In memory of racers no longer with us:

[racnbns]

Marshal was a constant in PRO racing like Sunrise and Sunset are a constant to each day. I will miss our many conversations, especially over breakfast at the Giant's Den in Depue.

Yes David, Shirley and I miss our breakfast etc. at the Giant's den with you and Marshall. RIP Marshall, you will be missed.

Bruce

[racingfan1]

I was notified this morning of the passing of Clyde Queen early this morning 4-16-2018. Clyde and his wife Charlotte were long time members of The Outboard Club of Chicago which was the host club for many of the Outboard Nationals on Lake DePue. May he rest in Peace.

[ProHydroRacer]

I was notified this morning of the passing of Clyde Queen early this morning 4-16-2018. Clyde and his wife Charlotte were long time members of The Outboard Club of Chicago which was the host club for many of the Outboard Nationals on Lake DePue. May he rest in Peace.





























Clyde Queen is a long time friend. Outboard Club of Chicago would not have been around in the 60's and 70's if Clyde and Char Queen were not there. PRO racing wouldn't have been as strong if these two fine people were not as giving of their time and money. OCC was the Queens.
Rest in peace my good friend, I'll see you at the Finish Line.
Bill & Joyce

[Donald]

I got to know Clyde and Charlotte when I was appointed to the outboard commission in the sixties, Clyde was also on the commission and Charlotte was the secretary. They would stop over in Marietta sometimes for a visit on their way to Florida for races there. When I first investigated putting on a race at Lake Acworth in 1977, I called them to see if they would help, knowing their experience in Depue, and of course they did. I wanted Charlotte as scorer. I got in touch with the local Jaycees and they agreed to be the sponsor. The first race in 1978 was successful, and then in 1980, when the championships in Lacrosse, Wi. was cancelled, I called the Jaycees again to see if they might arrange with the city for permission to use the lake for a race in October. They got permission and Charlotte served as scorer and Clyde helped when he wasn't racing. They came to three races at Lake Acworth and would not accept any compensation for their help at any of them. We stayed in touch until they moved to Texas and no longer attended races. I last saw Charlotte when they came over to a USTS race in Alexandria. and Clyde, when he came to an Old Pharts party in Naples. RIP.

[Donald]

We have lost another one, Bill Van died yesterday, more later.

[John Schubert T*A*R*T]

We have lost another one, Bill Van died yesterday, more later.
Oh my gosh.?I’m so surprised as he seemed OK at Depue last August. My sincerest sympathy to Eileen

[Master Oil Racing Team]

A blow to Pro guys to lose both these fine racers at the same time. I spent some time with Clyde at the Old Phart's party in Naples and he told me all about his flying machines. And of course Bill Van....what a friend. I will miss him greatly.

[ProHydroRacer]

It had been a bad 6 months for the PROs - Ed Thirlby, Marshall Eldredge, Jim Warren, Clyde Queen and now Bill Van Steenwyk.

[Master Oil Racing Team]

That's right Bill. I just got off the phone with Eileen. She was a zombie for the first two days, but she's settling in now. Has gotten many, many phone calls. I didn't really know Jim Warren, but I did the others. Ed and Marshall were part of several generations of boat racers and Clyde and Charlotte were as far as I'm concerned....The Outboard Club of Chicago. They made a big impact on our sport. It is sad to lose so many in such a short time.

[Steve Litzell]

So sorry to hear this, jst found out as don’t get here as much as I would like. Will miss our talks and story telling and just plain talking at races, condolences to Eileen and so sorry for your loss. Steve

[racingfan1]

Diane Murray posted this today on the USTS Facebook page. It certainly has been a terrible start to 2018 Clyde Queen , Bill Van , and now this!! My most heartfelt condolences to Connie and the family. Rip

It is with a very heavy heart that I write this. Steve Litzell has passed away. Steve had just turned 66 on March 12th and was planning on cutting back his hours and/or retiring from Honey Baked Hams. Steve grew up in Sarasota, FL and he had one sister and three brothers. Steve married Connie shortly after meeting her at a party on Long Island-I believe they were married in Las Vegas at a drive through wedding chapel. Steve’s only son, Stephen, was recently married in November 2017.

Steve also had his Outboard Marine Service business, which is how most of us came in contact with him. Steve started boat racing when he was twelve in a B Stock Runabout and had connected with Bill Hosler to get him into boat racing as Steve worked for Bill in a marina. Steve later moved from Florida to Georgia to work with Ralph Donald at the car wash. Ralph was instrumental in introducing Steve to Dieter Koenig. Steve spent time with Dieter and learned the skills of his trade, which was a benefit to all that boat raced. Steve was an accomplished boat racer as well as a mechanic winning many racing awards both domestically and internationally.

Steve was a great friend and was also a pain in our “butts” as well, but we still loved him. There are never any words to say to ease the loss of this special man. Let’s all have a glass of Jack Daniels (make it a double) – on the rocks – for Steve. Also, let’s keep Connie and Stephen in our thoughts.

More details will be posted as they become available.

[ProHydroRacer]

Ed Thirlby, Marshall Eldredge, Jim Warren, Clyde Queen, Bill Van Steenwyk and now Steve Litzell. All good guys, and will be missed by all in the PRO family.

[1100r]

What a sad day. We have lost so many this,year. My condolences to Connie and the Litzel family. I always,enjoyed visiting with Steve. He used to fly out to CA to help us Pro guys work on our motors. Always enjoyed that. Still remember sharing our Tenn tea at times, (JD). And the time he used this gas powered mixer to nake mud slides. Bull Moose RIP!!!

[David Weaver]

Well, Steve was a piece of work! Let his memory stay with us all for sometime to come. He loved PRO racing, hell he loved all racing really. There will and should be endless stories. I remember the first time I met him at Camden, NC. Who is the hell is that guy ??? Little did I know that some of my best racing trips were going to be in the future with "that guy". Steve and I long hauled it to Omaha with the "Big Trailer" just full of racing boats and engines. This was during my sole foray into runabouts (similar to a racing boat, almost). In hind sight, Steve demonstrated great patience, as I burned piston, after piston by pulling the pipes forward to quickly (like you can in a hydro, you know, a racing boat). The bull**** abounded for what seemed o be 2,000 miles of diving and much racing. We had good results racing and an even better time just living.

[Donald]

I am at a loss for words!

[Master Oil Racing Team]

I met Steve the first time at Lakeland, Florida for some UIM World Championship races. It was the morning after he got his rump buzz sawed at the judges stand when a boat ran up from behind. Joe Rome had been telling me for a few years about that "Masked Man" Steve Litzell. I couldn't believe it that next morning when Joe introduced me to Steve, and he was walking around. It was really like I had known him all along, and unfortunately for me I could have. Steve knew who I was having pitted and raced with Ralph along the way in the 70's. After I got to know him I asked him "How come I don't remember you from back then?" He told me he was shy!

After I got to know him, I find it hard to believe he used to be shy. Steve was one of the funniest, most gregarious guys I ever got to know. I'm sad that I didn't get to know him until after I quit racing, but I also told him that it was probably a good thing that I didn't know and hang out with him while I was racing. Ralph knew him for so many years, and also knew many of the guys from Steve's time in Germany. I don't know if Ralph would agree with my assessment, but to me Steve was America's answer to Hans George Krage. Full of life, full of laughter and stories, and full throttle to the end.

[racingfan1]

Perhaps my favorite memory of Steve. Only seconds before the firing of the three minute gun at this race at Constantine MI , Steve realized there were no numbers on Nick Noethe's freshly painted capsule boat. " Hey , anybody , throw me some tape , hurry" !!!

[Donald]

Wayne, One thing about Steve that was different is that Steve had opinions, and he expressed them freely, I could give you a testimonial. Hans was more diplomatic, but they were both full of good stories. Steve and I created some of them in our boat racing adventures. I'm at a loss, I can't comprehend not seeing or talking to him anymore. I need to know how he died, I hope we will know soon.

[David Weaver]

Beyond losing a friend, I am most saddened that I did not get to thank Steve for all he did for me. I was able to compete in numerous events, because he burned the midnight oil getting my engines ready. He knew that I always wanted to have a back up engine and would even make sure that I had the "second bullet" if necessary. He also understood that I preferred to finish as many heats as possible, rather than being the absolute fastest. So, he would set up my engines "middle of the road".

I am still saddened, but looking back on so many great times brings a big smile!

[Master Oil Racing Team]

David are you still in Austin? Joe and I talked a couple of days ago about getting together with you for lunch or something in memory of Steve. The Bad Eyed Cat or something like that that had a runabout hanging on the wall.

[racingfan1]

The Gessler and Thirlby Automotive race teams have donned special paint schemes this year to honor Ed Thirlby Sr and Rick Saver who recently passed away. Derrick Gessler has named his runabout the Saver Special in honor of Rick and Andrew Thirlby's runabout will have the paint scheme used by grandpa Ed Sr in his racing days. A fine tribute !!!

[Mike Schmidt]

John Yale died peacefully on Monday at his home in Meriden, Ct. The wake is Saturday from 2:00 - 5:00 at the Wallingford Funeral Home in Wallingford, Ct.

John started racing in the C and D stock hydro class in the late 50's. After a stint in the Navy, he got serious about boat racing. He won the highly competitive CSH National Championship in 1969 and 1970. He and his partner in crime, Franny Petrillo branched out into AOH. He then started driving DOH for Dick O'Dea, winning Depue in 1973. He also won the 850 hydro Nationals in the late 1970's.

In 1974 he stared building Yale Boats. He built hydro's for all classes of Stock, Mod and Alky. His boats were some of the finest built boats of the day. They won many championships, set many records and won thousands of races. He built boats until the mid 1980's.

After boat racing, John and his son (John Jr.) got into Stock Car Racing. All I can say is that he made the Tech Inspectors work real hard.....

John was a huge influence on my racing and many racers over the years.

Race In Peace John

[Ron Hill]

http://www.boatracingfacts.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.png Soller, Kenny OMC Tech
Kenny Soller worked on OMC Race Team 1968-74. Probably the fastest working mechanic I have known.

He changed a broken carburetor minutes before the start of the 1970 Paris Race on Alan Yaw's/Johnson entry. Johnnie Sanders and Tommy Posey went on to win the race.

Kenny died in April, 2004 from an inoperable brain tumor. Michael J Gwaltney

[Ron Hill]

Judy has also passed.

http://www.boatracingfacts.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.png DAH Propellers: Donald A. Henrich

For Obituary and details google: Donald A Henrich Portage, WI
Don died March 15th @88. He had lung cancer and had been under treatment for almost three years.
Although Don would describe himself as a "blacksmith" he was known for designing a new generation of propellers for Outboard Marine. This talented man was a major contributor to the success of Johnson and Evinrude outboards on race circuits around the world.
One year at the Parker Enduro his propeller design didn't work. The day before the race each propeller was heated cherry red with a torch and the blades bent to Don's satisfaction. None of the propellers failed in six hours of competition.
Services will be held Monday March 21, 2016 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, W8267 Hwy 33 East, Portage WI. Visitation will be from 10am to 12, with services to follow.

ADD:

Ron Hill (https://www.facebook.com/ronaldhill?fref=ufi) Don was a pretty good old boy. I spent a lot of time in Europe with him and his wife, Judy, back in the late '60's and '70's. Johnny Woods from St. Louis, was Don's stock broker in the old days. When Johnny took Radio Shack public, Don got in on the ground floor of the stock. It wasn't long after that he quit work at OMC. Johnny made <nobr style="white-space: normal; font-size: inherit;">tons of money (http://www.boatracingfacts.com/forums/#)</nobr> on the deal, he bought a Ferrari with some of the money. I never saw it, but Don told me the license plate said, "TANDY". I had just won the D Runabout Nationals in Beloit, and on Monday stopped at OMC to pick up my twin engine Jones. Don and I got to talking, I said measure my two best props would you. So, he measured one and said, "It was an 11, nice prop he said." (A Grandpa Seebold). Then, I gave him the second prop, he said, "Wow this thing really screwed up, one blade is 13 and the other is an 11, want me to fix if for you?" I said, "Don't touch it unless you want to die, as I won the Nationals with that prop yesterday....." Old Man Hill prop. I saw Don at Havasu Landing 9 years ago, we had a great talk, his hip was bothering him and he took the ferry back to Havasu City. Rest in peace, my friend. Condolences to the rest of the Henrich family.

Donald Albert Henrich, 88, of Portage, passed away peacefully Tuesday, March 15, 2016, at his home in Saddle Ridge.

Donald was born Jan. 24, 1928, in West Allis. He married Judy Ellen Richmond on Dec. 9, 1961, in Eagle River.

Don was a former owner of Propellers by DAH, and retired as an engineer from Outboard Marine Corp. He received a World War II Victory Medal while serving his country in the U.S. Navy. He was an ardent outdoorsman, an avid hunter and fisherman, as well as a gold prospector. Don was a Mason, as well as a member of the American Legion and Elks Club.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Judy; his children, Wendy (Jim) King of Winfield, Illinois, Dana (Tim) O’Neill of the Township of Erin, Jerry (Linda) Okonek of Spooner; his grandchildren, Kelsey, Dan and Kori King, Brendan, Danielle and Kellen O’Neill, and Dan (Allison), Heather and Kyle Okonek; one great-granddaughter, Whitney Okonek; and very special friends, Heather and Jason Stenberg.

Memorial services will be held at noon Monday at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, W8267 Highway 33 East, Portage, with the Rev. Julie Krahn officiating. Military honors will follow. Inurnment will be private. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to noon Monday at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Badger Honor Flight Inc., P. O. Box 258066 , Madison, WI 53725 or online at www.badgerhonorflight.org (http://www.badgerhonorflight.org/); Hope Lodge, 611 W. Doege, Marshfield, Wisconsin, 54449; or to Bethlehem Lutheran Church.

[Ron Hill]

Sad to Report the Death of Dr. Charles D. Strang
The APBA web site posted the passing of Dr. Charles D Strang. For those of you unfamiliar with him, 'Charlie' was not only the engineering genius behind early Mercs and later OMCs, he was a very successful boat racer in his youth. In fact, he holds championship records that will never be broken since the racing series ended with WW II.

A true lost the boat racing community.

[Ron Hill]

http://wjon.com/former-avon-marine-owner-dead-after-traffic-stop-in-illinois/
Sorry to hear this!

My friend, Randy Pierson. We had been friends since 1984. Randy worked with Barry Woods in the early days of V-8 tunnel boat racing. He worked with Gary Garbrecht at Second Effort. He drove my MOD VP at several Havasu Classics.
He drove a Yamaha Powered Sleek Craft at the Parker Enduro for at least two years, recently.
His dad had owned Avon Marine, in Avon, Minnesota. Randy ran this dealership for many years.
I think he was victim of substance abuse these last few years.
I hope he rests in peace. He was my friend, we had our ups and downs over the years, but we were always friends.

[smittythewelder]

Ed Karelson, Seattle's raceboat builder and one of the very best ever or anywhere, whose beautiful hulls won innumerable championships and records in several categories.

[racingfan1]

Famed motorsports photographer F Piece Williams was killed in a fatal car accident in Ohio last Thursday. Very sad news. I admired his work very much.

https://www.whio.com/news/local/reported-dead-when-vehicle-crashes-after-leaving-east-brookville-area/eJg4rgNUUNr60SY26Ok44H/

[Ron Hill]

I'm not sure I ever met him, but I enjoyed his great photography always. Only 55, and gone! Rest in Peace friend of Boat Racing.

[Paolo Mazzocchi]

Unfortunately Ing. Fabio Buzzi died on Sept 17 during a powerboat speed record attempt from Montecarlo to Venice
Inventor and great designer and boat builder winner In many categories in particular off shore and holder of many speed records. Played a very important role for powerboat development and innovation.
R.I.P Ingegnere

[Paolo Mazzocchi]

I want to add a couple of pictures of Ing. Buzzi. Always inspired me every time I saw his boats at racing events.

[Ron Hill]

I lost your email address when I had to get a new computer, I'm sorry to

say Bill passed July 13, 2019. This is from Mary Petty.

Bill was always nice, friendly and a gentleman!

More later!

[Ron Hill]

<form method="post" action="https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/portsmouth-dailytimes/obituary.aspx?n=ronald-ackerman&pid=194219061&fhid=27777&FBNF=ShareObitAt&refsvce=facebook&fbclid=IwAR0wYlbxOZo7-u5Zriogm8RhMdwvXZ5EpH574HweJwaMsJgxOCS2cvNPVfA" id="ydp9ab2d5a6yiv7734047195ydpfcfd89e4aspnetForm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; white-space: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">


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Ronald Ackerman Sr. (1943 - 2019)


Guest Book (https://www.legacy.com/guestbooks/portsmouth-dailytimes/ronald-ackerman-condolences/194219061?cid=full)


"I am so sorry to hear of Butch's sudden passing. Prayers..."- Ida Hermansdorf




https://ecp.yusercontent.com/mail?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcache.legacy.net%2Flegacy%2 Fimages%2FCobrands%2Fportsmouth-dailytimes%2FPhotos%2F%2F123776241_web_ackerman_20 191022.jpg&t=1571946637&ymreqid=0fdc2066-efb7-18e7-1c86-fc00e301f300&sig=akfwJLZTK5FKdaUJRrcksg--~Chttps://ecp.yusercontent.com/mail?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcache.legacy.net%2Flegacy%2 Fimages%2FCobrands%2Fportsmouth-dailytimes%2FPhotos%2F%2F123776241_web_flag1_20191 022.jpg&t=1571946637&ymreqid=0fdc2066-efb7-18e7-1c86-fc00e301f300&sig=nzhNqSwS6NaA5ua1kPXPkQ--~CPORTSMOUTH — Ronald Lee "Butch" Ackerman, Sr. of Portsmouth, Ohio, gained his wings on October 19, 2019 in Birmingham, AL surrounded by family. Ron was born on November 19, 1943, he was 75 years old. Ron was a member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Norwood, Ohio. Ron was a paratrooper stationed in Hawaii in the US Army. After his military service, he worked for Wayne Pumps in Ironton, OH and 7-Up Corporation before following his dream and opened a boat shop in Portsmouth & Ironton, OH at the age of 28. Ron's Mighty Mouse race team raced for 11 years during which he accumulated a multitude of victories throughout the US, Bahamas & Holland including 53 1st place finishes, 7 divisional championships, National Championships in 1973, 1981 & 1982 (in 3 different classes), a third consecutive National Championship year capturing the 1983 Formula 100 title in Massachusetts. He became the 1st driver in any class to win (https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/portsmouth-dailytimes/obituary.aspx?n=ronald-ackerman&pid=194219061&fhid=27777&FBNF=ShareObitAt&refsvce=facebook&fbclid=IwAR0wYlbxOZo7-u5Zriogm8RhMdwvXZ5EpH574HweJwaMsJgxOCS2cvNPVfA#) the "Triple Crown" of boat racing, making him the most successful single season racing driver in the history of the National Powerboat Assoc. After retiring from racing, he became a Millwright and worked for the Carpenter's Union in the power plants. His hobbies were building and flying his Powrchute planes, hang gliding and visiting historical battlefields.
He is preceded in death by his parents John & Blanche Ackerman, his wife, Kay Jean Pernell Ackerman, son Ronald Ackerman, Jr and his brother John William "Bill" Ackerman.
He is survived by his sons, Harley "Deke"(Tammy) Hughes, Birmingham, AL and Bengy (Cathy) Hughes, Portsmouth, OH, his siblings, Robert "Bob" (Mary Jo) Ackerman, Ironton, OH, Melinda Ackerman, Marblehead, OH, David (Joann) Ackerman, Cincinnati, OH, Teresa Jane (Jim) Rudman, Ironton, OH, Judy (Ralph) Winters, Chicago, IL, 12 grandchildren, and 6 great- grandchildren.




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(https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/portsmouth-dailytimes/obituary.aspx?n=ronald-ackerman&pid=194219061&fhid=27777&FBNF=ShareObitAt&refsvce=facebook&fbclid=IwAR0wYlbxOZo7-u5Zriogm8RhMdwvXZ5EpH574HweJwaMsJgxOCS2cvNPVfA#)

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[racingfan1]

It is with much sadness I post the passing of Tim Small who lost his battle with cancer on November 13 2019. While a fierce competitor on the water Tim was as quiet and unassuming a guy as you could find in the pits. During the downtime at races you would often see him tossing a football or throwing a baseball with kids. His practice was to hand out his award medals to young kids that were present at the award ceremonies. Tim was on the Board of Directors of the US Title Series, a 15 time PRO National Champion, numerous USTS High Point Championships and won the USTS Elite Driver award many times. Tim was 63.

[lonannis]

I'll never forget sitting on the tailgate having an amazing conversation with Art Kennedy at the Miami Marine Stadium where a bunch of the drivers went for testing during a race weekend in Fort Lauderdale. I was a young driver of the modified version of EP and Art treated me like family. He inspired me to compete in F1 late in my racing career. Race in peace.
Lon

[racingfan1]

I received word yesterday of the passing of Freddie Goehl. Rest in peace Freddie.

https://www.callawayjones.com/russel-fredrick-freddy-goehl/

[Master Oil Racing Team]

My good friend and Racing buddy Steve Jones passed away Monday week before last. His wife Karen left a message on our phone. She told me that Steve had been trying to get ahold of me for several months. I told her I had been trying to find him for more than 15 years. Ever since I joined BRF. I have such wonderful memories of Steve. A lot I never have posted because I thought sooner or later he would show up on this site and we could share memories and photos. Alas, it was not to be. I will hook up my new scanner sometime soon (can't see too good in crowded and dark spaces anymore) to print some photos for Karen for the memorial service. With the virus, there was really no funeral, so when everything settles down, she will have a memorial get together. Steve and I traveled together more than any other of my boat racing friends to the TV stations, advertisors, print companies, and potential sponsors to promote our racing in South Texas. I am very saddened that he is gone, and that we were not able to get together in these last few months.

[Jungle Jim]

In memory of the late Ken Helwig, Raced 280 Inboard in the 60s and 70s, then started racing Jersey skiff until 60 years old passed away Aril 19th 2020 at a age of 88 may he rest in peace Sarnia Ontario

[racingfan1]

It was posted today on the USTS Facebook page that Bill Kurps passed away on Thursday July 23rd. Bill was a long time Alky\PRO driver and also served as a referee for the USTS for a few years. Thoughts and prayer go out to Joyce and the family.

[racnbns]

It was posted today on the USTS Facebook page that Bill Kurps passed away on Thursday July 23rd. Bill was a long time Alky\PRO driver and also served as a referee for the USTS for a few years. Thoughts and prayer go out to Joyce and the family.

Bill Kurps,

Bill lived about 20 mi. from us when he lived up north. When I started racing and had a question he usually had the answer. Sorry to hear of his passing. Hang in there Joyce.

Bruce and Shirley

[Master Oil Racing Team]

I just saw this about Bill. Very sorry to hear about his passing.Rest in peace Bill.

[Ron Hill]

Talked to Reed Riddle, today, he said Bryan McDougall has passed. He was a Stock and Alky racer.

[John Schubert T*A*R*T]

Talked to Reed Riddle, today, he said Bryan McDougle has passed. He was a Stock and Alky racer.
I would have to check my scrapbook but wasn’t he from Utah or Idaho & actually won DSH at Syracuse in 1953 but was DQ’d & Culver then won

[Ron Hill]

My last real encounter with Brian was at DePue 1969. He'd blown his DeSilva C Racing Runabout, powered by a VC Konig over backwards and tore the boat up pretty badly. I had sold both my 13 Foot DeSilva (Ray Lenk).and my 13'6" DeSilva. (Tom Small as I recall). So, we had room on our trailer to hall his boat to DeSilva's in California. I never heard anything about Brian and the 1953 Nationals.

But now that I think about it, I did see Brian at a couple Utah races after that, but had heard he was having some heart problems.

Always a super nice guy!

[John Schubert T*A*R*T]

My last real encounter with Brain was at DePue 1969. He'd blown his DeDilva C Racing Runabout, powered by a VC Konig over backwards and tore the boat up pretty badly. I had sold both my 13 Foot DeSilva (Ray Lenk).and my 13'6" DeSilva. (Tom Small as I recall). So, we had room on our trailer to hall his boat to DeSilva's in California. I never heard anything about 1953 Nationals.

But now that I think about it, I did see Brian at a couple Utah races after that, but had heard he was having some heart problems.

Always a super nice guy!
Just checked it was Ivan Harris that won DSH in 1953 but was DQ’d for engine infraction which gave 1st to Culver

[Ron Hill]

Just checked it was Ivan Harris that won DSK in 1953 but was DQ’d for engine infraction which gave 1st to Culver

As I recall, Ivan had won the 1952 Nationals in Oakland, California. He won again in 1953, and as he was walking out of the inspection tent, he heard someone was DQ'd for reed stop height. the inspector had not checked his reed stop heights. (The motor had a factory seal). Ivan asked the inspector to check his reed stops and they were illegal. They tossed Ivan out.

My dad had inspected Ivan's motor in '52.

But in 1953, my dad DQ'd Bobby Switzer for raised reed stops on a new Mark 40-H.

My dad always suspected someone at Mercury had rasied the reed stop height by mistake. As Bobby Switzer's motor had a factory seal the same as Ivan Harris.

[racingfan1]

Hearing the sad news that Charles Davis has passed away.

[racingfan1]

Andy Kirts has passed along the sad notice of the passing of Loren Perry. May he rest in peace at Lake Paradise.

[racingfan1]

Sad news out of Louisiana as Don Nichols passed away on Tuesday September 21st. Don won the 700cch National championship in 1986 , 500cch in 1987 and retired from racing shortly after that and turned his attention to building and tuning motors. May he rest in peace.

[racingfan1]

We have lost another great stock , PRO and OPC driver with the passing of Wyatt Nelson. May he rest in peace.

[Ron Hill]

In the book Speed and Spray I remember seeing Wyatt Nelson's name in J Runabout. He bought some 45 blocks a few years back and then I called him to see if he was happy with them. He said, "I'm happy with them." We talked at least an hour. We covered a lot of ground...

[Ron Hill]

April 16, 2016 Art Pugh
http://www.boatracingfacts.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.png Art Pugh left us

Mr. Art passed away today, April 16, 2016.Gary posted on fb about 20 minutes ago the few times i was lucky enough to talk with him, were a pleasure. Prayers to the Pugh family.

http://www.boatracingfacts.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.png An Art Pugh Quote or Two

Runabout: Run about so far then toss driver in the water

"Harry, I don't know nothing about propellers, but I do know coon dogs. And you don't want that dogs' cousin, or brother..." (Harry being Harry Bartolomei, 1967, DePue).

[Ron Hill]

Mike's dad, Bob and my brother raced hard against each other in the 1950's.

Mike raced at the First Nationals at Lake Ming.


Interesting guy. He owned roller rinks, then a hotel in the Philippines. He also owned Mike's hamburgers there.

We didn't see each other often, but we had been friends since childhood!

[Ron Hill]

He was the MAN, often thought he was a MYTH, he is definitely a LEGEND!!’

RIP Barry Woods, may you fly free from the broken body!
February 7, 1942 - June 10, 2023

[Master Oil Racing Team]

Not much news about this, but I was told today that Rich Krier passed away from trauma injuries suffered from a boat racing accident on Lake Jackson in Illinois on September third. Rich succumbed to the injuries on September 8. This is a sad and terrible event. I don't know why It has taken this long for the news of his passing to get out, nor what happened. Keep the Krier family in our prayers.

[Ketzer]

Very sad news, Wayne. I did a search, and there are a few articles online about the accident. An amazing guy, Rich Krier.

[Ketzer]

Mickey McGuire passed away last week at the age of 84. Mickey raced B & C pro-hydro out of Hot Springs, Arkansas, during the 1960s and 70s. He was a founding member of the Razorback Boat Racing Club. Mickey was always fun to be around and a great competitor.

[racingfan1]

On Saturday morning May 4th Mr. Gene East passed.

Comments by Paul Christner on the passing of Gene East;

The news has come to me of the passing of one of Quincy Welding's Great, Mr Gene East !
Most people associated with the history of boat racing realize there was once a place in Quincy Illinois called Quincy Welding, where some of the most wicked outboard racing engines ever in the history of outboard racing came from, along with some of the most talented racing boat drivers to ever compete in the history of professional outboard boat racing !
My late father OF Christner got a lot of respect and notoriety from his contributions to the field of past boat racing and it's history and legacy, however behind every great established business in boat racing's past is the heart of that success, made up frequently of the extraordinary employees that without, the firm never would have made it to the level of success it did, period !
Here at Quincy Welding we had many past great employees and one of those great extraordinary employees was Gene East who came to us right out of the Navy and at the almost peak of the cold war between the U.S. and Russia in 1962 . Gene was also a quite formable racing boat driver on the local level too !
Gene was highly trained and educated by my father OF Christner and progressed to be a top skilled welder, machinist, racing boat repairman, mechanic, and master craftsman of all trades at Quincy welding.
Gene went with the racing crew in the big Quincy yellow trailer to many of the bigger regional and national boat racing events and was seen by most racers at those events carrying four cylinder loopers on his back to and from different pit areas of the Quincy brand racers at those events!
One time after we left the shop on an early Friday evening after all of the customer work was completed for both the racers and the welding shop in Quincy, we set out for a race in the south, late that night on the trip we broke a leaf trailer spring on the Quincy racing trailer.
We thought what next, however Gene in the almost pitch black of the night crawled under the racing trailer in the dark on the shoulder of a narrow road with only a flashlight and changed that leaf spring with nary a whimper or complaint with a new spring we carried along back then as a spare!
That's the kind of extraordinary person Gene East of Quincy's fame was as well as a person of amazing trade skills work ethic and character!
There are many more times at Quincy Welding where we were blessed with Gene's amazing greatness that hopefully I will get to mention at a later time!
God bless your spirit Gene East and thank you for being a part of the Quincy Welding Family legacy, and great past that never would have reached the peak in history it did without your grace and unselfish contributions!
Paul A Christner

[Pete Nydahl]

I received a call from Jerry's oldest daughter Stacey, informing me of his passing September 9th 2024
He was a childhood racing icon to me. One of the tuff ones! He and his wife Dee were great friends with the Nydahl family
Not only was he a fierce hydro driver,he could ride the hell out of dirt bikes and snowmobiles!
Jerry was a tall,strong and broad shoulder guy,so the big hydro class's suited him well.A National Champion in D and F Hydro

Jerry was also a member of the Evinrude 100 MPH Club.In October 1971 at Alexandria, LA he ran his Quincy Loop 6 banger/ Marchetti through the Kilo at 108mph


RIP X-12

[racingfan1]

Our condolences to the family of Gary Keller on his passing. Gary raced PRO runabouts in the late 80's and early 90's than again in the mid 2000"s. He was one of the good guys in boat racing.