Oil Racing Team]

Welcome Rusty. It was at the Astrodome in Houston where I first met Rusty I think. He was covering the "Dome" series of motorycyle racing for AMA. I found out he was a boat racer. We've been friends ever since. Rusty helped me and gave me encouragement when I first started writing articles. Rusty took the photo in my avatar at Yelm, Washington. Glad you found this site Rusty. How about an update on what you're doing?

[Master Oil Racing Team]

Dick is an amazing guy. In all the years I raced Dick would show up and race with us, then disappear for months or years. Then he would suddenly show up either with a boat or in the pits helping. One time we got an order for Master Oil to go to rig in the North Sea. I asked, "Who called that in?" The reply: "Some guy named Richard Frye". Then in a month or so he would be in the pits. Next thing you know he's gone again maybe down to Florida on some kind of a commercial boat or some place in Africa. Then a year or so later we go to a race and there's Dick. He would just appear and disappear. I never did figure out how he knew where a race would be when he would just show up from Borneo. The last PRO race I attended was in 2003 when we went to Alex to show the kids what racing was all about. I saw Denny's pits and hustled over to say hi after all these many years. Who was standing there helping Denny rig up? Dick Frye of course. See you at the reunion Dick.

[David_L6]

Wayne,

Recognize anyone in this picture? ;)

[BBaron]

Glad Dick frye will be there as havs known him for a lot of years since the early 60 he went to some races with me be nice to see him again Benny

[David Weaver]

Dick is a hell of nice guy. I guess we have known him for 4-5 years now that he has travelled with Denny. Honestly, I did not know that he ever drove a boat. We certainly enjoy is company and he does manage to keep Denny on the straight and naroow.

DW

[Master Oil Racing Team]

David L6--It looks like Denny under the helmet in a hydro with Bobby Wilson's number on it.

David Weaver--Dick was driving before I started. & he drove off & on through the years. When I first knew him he lived down in my area and besides his own stuff, he helped Dan Waggoner, Richard Foley, Jim and Bimbo Bauknight. In the old days, when he wasn't at a race, we didn't know where he was except by rumour. I swear whenever I saw him at a race it was always suddenly. I would be talking to someone, then look over my shoulder and then Dick would be standing there smiling. I would say "Where did you come from?" He would just smile. Sometimes we knew what part of the world he was in when somebody would order one or two cases of Master Oil where none had been seen before. He never talked about where he was or where he was going. I guess since you have seen him for the past 4 or 5 years, his traveling days may be over. (Besides traveling to races---& he has a distinct nose for that.)

[David_L6]

Wayne,

That's Denny alright. USTS race at Alex in 2004. I think that's Denny's number now.......

[Master Oil Racing Team]

;) It's a little hard to tell from the angle, but I suspect that is Dick Frye giving instruction. I went for the hard one and picked out Denny:D

[denny henderson]

Now I know I am the luckiest guy in racing. I get to ride all the way to Baytown and back with Bobby Wilson and Dick Frye. Can you imagine the stories?
When I was 15, I had a very unwelcomed meeting with a propeller in the first turn of "A" hydro, all caused by a pleasure boat wake. Two years later at a race in Lake Charles La. we had pleasure boat wakes to race in. I told my dad I didn't want to race in that water and he said O.K. Richard Frye happened to be standing real close so my dad asked him if he would like to drive our rig in "B" hydro. He said "hell yea". He won both heats with a middle of the pack rig. Dick Frye could drive a hydro!!
He may be an even better crew chief. He brings lots of great ideas and lets me choose which ones we use. Great guy and great friend.
As for the number 15T, when Bobby Dean Wilson quit racing, I asked Bob if I could use it and he said yes. Since I was old enough to remember anything, the number 15T stood for first class, and I have been honored to have it on my boat.

[David_L6]

Welcome Bill. Glad you've signed up. See you this weekend at the Lone Star Racing Association reunion (I hope).

[jrome]

Alan, I am glad you have joined the Boat Racing Facts Brotherhood.;) It was always a pleasure to be around you at the boat races. I really enjoyed the times that you and Doc Collins came to Texas. You and Louis had lots of good runabout races. Hope to talk to you soon!

[ferv888ipba]

Joe,
My Son is serving a Mission in SoCal for our church and finally met my bud, Alan. Alan then regaled some stories about our friendship from meeting in California when I was racing out there, to when we moved back to the DePue area and helped Alan in the pit area. Some my Son I am sure will use on poor ole Dad when he gets home in June to further his own cause.

There was a picture posted of me carrying Alan at DePue to keep him out of the mud, getting ready to head out for a heat. Alan and I were talking about that picture and he can not find it. Could you please post that picture again.

I remember him going down the backstretch at DePue when the water was really shallow on the backstretch, either the last year or the year previous to the demise of the lake, and a mud rooster tail appeared and then up he and over he went. The nose stuck in the mud and the boat was almost straight up and down. We almost had to hose him down when he came in.

It reminds me of Bobby Viera, from the Bay Area, who went over in the bottom turn of Depue. He said he was not hurt and new he was under water and waited to float up to the surface. He realized that he was not moving and pushed on the bottom to force himself to the top. He said his arms went into the muck at the bottom up to his elbows. He said he finally broke loose from the much and came to the surface. I was standing in the pit area when he removed his helmet and the whole side of his head was covered in mud from the bottom. Lucky man.

Ray Rodda

[Mark75H]

To find an old thread use the search button on the middle right of the blue bar inisde the first orange section at the top.

I found 13 mentions of Alan - and one had the picture .... click the link to go to that post, it is the last picture at the bottom

link to thread with Alan's picture (http://www.boatracingfacts.com/forums/showpost.php?p=4155&postcount=1)

or click this link to go directly to the single picture

Link directly to the picture of Ray carrying Alan (http://www.boatracingfacts.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=2250&stc=1&d=1110816723)

[ferv888ipba]

Thanks so much for the help. Brings back fond memories of Alan and Jim McKean when they used to come to DePue.

I remember a time when Jim rebuilt an 1100 motor at least 4 times on the beach and at the old Holiday Inn at Peru. I think that was one of the catalysts for the HI to demand that drivers no longer re-build motors and use the sheets and towels for clean up. Of course starting a 350 motor in the swimming pool had something to do with it as well.

Thanks again.

Ray

[Master Oil Racing Team]

Ray, It was 1974 when I took that picture of you and Alan. That's when it was so shallow, an outside perimeter of the race course had to be staked out. I don't remember if that was when Bob was up to his elbows, but we had several races like that. Two years earlier I blew over and was in muck up to my waist and the water came up to my neck. They couldn't pull me out, so one of the rescue guys had to get in the lake and push on me while the one in the boat pulled.

I forgot who it was that fired the motor up in the swimming pool. Do you remember what caused HI to build a fence around the swimming pool? It was after the race in 1970 I think. I have fond memories of the HI in Peru because then, there was no place else to stay. All the racers that didn't camp out stayed there.

Glad to have you aboard Alan. Hope you tell us some stories. I included a shot of you and your friend Craig Lawrence dueling it out at Marine Creek Lake in Texas.

[Ron Hill]

Welcome Steve,


Love to have your whole history written right here...pictures, too!!!

[denny henderson]

In '76, the weekend before the OA and OD UIM World Championship at Firebird there was a Kilo event at Modesto Cal. Jim was big into Kilo's (had several records) and wanted me to run his "C" Yamato through the traps. It was the original 4-pipe engine with points and condencer ignition. The water was perfect but the engine surged all the way through the traps. The rpm's were so high that the points were floating. Jim had a CD ignition that he got from Walin, but it required considerable machine work to fit the Yamato. The solution... stop by Alan Ishii's place on the way to Firebird. I watched in amazement as Alan made a stater plate and flywheel, and in a very short period of time. I have never seen anyone handle an end mill the way Alan could. We had some good times with Ish.
Maybe he'll tell the story about "What Shims."

[Ron Hill]

Hey, Buck Thornton, how's thing going. Talked to Wil Pregande about a year a go. His son comes on now and then...Sure would love to see some of your personal photos here...

Miss Alden, he was a kick when I worked the Prop Tour...

[ferv888ipba]

Hey Wayne,
I wondered who had taken the picture and appreciate seeing it again.

I think the fence was around the pool because of Johnny Dortch and those guys put the runabout in the pool and fired up the motor and after that the HI was pretty tight with making sure they had a place people would stay in after we left.

To this day they have to put the markers on the outside of the course. The race course itself still has 6 feet or so of water but gets real shallow quickly on the outside of that. They are even running markers coming up to the barge for the start, it is so shallow on the bottom end of the course.

Ray

[Ron Hill]

Welcome Johnny,

Johnny is a TRUE legend in the WOrRLD, but is also one of Boat Racing's BIGGEST legends.. I STARTED A THREAD FOR HIM... http://www.boatracingfacts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2318

Keep in mind John is a BIG MAN in the National Pepper Association and also involved with he Vanilla Extract Group.

O.F. Christener always LOVED to watch Johnny Race....

In case you don't know, John's from St. Louis, Missouri.....

John has a JOB, he helps people give away their money..Last time I saw Johnny he was meeting with Jackie Autrey, at her request, to help her give away some money. When Johnny was a Senior Partner at E.F. Huton, he took Radio Shack public. He commission, at the time, made him a few bucks, with some of those bucks he bought a Farreri...Called it TANDY....

Great guy..when he raced. he never backed off.....

[Master Oil Racing Team]

Mal....Where you been? Glad you finally signed on. I usually welcome my boat racing friends with photos but my scanner is scamming me. I've been saving some good ones of you back until you signed up. Been to busy at work to figure out what this scanner problem is, but keep coming back, I'll get the pictures on.

I missed several of the previous posts & will respond soon.

[MJR]

There you go Wayne, another great one, Malcom Harden, a member of this site. This is the best site!

[Dave_E71]

Mal,

We have a race in Wilson, NC April 22 & 23. It would be great to see you if you could make it and if you want a ride you know you're welcome to try out anything out of my trailer (125, 250 or 350, how's that for incentive?).

Dave Augustine

[Ron Hill]

Ole "A" Runabout had a boat named Village Idiot. A DeSilva, he bought from Ernie Dawe..... Well, Loyd...hope you post some of your old pictures...

[Master Oil Racing Team]

If it weren't for BRF I wouldn't ever learn more than just the basics of computer operation. So finally, here goes with newly signed up members, Jimmy Aderholdt F66, Malcolm Harden E 18, and Jeff Hutchins, the mug shot in Dick O'Dea's hydro, racing shots driving for I forget who. Maybe Elmer Grade. One photo from San Antonio Pro Nationals 1978 has Aderholdt and Harden in the same shot and the long shot of a start has Tom Harden in the red shirt watching from the pits.

[Master Oil Racing Team]

Welcome Tim. Joe and I have been hoping for awhile you would find your way here. Tim is a Pro driver, writer, photographer, contributor to Boat Racing Word, editor and publisher of Hydroplane Quarterly, and I don't know what else. Hope you will share some stories and pictures with us. I was talking with Joe today. Some of the stuff you did goes waaayy back. You must have been very young when you started.

[jrome]

Tim, Glad To Have You On Brf.I know You Have So Many Stories,photos And Magazines To Add To All This Great History. Glad You Are Here. Joe

[F-12]

I had the pleasure of seeing Jeff, his brother Billie, and the master himself, W. T. Hutchins, their Dad, a while back and they haven't changed. If any of the three came back to the race course, they would take up where they left off...........winning. They are all great guys and it has been too long since I have seen them.
Welcome Mal and Tim, too............Haven't seen you guys in a LOOOOOOOONG time, and hope to be able to talk to you both soon. Thanks for coming on board..........

[Ron Hill]

Charlie, any chance that old man Hutch e-mails? And would you have it...

Love to see the three of them... I'd love to read about their history, too!!!

[Master Oil Racing Team]

Welcome Hoz. Hope you share some stories with us. What a great driver. What a great guy.

[jrome]

Welcome to BRF Hoz! Glad to see one more of the old gang joining the group. Like Wayne says, you can tell some good stories about the old days and help us preserve the history of boat racing.

[F-12]

Here's another one that hasn't changed. If he started racing again, it would be an 'out front' return. I am glad to see you here Hozzie. Hope to hear from you soon. I know you have some great stories.

[Master Oil Racing Team]

Welcome Dean. Man I have looked all over for photos of you. Trouble is you didn't list your racing numbers, and I forgot. I think C-44, but you also ran at the nationals one time with C-12 and several classes with Larry Latta's V-29. Here is one in 1100 hydro that may be you in Larry's rig. It doesn't look like the way he sits in a boat, but not totally sure.

Welcome Aboard.

[ProHydroRacer]

Welcome Dean. Man I have looked all over for photos of you. Trouble is you didn't list your racing numbers, and I forgot. I think C-44, but you also ran at the nationals one time with C-12 and several classes with Larry Latta's V-29. Here is one in 1100 hydro that may be you in Larry's rig. It doesn't look like the way he sits in a boat, but not totally sure.

Welcome Aboard.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Wayne,
Dean die a few years back, that his son on the net.

Boy! That "F" 6 banger was something else. I loved to start that engine for Larry and Dean. It was easy to pull over, a lot easier than those 250 2 cyclinders of Larry.

Bill Kurps
ProHydroRacer

[Master Oil Racing Team]

Thanks for the info Bill. Still, we're glad to have his son. Dean was another of those good guys who always had a laugh and a smile to greet you with.

BTW Bill, what about Larry Latta? Where is he? ADD, those 6 bangers were something else to listen to.

[Tim Chance]

I want to tell about Dean, Jr. He co-drove with me at Havesau with my SST-140. I drove the first hour, then Dean jumped in and immediately cranked out some real fast laps. Did I mention that was his first time in the boat. Yeah - no test time. Great guy and a great driver. I have a photo of him in that boat but I don't know how to post it.

[Master Oil Racing Team]

...........so that's it! I was wondering how come none of those thousands of photos you must have haven't found there way here. Do you have a scanner yet? There are several guys here that can talk you through it and also a thread that explains posting stuff.

It's got to be a lot easier than the REAL cutting and pasting that you are used to. And you don't need chemicals to get your B & W negatives posted. You can do all that in the daylight.

[Tim Chance]

Wayne - I just wasn't paying attention. I see the paperclip on the task bar.

[Doug Hall Y51]

Wayne, The last I heard Larry was not doing well health wise. I beleive it is cancer. I hope everybody can stop for a moment and pray for him and his wife Francis. He is still an active member in the Title Series.
I too would like to say hi to Dean. I havent seen you for many years. Not since I was living in Ca. Tell Bryan and Steve I said hello.

[ProHydroRacer]

Wayne,

Larry missed the Pro Nationals because of his illness. He has a house in Iowa and Florida.

It was a great time back in the old Outboard Club of Chicago days with Ray Hardy, Dean Wilson, Larry Latta, Clyde and Charolet Queen. We sure had fun.

Do you remember the time at a National in DePue must have been 25 years ago. Dean is driving that F Hydro, someone is stopped in turn two. I think Deans is leading the pack, his boat took a little hook coming into turn two. The guy in the stopped boat is still kneeling at his wheel. He see Dean coming, jumps up, runs the length of his long boat, and dives off over the engine. Dean miss the boat with a few feet to spare. It was funny to see.

Dean loved to drive that F Hydro of Larry.

By the way, Clyde and Charolet live in Texas. I e-mail them from time to time.

Bill

[Master Oil Racing Team]

I thought retired Pro racers from up North all went to Florida. Bill, see if you can get Clyde and Charlotte on. They have a lot of history to tell. I wonder if Charlotte kept any of the reams of paperwork she handled from the Outboard Club of Chicago and Pro racing? Tell them and Larry Latta hi. We'll pray for Larry and Francis.

As far as Dean hooking that !!00, I wasn't at that Nationals. That would have been a priceless photo.

[ProHydroRacer]

Wayne,
I ran out of money, couldn't reach Florida and ended up in South Carolina. The darn nices place we would ever want. We are on Lake Harwell in the North-West part of the state. To bad there are not many racers around here, would have like racing for a few more years. My racing parner Brad Barth still likes that cold weather up North. With the price of gas it hard for him to travel to the warm country.

I'll send you a private message with Queen's e-mail address.
Bill

[ProHydroRacer]

Springfield IL - Long ago, on Springfield Lake at the Prop Club. Before outsde course markers.

Dean Willson and I are going for the start in "B" (350cc Alky) Hydro. Dean thinks he is on as far outside as possible. The Starting Clock is on a dock with a walkway leading to shore. Clyde"s buddy (name- I forget) is the flagman, he hanging over the edge of the dock with the flag.

Well, I'm farther out than Dean, and a little back near his engine. We are coming to the start at full speed. The flagman looks at us, eyes wide open, mouth down to his feet. He drops the flag and run back to shore. I drove part way under the dock side to side to Dean.

Dean and I had a super start and joked about it for years.

The good old days before outside markers.

Bill

[John Schubert T*A*R*T]

Wayne,
I ran out of money, couldn't reach Florida and ended up in South Carolina. The darn nices place we would ever want. We are on Lake Harwell in the North-West part of the state. To bad there are not many racers around here, would have like racing for a few more years. My racing parner Brad Barth still likes that cold weather up North. With the price of gas it hard for him to travel to the warm country.

I'll send you a private message with Queen's e-mail address.
Bill
Bill, will you also e-mail the Queen's e-mail address to me. Would like to send a note plus tell them about the reunion next year. Sure would be nice to have Charlotte as the honorary chairperson.

[F-12]

It would just be nice to have Charlotte there to keep Clyde out of trouble..........

[ferv888ipba]

Wayne,
I think that is Dean in the picture driving Larry's big 6. I think so because it looks like a parachute on the back of Dean's jacket and he was one of the first to try this as a safety measure. After Dean moved west, Joe Barto from Depue began driving Larry's big stuff.

I remember we all used to wait until Larry spotted that huge trailer, with classes from A-F including C-2 runabouts and hydros. After he set his trailer we all headed to the other end of he pits to spot our trailers. But, somehow, you could never deny helping Larry. He was great to the new guys and helped wherever he could to keep us all on the water. Larry and Frances need our prayers to sustain both of them.

Dean's son had a brand new hydro when the World's were held in Pleasanton, Ca and Steve Litzell won the "D" hydro championship. I remember it was a brand new hydro and he went to the first turn and came back with 1/2 of the boat. A Geman took the whole front end off when he cut the corner in front of Dean. Larry Conner was also there and he took that personally and went to the German and got in his face pretty hard. I'm not sure if the German understood English, but let there be no doubt that Larry was understood as to what would happen if he did anything like that again.

Dean also had one of the most spectacular accidents at Depue ever. He and and a driver from Washington, collided at the start of 700 hydro in the straightaway. The Washington driver started to turn on the wrong bouy and took both of them for a heck of bouncing ball trick accross Lake Depue.

Dean and Joanne were great people and I was trully saddend to hear of Dean's passing. He will be missed, but not forgotten.

Ray

[ferv888ipba]

Wayne,
Just looked again at the picture of who I think is Dean, and looked at boat X on the outside. Seems to me I remember Billy Jack taking delivery of a new hydro at Depue and having to put all the hardware and steering on it. I do not think it had a number on it when it was delivered and that looks like a six on th back of the X boat as well.

Anyone else tell us if it is Billy Jack Rucker?

Ray

[Master Oil Racing Team]

...he kind of sits right in the boat. I am glad to hear more of you guys opening up with some stories. I wasn't at some of these races, yet I know those involved and can picture the scenes.

[deanwilson]

Bill or Doug, can you send me an email or mailing address for Larry & Francis? I'm sure I've got the IA tel# somewhere but don't want to take the chance that I can't find it. I'm so sad to hear about Larry. They were like second parents to us and with four boys we needed the supervision. This wasn't just at the races either. When I was on the PRO commission in the mid 80's to mid 90's, I always enjoyed the annual reunions and he always took the time to teach me something.

deanwilson17@sbcglobal.net

btw, congrats Doug (it's about time brother)

[David Mason]

We will pray for the Latta's. Larry is truly a nice guy. He always talks to us when we see him at a Pro Race. This news saddens me.

Sincerely,

Dave Mason

[jrome]

Larry would keep up with more stuff in that trailer. It was amazing. Larry seem to know Joe Micholini [spell? with v8 more than any one.I will pray for Larry and Francis.

[Tim Chance]

50:50 Could be Dean, could be me. Havasau 1990.

[Master Oil Racing Team]

I like that number;) :D

[Master Oil Racing Team]

I was wondering to Texas Twister was. Welcome Louis. Hope you tell us some stories.

[TexasTwister]

All I remember is- The older I get, the faster I was

[TexasTwister]

There is an interesting story to the photo of me you posted in the T-2 powered Allison. That was taken in Kaukana,Wi at the kilos after I set the VP kilo record. I did this with a borrowed 15 Allison from Tom Prikyle, a borrowed T-2 from Glen Dickenson and borrowed props from Dennis Berghauer. We drug this decked over sled all the way from Texas to Wisconsin and it ran perfect. Mercury wanted the VP record from OMC and knew I owned the rig Jim Hunt won everything with. Only problem was that I sold it before they called and had to re-assemble this rig in 2 weeks to make the trip. Motivation for this was Benny Robertson was #2 on their call list and I wanted to set the record since we had invested a year or two in the class. My record still stands but the class is long gone and eventually evolved into Mod-VP.

[Miss BK]

What year was that?

[TexasTwister]

I think it was 1979

[Master Oil Racing Team]

It was 1976.

[epugh66]

Dean's son had a brand new hydro when the World's were held in Pleasanton, Ca and Steve Litzell won the "D" hydro championship. I remember it was a brand new hydro and he went to the first turn and came back with 1/2 of the boat. A Geman took the whole front end off when he cut the corner in front of Dean.

Here's the aftermath of the accident. I think the collision was with Jorge Lipinski. We loaded the boat up and brought it back to Tennessee for repairs. It may have been new at Depue months earlier.

[deanwilson]

That's October 1989. I picked the boat up in March and didn't lose a heat until Depue, finished 2nd to Pete Nydahl. Ran within .125mph of the 1 mile compettion record in June. If you look close, you'll see there's no inside sponson. What you can't see is the dent about 2" below the cowling windshield...6" in front of the steering wheel and me. Didn't race tunnels with hydros after that. If anybody didn't have enough fun racing, there was a big earthquake the next day.

Dean

[Master Oil Racing Team]

Hey Ron and Ted---congrats are due again soon. Looks like 2500 members before much longer. (where's that thumbs up thing?):cool: :D

[Master Oil Racing Team]

Welcome Greg Hall. Hey Greg........you still in Florida? Talk to us.:D

[Master Oil Racing Team]

Welcome Johnny "BZZZZ" Bezecny. Wow! I had wasted a week before I welcomed Greg, and when I finally found what I was looking for to post for his welcome, I saw that Johnny BZZZZ had joined.:cool:

Johnny is another of my old pit crew that is now a BRF member. He was Joe's roommate at Southwest Texas. It was Johnny and Joe's apartment that had a chunk of concrete as a sign whether I was there are not if they had both gone out. Chunk missing...I was inside. Chunk in place....I was not.:rolleyes:

Johnny was from Joe's hometown of Rosenberg. He was one of several of Joe's "Pollock" friends I got to know. When I first met Johnny, I had a hard time remembering what his last name was so Joe just told me to call him Johnny BZZZZ.

So welcome Johnny BZZZZ.;) :D

[Master Oil Racing Team]

Hey Jim---Welcome. Diane Murray sent me some pictures of you from Pete Voss's 70th birthday party. Tell us some stories about your racing. We'll see you in DePue.

[Jeff Lytle]

The 1st member of the Kirts Klan has just signed up.

Welcome Jim Kirts!!

http://www.boatracingfacts.com/forums/member.php?u=3277

[David_L6]

Wayne,

You wouldn't believe how many of those faces I recognize but couldn't put names to. I also recognize almost all of the boats (more boats than people...).
Thanks for putting names with the faces and boats.


David

[Master Oil Racing Team]

Welcome Karl Williams (left, for those of you who don't know Karl). Karl and Tim Butts are looking at the first CDF Aerowing. See you in a couple of weeks Karl.

[Jeff Lytle]

Karl gave me my 1st boat ride in 1974.....................Guess he's the one to blame for my addiction! :D

[Master Oil Racing Team]

Welcome Bill Boxell. Bill is second from left, the first wearing the dark blue Aerowing shirts. In the middle is Steve Hertz, and far right is Lee Hertz. I don't know who the youngest team member on the far left is.

I'm glad you jumped right in with some stories Bill. Hope you will keep em coming. Joe tells me you were curious about what Gator tasted like when you were in Florida.;) :D

[Master Oil Racing Team]

Welcome John Winzler. I remember years ago you wanted to buy some photos, but I didn't have any. You must have always been in a heat with me. This is all I could come up with to welcome you and it's not too hot. Focus was on the inside guy. Looks like you and Doug Thompson (second from the inside) hit the start while the guy next to you was too early and loaded up and the guy on the inside was still looking at the clock.

[Master Oil Racing Team]

Welcome Ryan Butts. Ryan is Tim Butts' son and is an engineering student at the University of Michigan. Although he went to some boat races when he was little, he was too young to remember. Ryan was enthralled with the boats and motors at the Pro Nationals.

Joe Rome, Tim and I listened in as Edgar Rose grilled him on engineering and then Edgar listened with interest as Ryan told him of the engineering school and lab. Ryan is working on improvements in diesel engines currently. It was great to see you all grown up Ryan and Joe and I thoroughly enjoyed the few days we spent with you and Tim. Hope to see both of you at future races.

[Master Oil Racing Team]

Welcome to two new west coasters--Doug Martin and Lee Sutter

Doug--I am glad to see a brand new member already posting stuff. Keep it up, and put up some photos if you have them.

Hey Lee---I thought you were coming to DePue. I have been hauling that runabout pic around since 1979 for your autograph and I thought I would finally get it this past August. Oh well...someday!:D :cool:

[Master Oil Racing Team]

Welcome Bruce Nicholson from the Lone Star Boat Racing Association. I couldn't believe it when I saw Bruce was registering. I immediately called Joe and he was blown away too. It must have been something about that hydro race a Laredo.:eek:;):D

I didn't even have to move from where I'm sitting to find some welcoming photos. These aren't the best pics, but I have so many good ones of Bruce I'm just going to use these handy ones for the welcome.

[Amateur Photog]

I just wanted to share a more recent shot of Bruce from the PRO Nationals in 2005.

[Master Oil Racing Team]

No...not at all Jean. What a great shot. Beautiful colors and great definition. I think its time to bring back the Lone Star thread for some new pics of Bruce so he will be able to find it. Any you have of him and other Texas drivers would be most welcome.

I'm not sure how many years Bruce raced, but it was a long time. He also built some very powerful outboards out of motorcyles engines.

[Master Oil Racing Team]

Welcome Earl Bentz. Here he is driving Wil Pergande's "WILPOWER"

[Ron Hill]

Earl Bentz just seemed to come from no where. Seebold, Hauenstein, McConnell had been around for years. Barry Woods and Reggie Fountain worked their ways up, but Earl seemed to just appear and was a TOP STAR right off the bat. I think Dick Snider, at Mercury Marine spotted Earl first...not sure though..

I don't know Earls whole biography, but I think he started Triton Bass Boats and had Roark Summerford (LTV, STV, Laser fame) designing boats for him. Sold the company for millions and is now head of Mercury marine's boat division, I think.

Always a gentleman, even returned my call, three years ago, when I left word to come to the Blue Water Resort and Casino 300 Enduro.

I sat and staired at his name when I saw that he had signed up... A TRUE STAR in Boat Racing and Boating history. Thanks, Wayne, for posting one of your SUPER PICTURES of Earl..

I bought an old prop on my way to the Lone Start Boat Racing Club's reunion. E. Bentz was stamped on it. I polished it up and it sold on E-Bay for $450. I wish I'd taken a picture of it for my vertual propeller museum...

Welcome, Earl. Hope you'll visit and post often...

[Master Oil Racing Team]

Hey Tom....glad to see you join BRF. Tom is from the Kansas City area and raced in the 60's and 70's. Tom has a collection of photos he will share with us when he gets up to speed on BRF categories, etc. Look forward to your posts Tom.

[Master Oil Racing Team]

Welcome Ralph. I couldn't believe it when I saw you were our newest member. I grabbed the phone to let Joe Rome know. I didn't want to stand in line. I wanted to be the first to welcome you to Boatracingfacts. Pictures will follow.

Wayne

[jrome]

Ralph it is great to have you as a member. I
know you will enjoy the stories and photos on BRF.

[Ron Hill]

the real k-boat king (http://www.boatracingfacts.com/forums/member.php?u=7040) is our newest member...


Welcome.....

[Ron Hill]

<LI class=profilefield_category>About AZOutlaw <DL class="list_no_decoration profilefield_list"><DT class=shade>Member's Name <DD>Jeff Conant </DD></DL>Trafficade's number one employee.... Excellent person....Boat race lover...