Paris ‘74

The first race in ’74 for the rotaries was the 6 hrs of Paris. The Mercury ban was still in place for the rotaries, but on threat of pulling all OMC engines from the race, the race officials allowed them to run exhibition only. 4 engines started the race and easily dominated, leading by as much as 15 minutes. One boat barreled rolled in a corner, one boat hit the turn buoy (concrete) and took the side off the boat, one succumbed to engine failure and the forth was leading by 30 minutes with 15 minutes left in the race when the engine failed. Upon inspection after the race it was found someone had sabotaged the engine by loosing all 8-carburetor nuts. With the carbs not tight to the intake manifold, severe air leaks cause a very lean mixture resulting in rotor bearing failure. That it lasted as long as it did was amazing.
This was the race Caesar Scotti was killed; or more correctly, let die by the French police. Scotti had hooked a sponson, which threw him into the concrete wall of the river. He was thrown thru the front of the boat and up against the retaining fence. A US doctor tried to help him, but French police would not let him touch Scotti. It took 45 minutes for the French to cut down the retaining fence and get him to the hospital. He bled to death internally before he got there. Because of Scotti’s death, the rest of the European circuit was canceled and everyone was sent home.

This was the only race for ’74.

Development continued trying 100% alcohol and nitrous oxide assist. The nitrous gave a 30% power increase with the push of a button. The alcohol did not do much for power so it was abandoned. Engines were consistently producing in excess of 280 prop shaft HP at 8000 RPM. Without the nitrous.