M Hydro

Some drivers newer to the sport may not know that there was once an alky class called M Hydro. It was active from the 1930s until sometime in the 1960s. It was based on a full race OMC outboard displacing 7.5 cubic inches with a racing lower unit. The motor looked like a miniature version of an OMC KR or PR. In those days although the class had some adult male drivers, many divers were teens starting out (until the mid 50s there was no "J" stock class or the current replacement - restricted "A" stock class.) Despite their slower speed they were sometimes a favorite with spectators because of their curious small size and the fact that female drivers competed in this class. Sometimes heats designated as " powdepuff" races consisted solely of female drivers. M hydros were called "Midget Hydros". In the 1954 season the alky rules for that class appeared cleverly crafted to prevent the use of modified Mercury "J" engines converted to exotic fuels. Attachment 53917