My Boatsport.org website will give you a good idea of outboard racing in the 1950's.

The success of racing in the 1950's was a combination a strong economy, the easy availability of race motors, race sites and indirect factory support from Mercury outboards.

Outboards were raced many years prior to the 1950's and a book that gives you a good idea of the very early days can be purchased for just a few bucks. Check out

http://www.alibris.com/booksearch?ke...s.x=15&hs.y=11

They have one posted for $1.63 plus shipping.


Good Luck with your project