Volume 68, IssueS II May 2014 apba.org

EX[EEDI EXPE[1 INBOARD DRIVER [lARA M[[LURE SHINES IN HER ROOKIE SEASON

SAM NE National Shane

USA: $5.00

LOBAL OWTH

Inaugural UIM J-Hydro World Championship

coming to Moses Lake

this summer

BAL GRIlW!JI 0 ug re i UIM J klydro World ChamplQj]

~AM~O ~ACE~~;;PliCE e National Champion Unlimited Drive~Jimmy

Shane to drive for Miss Madison

~DEPARTMENTS From The Editor

From The Top: Insurance updates

~ This Date in History e Spotlight On: Cannon Falls, MN. ~

Letter to the Editor

Race Calendar

Rooster-Tales: Rinker Racks 'Em Up

Inside the Cockpit: Chris Ritz

You Make the Call

Behind the Barn Doors Oh Canada!

Category Corner Junior Classes Inboard Modified Outboard

Outboard

Region Roundup Region 6 Region 8 Region 10 Region 11 Region 12

IIIIIIIIII/IIII/FROM THE EDITORII

PROPELLER _1111 _________ a' __ ,I_III __ ' __ IIIiIIIIII ___ III,IIIII_,,_III,aa _____ _

INBOARD DRIVER [lARA LURE 5HINE51N H

ROD IE 5EA50N

I n her first full season of Inboard racing, Ciara McClure from Marcus Hook, PA.,

exceeded everyone's expectations; including her own.

Following certain rules as a rookie in her first several 1.5-Litre Stock races, McClure was finally able to compete with the big boys later in the season.

"It was actually very exciting when I was told in Michigan that I could race with everybody and it was really exciting that I actually took third," McClure said. "I was just so happy to get my first third place finish in a race.

Being a rookie there is a lot to focus on while racing a boat. Later in the season McClure was so focused on what she was doing she had no idea that she had actually taken a second place fin'ish. "I actually thought that I took a third or fourth," McClure said. "Two of the other boats weren't running right and one of them broke down so I thought I was still back a

lap and way behind everybody else. When I got back to the pits my dad told me I got second place, I almost started crying I was so excited that I got my first second place in my first year."

As a baby, McClure began attending boat races at six-months old. Attending the races every summer for a number of years, McClure fell out of the sport for a while.

Two years ago, she attended a race with her uncle Thorn Heins who drives the National Modified "Big Bird by Pennzoil" and McClure fell in love with boat racing all over again.

Wanting to find a way to get back into boat racing, McClure was given the opportunity last year to drive the T -125 for John Shaw. In addition to her second and third place finishes, McClure burst onto the scene and won the Dick Sooy Award for accumulating the most total National High Points in Region 3, she had the most total High Points earned in Region 3 and won the

Year.

Headed into this past racing season, there was nothing more that McClure wanted to achieve than being named the APBA Inboard Rookie of the year. When the season had ended, Brandon Kennedy notified Ciara's mom J enn to let her know that her daughter had in fact achieved her goal of being named the APBA Inboard East Coast Rookie of The Year. A letter was sent to the McClure household and it was intercepted by Jenn. With big plans to make the award even more special, J enn planned to give her daughter the letter on Christmas Eve.

"We have a big Christmas party every; year with our family and friends and I thought we should give her the letter that night in front of everybody," Jenn said. "We waited until that night and in front of probably 50 people she learned that she was the rookie of the year. Ciara was jumping up and down, crying and it was definitely a good

Given annually at the APBA Annual Meeting, Ciara was set to receiv her trophy at the Inboard Banquet in Reno, NV. Excitement and joy quickly turned to disappointment and worry.

Shortly after receiving the news of her award, Ciara became ill. Having an allergic reaction to an antibiotic she was taking, Ciara's opportunity to attend the Inboard Banquet at the Annual Meeting was slim.

Being admitted to the hospital for five days before the start of the meeting, it soon became clear that the energetic rookie would be unable to receive her award in person. "The doctors said there is no way she could go to Reno. Her immune system was shot, the antibiotics completely messed her up," J enn said. "Ciara was devastated, completely devastated."

When the Inboard Racing Commission

that Ciara was unable to attend the Inboard Banquet, the IRC did everything in its power to make sure Ciara could participate. Dave Shaw accepted the award on Ciara's behalf and read her acceptance speech while she watched and enjoyed every moment she could over the internet.

"It was hard because I really did want to be there, see everyone and accept my award," Ciara said. "I accepted in the end that stuff happens sometimes and I still enjoyed watching on the livestream and when everybody stood and clapped for it, I was very happy about that."

Just a few short weeks after that at the Region 3 Annual Award Banquet, Ciara was healthy, happy and presented with every single award she earned last racing season; plus a few extras. "Then to surprise her I took money out of the chairman's budget and the IRC bought Ciara her racing membership for the 2014 racing season," Inboard Chairman Mark Weber said. And this season, Ciara plans to only get better as

ON THE

an APBA Inboard racer and she will now be driving for Ed Thompson in the T-3S.

"I just really want to go out there and have fun and get my first win in one of my races sometime this season," Ciara said. "I am looking to earn first place in National Points. That would be really cool for being

Modified Outboard Winter ationals March 8-9, 2008 Jesup, Georgia BY BRIAN PALMQUIST· PHOTOS BY JEAN TENNELL

Host of the Southeast Divisionals last fall, Jesup, GA was transformed from a secluded, tranquil haven amid cotton fields to a bustling Winter National

site. "Winter" was the key word: temps were in the low 40s, with 20 mph winds, cold rain and an abundance of Georgia mud. Yet the Stock Outboarders and Mod title hopefuls,families, and crews were undeterred.

Given Saturday's poor weather, all of the excitement had to be jammed into Sunday's event. The race committee did an exemplary job of accomplishing this difficult task, particularly with the extensive engine inspections required for podium finishers.

The first incident of the weekend occurred when my van tire found a rut and slowly slid off the muddy road. The first victory of the weekend was Dave

Mason tugging the van back onto the road with his mons tel : . k. Starting with some of the fastest stuff ... perennial favorite George

Luce 88-N put together fine starts in 850 Runabout, setting the bar for the new season. Showing a combination of skill and edge-riding, second place Tony Lombardo gave exciting chase. Steve Johnson, with his 44 Mere, held off the other competition for third.

500 Runabout spells first turn f-u-n. Running his new Morris-built Mere, Luce was carving his way through turn one with speed when contact from the outside happened. Luce's propeller and skeg let go,

rotating to the right and stopping abruptly, but upright. 1-US Jerry Da­vids capitalized and ran two consistent heats for the win with 5-P, Modified Outboard Chairman Jeff Williams, collecting second and 1-F Bill Walker placing third.

Once again 88-N Luce reigns supreme, sweeping heats in 750 Run­about. George was the only competitor to eam two Winter titles. Finishing with a fourth and a second, 76-T David Nichols was second overall. With a rust heat second, I-G Steve Johnson placed third. When asked ifhe had fun, Luce replied, "It's too cold to have: fun; we just had to get the job done."

Rushing toward the starting line were eight 350 H ydros. 14-N Brian Fitzgerald broke the line in the middle with sister-in-law Mia Camacho 36-N on his right hip pocket. Billy Allen 16-B had real estate on the inside, with reigning champ John Palmquist I-V covering the outside. Too cold to watch the rest of race, I was told the finishing order was Palmquist first, Allen second and AJ Jennings third.

Showing impressive versatility and flexibility, Oklahoma native and ac­complished hydro driver 34-0 Rick Miller claimed the victory in 350 Runabout. Second went to 5-P Jeff Williams; and third to recent Hall of Champions inductee, I-N Jerry Davids.

Difficult as it may have been to break out boats and trailers in early March,

Ta'ke"'~m any way you can get 'em.

proves there's no excuse for not being ready. Steve's rig was impres­sive on the water-the only 400 Hydro able to finish two heats, giving Wheeler his first national title. Con­gratulations, Steve ...

Warding off second place 3-F Walter Schlipf and third place Dudley Smith 13-F was Californian Tony Lombardo, driving the 4-E for Vicki and Skipper Smith of Orlando in 200 Hydro. Lombardo was the only repeat Winter National titleist.

In 200 Runabout, "super-fast" Greg Lyons 18-P swept heats, with 33-C Lombardo picking up second place, and Depue, IL transplant and 200712$ccR Champion Paul Bosn.ich III 23-V taking third.

Taking home his first APBA national victory was 8-L Tylane Hebert. George Stillwill finished second in both heats, giving him a second overall in 250 Hydro.

Chuck Zolkoske 7-M worked hard in his newly purchased Brinkman Craft to earn his title in 250 Runabout, battling against second place 14-H Ed Hearn. Third place went to 8-L Tylane Hebert of Gonzales, Louisiana.

'The biggest class in the Mod category, 750 Hydro, continues to provide some of the biggest excitement. I'm not sure what happened after the starting chute. With a scattered start, I believe Brian Cafarelli 5-C got tagged In the transom by 12-Z Dick Willard. With his high momentum and inability to find an open lane, Willard subsequently went swimming. Thrown from his boa~hard-he bounced back like a teenager for heat two. Again, too much water fiying to be able to give you an accurate description of the first tum, but five boats went in together. Coming out, Willard, unwilling to back off, rode up 77-G Steve Johnson's rooster, landing on Steve Dunn's Runne Craft 10-2. All boats made it down the backstretch; some with moderate deck damage, and a sporty new exhaust design for the new Winter National Champion, Dr. Dunn. Running smart, clean, fast laps, Y-44 Kevin McAfee earned second; 79-F Patrick MacMillan took third.

Vicki and Skipper Smith, with mechanic Matt Mutz of Orlando, collected their second Winter title via driver John Palmquist 78-F in 850 Hydro. Steady-running Dave Mason 38-M started out front both heats. Trying an inside move on Mason, PalmqUist stormed into a hard, cold shower in turn two. Brrr! Shocked into patience, Palmquist

let the rig do some of the work for him by going around the outside. Mason took second and Shane Hebert 15-L picked up an impressively fast third place.

With ten tough competitors starting in 500 Hydro, 3-T Jack Stotts, 34-0 Rick Miller, 6-A Billy Allen, Y-44 Kevin McAfee and l-VJohn Palmquist all hit the starting line at the same time. Jack Stotts tore out of the first turn in the lea.d. It took Palmquist one lap to guide the new B&H factory-owned rig into first. One lap later, it was Miller's turn to have his way with Jack. In the second heat, Palmquist had to pass

McAfee on the inside to take the overall victory. John exclaimed to me, "I can see why you like this ride." Second place went to Rick Miller, and third to Billy Allen. This win gave Palmquist a three-title sweep, only the third person to ever do this at a Winter Nationals (myself '00 and Kevin Ladd '05 being the other two).

The championship weekend was fortunately injury-free. I was able to keep my feet dry all weekend; however, the following drivers were not so lucky ... 3-F, 15-F, 75-F and 12-2. (You know who you are ... )

The hardy souls who dedicated their time on the judge's stand were Race Director Howie Nichols, Referee Bill Giles, and Chief Scorer Lisa Jennings. The Inspector was RC Hawie, and behind-the-scenes guy and Risk Manager was Bob Dunlap. Thank you to Peace River Outboard Racing Association for hosting such an efficient and safe Winter Nationals. Let's do it again next year-only warmer.

MOD WINTER NAnOHAL RESULTS 8SOuMR GeorgelMe TOllY Ulnbardo Steve .IohISOI 7SlkcMR George lIKe David ItioIs Steve JoImOi SOOaMR Jelll Davids JeHw-.s • Will. 400uMH Steve Wheeler 3SOccMR RickMier Jeff .. , Jerry Davids 2SOccMR <hick lolloske Ed Hecrn TybIe Htbert 70CkcMR Greg Lyans TOIY I.oInbriI PauiBoslich

8501:cMH John Pahlquist David Mason Shane Hebert 750,cMH Steve DuM KemMel'" Patrid: MacMIaI 500ccMH JohnP ..... st RickMier BilIyAien

3SlkcMH John PaInI ... dyAien AJ .lenlilgs 250ccMH Tylale Hebert George Stlwel

200ccMH TOllY I.oIIbcwdo Walter SchIpf Ihdeyslllltl.

STOCK/PRO/JUNIOR (LASSES ASR ASH Greg LyOils DavId Urfer Pili! Bosnich Valerie D' AgostiNI George ShW George StiwI CSR (SH Greg LyOllS Jordal Swain Pili! Bosllidl PIi&p FGI'C! rill Weber Corey Feulds 20SSH OSY400 Rkk IMler Joe r.1II!I' Dus1illlllllitot BI Gies Paul Bosnkh 1'111 FrOlC' J,riorR JIIIIiorH joel KicWy Joel Kiddy Andrew IOddy Andrew KIddy Becca trKhols Becca NkIIoIs AXSH YMie D'Agostino George Sthil JeH SchIipf

PI 0 P.EL L E.I • M AI 20 01. I 7

• t...tt-_- PROPELLER ........... ........ ........ ........ .. ....... ........ ........ ..... ................................................................... ........................... .

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.......................................... ...................................................................................................................... PROPELLER -o.JIJ.

For the first time in its existence since 1903, this summer the American Power Boat Association will make history.

Taking place at the Stock Outboard, Modified Outboard and Junior Classes Summer Nationals in Moses Lake, Wash., will be the first ever J-Hydro UIM World Championship.

"This brings a lot of notoriety, you have kids from all over the world racing at Moses Lake, which is a town of 20,000 people and in the middle of eastern Washington," Moses Lake Race Director Kyle Bahl said. "I think the draw of the Worlds, during the Nationals is just going to make the Worlds awesome."

As an APBA class only, Bahl with the help of Fred Hauenstein and Bob Wartinger, were able to turnJ-Hydro into a UIM Class which will allow racers from all over the world compete for the inaugural UIM J-Hydro World Championship.

Coming about through a conversation between Peters and May CEO Dave Holley and Qgtar's Cheikh Hassan, the two started talking back in 2011 when Holley was talking to the Cheikh's son Nwaf about Junior Classes racing, specifically J -Hydro. From there Nwaf's interest and excitement grew and racing aJ-Hydro is something he had to do.

''After their initial conversation Dave Holley got a call from Cheikh Hassan and asked him 'what is this J -Hydro stuff that my son won't stop talking about,'" boat builder and Moses Lake Race Committee member JW Myers said. "That leads to Peters and

May putting a single J -Hydro together and painted it all like Qgtar Unlimited boat and we brought it to Doha for the HI race and we gave it Nwaf."

Driving his brand new boat in Doha Bay, the media went crazy and Cheikh Hassan wanted to get more J-Hydro boats over to

Qgtar, according to Myers. Holley, then contacted Myers to build five more boats and get them to Doha for the next race where aJ-Hydro exhibition was held. "We

ran a bunch of kids through and had a small competition and it expanded from there," Myers said.

Since then, Myers, along with Matt Yarno and Jim Nilsen, have gone over to Qgtar twice to help train children who want to become J -Hydro racers. Getting 18 to 20 students at a time, J -Hydro racing has really become popular on the other side of the world.

"It's really exciting for us because not only will kids from other countries get a chance to come over here and race in our APBA Races, but as this develops our kids will get a chance to travel to other parts of the world they have never been to," Junior Classes Chairman Patrick Gleason said. ''A lot of this came about through (JW Myers)."

Being on the Moses Lake Summer Nationals Committee, and with the help of Nauticpromo, for Myers and Bahl it was a "no-brainer" to host the first ever J -Hydro World Championship at the 2014 Stock Outboard, Modified Outboard and Junior Classes Summer Nationals.

On their next trip over to Doha, Myers, Yarno and Nilsen are going to train around six to eight racers to run on clock starts and put them through an intense training to compete in a World Championship with three to four from that group qualif)ring to advance for the chance to run at the world championships in Moses Lake. "We are also working on having an entry from the United Kingdom," Myers said. "Our hope is to have a true UIM World Championship with multiple countries being represented."

.111 _ L-.-

Question: First things first can you give a brief intro to who you are?

Chris Ritz: My name is Chris Ritz. I race a I-Litre modified Inboard and I was born into racing just like a lot of people, I'm legacy. My dad started off way back in the 60's before I was even born. He raced all the way up till my early 20s then he got out of it. I didn't really get into it for a spell. I went skydiving instead for 20 years then I got out of that and decided it was time for the family to get back into boat racing.

Q: What value do you put on family in the boat racing community?

CR: It's funny, my aunt just posted some pictures on Facebook today of me when I was 12 or 13 and another one of my dad before I was born with his first hydroplane. I think family is everything. They are your support, they are your crew, they are someone to lean on. It's a great family activity and it brings people together?

Q: What is your favorite race site?

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CR: You're kind of putting me on the spot because I'm friends with a bunch of race promoters but I guess any of the hometown ones are always good because it's easier for friends, family and co-workers to come out and see you. I do not have any one particular so because of that I guess any of the hometown races.

Q: What is your favorite part about an event other than the racing?

CR: Of course Saturday night pit parties are always fun because that is a way for everyone to talk about the day, tell lies and stories and just enjoy the night. We may be competitors out there but we are all really friends at heart. There's nothing better than a Saturday night pit party.

Q: What is the most challenging aspect to you in boat racing?

CR: From a personal level, it's always a challenge money wise and travel wise to do it all. We are a backyard sport and very few of us have really deep pockets and sponsorships. It is difficult making the time and money sacrifice to do everything you want and you usually don't do everything you want because of that.

Q: What is the most rewarding part?

CR: I think it goes back to the family deal and getting the family together. The

winning and losing, that's all great, but it's an activity that you can enjoy with the whole family and that is pretty rewarding.

Q: If you could make one change to the sport, what would it be?

CR: I would like to see more participation. While the family thing is good, it's also one of our issues. We don't have a lot of new families or a lot of new blood coming into the sport. Pretty much everyone that is doing it, at least in Inboard, is a legacy; their dad did it, their uncle did it or something along those lines. We need to find a way to bring in new blood, which then all goes back to cost, so it goes hand in hand.

Q: What is one piece of advice that you have received that you still hold true to this day?

CR: There has been a lot. My good old buddy Mike Weber, told me to change only one thing at a time and that it is so true. Try only one thing at a time because otherwise you don't know what did or didn't make a difference.

Q: For someone new coming into the sport, what piece of advice would you give them?

CR: Perseverance; one word, perseverance. You have guys in here, legacies, that have been doing it for 40 years or 50 years. It's going to be hard so don't go out there and expect to beat them your first time out because of that experience. So expect to hit a few roadblocks but persevere through it.

REGION 1:

5/17-5/18 Standish. ME PRO, Modified, Stock, Junior 5/24-5/25 Franklin. PA Modifi ed, Stock, Junior

6/7-6/8 Milton. NH PRO, Stock, Junior 6/14-6/15 Constantine. MI Modifi ed, Stock, Junior

7112-7113 Thompson. CT PRO, Modified, Stock, Junior 6/14-6/15 Walled Lake. MI Inboard

9/20-9/21 Kingston. NH PRO, Stock, Junior 6/27-6/29 Bay City. MI ope REGION 2: 7/3-7/4 Pittsburgh. PA ope 5/31-6/1 Whitney Point. NY Modifi ed, Stock, Junior 7/12-7/13 Marietta. OH ope 8/9-8/10 Clayton. NY Vintage, Junior 7/12-7/13 Grass Lake. MI Stock, Junior

9/6 Grand Island. NY Vintage 7118-7/20 Waterford. MI Vintage, Inboard, Stock, Junior

9/12-9/14 Redwood. NY Modifi ed, Stock, Junior 7/19-7/20 Trenton. MI Stock, ope REGION 3:

8/2-8/3 Portsmouth. OH ope 4/26-4/27 Millville. NJ Modifi ed, Stock, Junior

8116-8/17 Indian River. MI Stock, SLT, Junior 6/7-6/8 West Milford. NJ Inboard

6/7-6/8 Lock Haven. PA Modifi ed, Stock, Junior 8123-8/24 Celina.OH Vintage, Inboard, Junior

8/30-9/1 Lock Haven. PA Modifi ed, Stock, Junior 9/6-9/7 Grass Lake. MI Stock

9/6-9/7 Mays Landing. NJ Inboard 9/13-9/14 Big Rapids. MI Stock

9/13-9/14 Wildwood Crest. NJ Speda l Event Inboard REGION 7:

1 0/ 11 -1 0/1 2 Millville. NJ Modifi ed, Stock, Junior 5/17-5/18 Pell Lake. WI PRO, Modified, Stock, SLT, Junior REGION 4: 5/30-6/1 Laporte. IN ope 5/3-5/4 Rock Hall. MD Inboard, Junior 6/7-6/8 Mukwonago. WI PRO, Modified, Stock, Junior 5/10-5/11 Tabor City. NC PRO, Modified, Stock, Junior 6/7-6/8 Huntington. IN PRO, Modified, Stock, Junior

5/31-6/1 Hinton.WV PRO, Modified, Stock, Junior 6/27-6/29 Rock Falls. IL Special Event, PRO, Modifi ed,

6/21-6/22 Kent Narrows/Chester. Inboard, Junior Stock, SLT, Junior

MD 8/16-8/17 Rising Sun. IN Vintage, Inboard, ope 7/26-7/27 Cambridge. MD Inboard 8/29-9/1 Kankakee. IL ope, Junior

7/26-7/27 Huntington. WV ope REGION 8:

8/2-8/3 Hampton. VA Inboard 5/17-5/18 Cannon Falls. MN ope 9/27-9/28 New Martinsville. WV I nboard, Offshore, PRO, 6/8 Champlin. MN ope

Modifi ed, Stock, ope, Drag, 7/26-7/27 Crosby. MN ope REGION S: 8/9-8/10 Crane Lake. MN ope

5/17-5/18 Stuart. FL Special Event, Vintage, 9/13-9/14 Forrest Lake. MN ope Inboard, REGION 10:

6/6-6/8 Jacksonville. FL Offshore 5/3-5/4 Castle Rock. WA PRO, Modified, Stock, Junior

9/27-9/28 Hernando. FL ope 5/8 Joint Base Lewis Stock

11 / 1-11 /2 Tavares.FL Vintage McCord.WA

REGION 6: 5123-5/26 Grants Pass. OR Special Event, Outboard River Racer

5/3-5/4 Delaware. OH Modifi ed, Stock, Junior 5/24 St. Maries. ID Special Event, Jet River Racer

5/24-5/25

5/31-6/1

617

6/14-6/15

6/21-6/22

6/27-6/29

7112-7113

8/4-8/9

8/22-8/24

8123-8/24

8/29-8/31

9/6-917

10/4-10/5

Newberg. OR PRO, Modified, Stock, Junior REGION 11:

Kennewick. WA Vintage, Inboard, Inboard 5/31-6/1 Nicolaus. CA Special Event, Vintage, Endurance Inboard, PRO, Modified,

Everett. WA PRO, Modified, Stock, Junior Stock, ope, Junior

Soap Lake. WA Vintage, Inboard, Inboard 7/11-7113 Sparks. NV Special Event, Inboard, PRO,

Endurance, Junior Modified, Stock, ope, Junior

Warrenton. OR PRO, Modified, Stock, Junior 10/3-10/5 Antioch. CA Vintage, I nboard, Stock, ope

Burley. 10 Vintage, Inboard, Inboard 1 0/18-1 0/ 19 Nicolaus. CA Special Event, Vintage,

Endurance Inboard, PRO, Modified, Olympia.WA Vintage, Inboard, Inboard Stock, ope, Junior

Endurance, Junior REGION 14: Moses Lake. WA Modifi ed, Stock, Junior

5/10-5/ 11 LaGrange. GA Inboard, ope Eatonville. WA PRO, Modified, Stock, Junior

5/31-6/1 Knoxville. TN ope Lewiston. 10 Special Event, Jet River Racer

REGION 15: Coeur d' Alene. 10 Vintage, Inboard, Unlimited 5/3-5/4 Port Neches. TX ope, Junior

Spanaway. WA Vintage, Inboard, Inboard Endurance, PRO, Modifed, Stock

Lincoln City. OR Special Event, Inboard, Inboard Endurance, PRO, Stock, ope, Junior

• Stuart Causeway closed to traffic but open for great spectator viewing! •

• Food and Beverage Vendors • Live Music • Bikini Contest • Fun Activities •

• Special Hotel Rates for Race Fans and Drivers! •

For Complete Info and Tickets Visit www.stuartsailfishregatta.com

-- PROPELLER ---

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!I

T':'or more than 12 years Unlimited Driver r Steve David piloted the U-6 Oh Boy! Oberto-Miss Madison to many race wins and National Championships. Mter the 2013 racing season David decided it was time to hang up his helmet.

Mter an extensive search to find David's replacement, the Miss Madison Board of Directors had one name stand out at the top of the list; Jimmy Shane.

"(Last season) he drove the U-5 just beautifully. He did an excellent job and he just has a very nice personality. We are very pleased to have him," Miss Madison President Bob Hughes said. "We have been blessed with great drivers and Jimmy will fit in just perfectly. He is handsome, young, has a lot of great experience and I think he will fit in with our team perfectly."

Beginning his racing career as a Junior Classes driver, Shane has rapidly risen through the APBA ranks driving everything from a Stock Outboard to as-litre Inboard. As a child, Shane visited the Miss Budweiser shop and instantly thought to himself that driving an Unlimited Hydroplane is what he wanted to do.

Shane lives his childhood dream every day. This season making the jump to join the Miss Madison team, Shane now joins the likes of Jim McCormick, Ron Snyder, Mike Hanson and Steve David; Shane has some pretty big shoes to fill both on and off the water and he is looking forward to the challenge.

"The biggest reason for my change, I know how elite the Oberto and Madison team is and has been over the last five years and

I didn't want to lose the opportunity to have the chance to be a part of that," Shane said. "I figured if! didn't make the switch now, when the seat was open and I had the opportunity, I may not have the chance again to do that.

"There is a whole other responsibility that comes along with being the Madison driver. It's not just driving a race boat; it's representing a town of over 13,000 people that actually have a say and part in the boat and the team. It takes driving the boat to a whole other level. It's a new challenge for me and I think I am going to be able to transition into it well."

Over the last five years, Miss Madison, and then driver Steve David, found their way to the APBA Hall of Champions three times.

Miss Madison is no stranger to winning, and neither is Jimmy Shane. Last season Shane was neck and neck with David and

toward the end of the season Shane came up with race wins in Seattle, Coeur d'Alene and San Diego.

Hitting his stride at the end of the season gave Shane a 68 point advantage and his first Unlimited High Point Title. Focused on the 2014 racing season as a whole, Shane and the entire Miss Madison team are going to take it one heat at a time.

"The ultimate goal is to stay focused and race the race," Shane said. "It's not going to be winning this race or going to that race, it's going to be going out for every single heat and doing the best we can. Starting and finishing is how you win national championships.

"The last few years I was on the opposite side of Madison Nation and now to be representing them, it is going to be an exciting season in Madison."

/ / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / /CATEGORY CORNER/ /

-------------------------------- PROPFllFI - ... -:-0

• t..t:-_- PROPELLER ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////CATEGORY CORNER//

STOCK OUTBOARD MAKING OUR ORGANIZATION BETTER

As we prepare for our Winter Nationals in Jesup, Ga., it adds to the excitement to know that another season is upon us. We have already had some great racing in the west coast where those lucky racers do not have frozen lakes. At the Oroville, Calif., % mile straightaway records in March, last year's DSH National Champion Daren Goehring shattered his existing record. The number 1-US must have acted like a rabbit's foot as he raised his record almost four miles per hour with his Tohatsu powered Darneille Hydro.

It was a good weekend for the D class as Tohatsu power also helped establish a new DSR % mile record with Bob Williams at the wheel. Sidewinder power assisted Jean Mackay-Schwartz in breaking the ASH % mile record that she held as a boat owner one year ago with Tony Lombardo driving. The record was then upped in New Martinsville, West Virginia last fall by Donny Allen. She rebounded and brought the record back to the west coast when she upped the record to 58.366 mph with her DrewCraft hydroplane.

Our 302SSH class continues to grow with more engines being sold over the winter. As of right now, we have six engines left for sale. So if you are on the fence, now is the time to jump in with both feet. According to the sales we have had, we will have racing in over four regions this summer.

The season will kick off in J esu p, and then on to Constantine, Mich., for the North American Championships before heading off to Moses Lake were we will have the eight boats needed for another National Champion to be crowned.

Call Tom Johnston or myself to get yours ordered today. This batch of engines is being sold for $3,000 each with propeller. What a great way to help a new driver get into the sport inexpensively and best of all never needing to purchase future propellers to stay out front. Race safe this spring.

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INBOARD BRINGING OUT THE BEST

At the 2013 APBA Annual Meeting in Reno, NV., the Inboard Racing Commission voted to ramp up the promotion and availability of the APBA Inboard Racing Driving School. The goal is to have everything running at full throttle by spring of 2015. While the IRC feels the driving schools are some of the best chances to attract new people to the sport. Something more impressive has happened; the "buy in" from our membership is something that has truly motivated me as the IRC Chairman.

Here is a snapshot of members stepping up since the Reno, NV meeting ...

East Coast Hydroplane: Purchase of the boat was coordinated by Bert Henderson, management of project by Bobby Kennedy, transportation from Brockville to Kent N arrows are by Joe Sovie and family and shop storage and maintenance by Wheeler and Tom Baker.

Midwest Hydroplane: Transported from Detroit to Columbus by Paul Poledink (Marine Prop Rider and Vintage Member), so that Tom Newman could repair damage, check engine, mount spare motor on trailer, offered to store boat in offseason and will deliver it to the Dayton Driving School in April. Credit also needs to be given also to Tony Black and the rest of Tom's race team.

Northwest Hydroplane: Transportation heavily assisted by Mike Hofhine and supported by Scott Blackwell. Brian Hajny will let us use his shop. Jeff Bernard and many of the E-55 My Way team has jumped on board to prep the boat for the 2015 Season. Scott Schatz donated a complete engine as well.

Southwest Flatbottom: While details are being worked on, as many as a half of dozen APBA members are working on a proposal to have a flatbottom introduced in the Southwest. More details as they become available.

With this many boats/schools being developed, it requires administrative support and promotions. Kim Liddycoat is heading up all the administrative side of the school, working on applications, follow up, accounting and promotions.

Speaking of promotions, information is being developed for the website, 20,000 promotional cards have been printed and are available for members, clubs and racing displays at boat shows and regattas. We are working on final details to have a promotional video produced and available to view on our website.

In an Organization like ours, themembers are truly our largest asset. Whether you race, officiate, work on a race committee/ club or step up and support the new APBA Inboard Driving School. On behalf of our Association, thank you.

\.W ... &_c- PROPELLER /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// liN PICTURES//

PROPELLER _._ lOp .-4

//31

REGION 6 Tim Hueston - long time Inboard racer, crew member, Marin Prop Rider, club leader, volunteer, friend, father and brother passed away recently. Tim beat the odds for four extra years, which he shared so generously with his racing buddies. Tim was everywhere, lending a helping hand, an ear, a push for a trailer or a hookup for the crane. Over 400 of his family, friends, and fellow racers gathered in Brighton, Michigan a couple Saturdays ago, darn near took over downtown at the 1st Presbyterian Church and later at the VFW on Grand River Ave. Celebration of life, well, that's what Tim is and what he shared with all of us. Godspeed, Timothy.

More not great news. Jack Meyer has been

in the crash house recently, let's wish him well. Yes, that Jack. Mter all the stuff for all these years, cannot imagine he had time to be in any doctor's care, much less the disposition to do so. Get better, guy, Dayton's coming up.

Jimmy Deel can use a note to cheer him up. He's continuing his therapy, so he's fighting as usual. Hang in there, buddy.

OK, let's talk racing. Dayton already happened, and that's just testing and schooling. Now for the real thing, the Three Rivers Club kicks off the racing with their Icebreaker Regatta on Delaware Lake (Delaware, Ohio), just north of Columbus off US 23, on Saturday and Sunday May 3 and 4. Modified Outboards and Stock Outboards, along with the Junior Classes (hydros and runabouts) are on the docket.

Referee Dana Holt is all set to "throw out" the first green flag for 2014. Spring has sprung down there in southern Region 6, according to reports, although at this writing, we are supposed to get three inches of snow in Detroit to "celebrate" tax day. I hope those reports are not exaggerated.

Some Region 6'ers are headed south to get going the following weekend, May 10 and 11, all the way to the Heart of Dixie, for the LaGrange Powerboat Grand Prix in La Grange, GA. APR Superleague OPC Tunnel Boats share the card with V8 powered Inboard Hydros from the 5L, NM and GNH classes. Most of the Inboarders will be from Region 6 probably, combined with the exciting, powerful SST-60, SST-120 and SST-200 Superleague Tunnel Boats should make for a grand Grand Prix.

............. ..................... ..................... ..................... ....................... ................. ................... ........................ PROPELLER "oS '. Memorial Day weekend finds the outboards resounding with high rpm open exhausts. Hey, it's Memorial Day Weekend, and picnicking with the Three Rivers Club Hey, you can listen to the Indy 500 on the there is nothing more American than our on Justus Lake in Franklin, Penn. The ice radio, and Saturday evening, just travel motorsports. should be out by then, up there in the hills down Route 8 and west to Mercer's trick

of western Penn. Mods, Stocks, and J's on track (no corner is the same, and there / /Don "Eli" Whitney the schedule. Been in that area, that time are 5 of them) for a dirt track show of of year, it's always beautiful, green and Sprints, Modifieds, Stocks, and Mod Lites.

REGION 8 With the off Season finally coming to an end and the snow is melting up here in Region 8. This off seasons highlights in Region 8 would definitely be the Minneapolis Boat show, which was discussed In previous articles. We also were invited to the Inaugural St. Paul Boat show, which was at the Warner Coliseum at the Minnesota State fair grounds. The Twin Cities Power Boat Association had an overall positive reaction at the show with

REGION 10 We start off this month with Jim Codling's report:

"Sometimes we speak too loudly. Boat racing is a volunteer hobby sport, probably always will be and we all make mistakes, including me. Mter being around for 30 some years I look back and see all the changes we have made to APBA and our racing and who helps us make it all work; I shake my head and cross my fingers. So, if you got some grief lately we all can be sorry and move on.

I was greatly pleased with the insurance effort the guys made this year, about a $450.00 dollar savings, now it turns out the new company is really tough on fencing and such. Recently they required more than 5,000 feet of fencing at a Cal race. Problem is, this would break most of our clubs, but what do you do? When I get hit with things like this I get grumpy and speak a little too loudly, and for that I am sorry if! offended anyone who might have got caught in the crossfire. So again, sorry, and try to get more folks involved to help us past the issues.

Thanks to several sites who have signed on

the possibility of two new young drivers and four new people coming to capsule training. We also had the opportunity to meet with several new sponsors for 2015 races.

The Twin Cities Power Boat Association is also hosting a non-racing event being planned by our new vice Commodore (Party Manager) # 58 Jeff Krischano. On April 12 we will be starting at Buffalo Wild Wings and then taking a bus trip to Turtle Lake Casino in Wisconsin. All 54 people attending will be giving given casino money to spend as well as giveaways and a silent

to our 2014 race series. All three of our Inboard clubs have got their dates in order and say they are ready. I have secured cranes for most all of our 2014 race sites Ness / Campbell are on board for the 21st year. A great bunch of guys who like our product. Be sure if you get a chance, to use them in your jobs, give them a shout. Talked to Kris at Burley and she is all set for this year, Mark is still missing in action but available when she really needs him. The rest of the gang is still on board, featuring all flats and some Hydro's (I-litre, 2.5-litre and maybe 5-litre) are set to roll.

John Walcker has sent in our funding requests for our Chelan events and thinks we are good there, also Terry Anderson, the pirate in charge at Soap Lake, is hustling our eastern Washington event. Terry is assisted by Aaron Murk Over here on the west side of the mountains.

Lucky Eagle Casino / Hotel, just south of Black Lake have picked up the sponsor ship of the record blasting event. The new tribal connection is most welcome by all the like side residents and our racers, Jack Sipila is the new incoming Chairman and Jerry Dugan is assisting him with the details. Finally, we have a new hotel, the Lucky Eagle, get you reservations in early and mention Black Lake hydro regatta for the discount rate of $98 per night. (Little

auction all proceeds will be going to The Twin Cities Power Boat Association. It should be a good time for all.

The last event for the non-racing season although not as fun it still needs to be done will be capsule training on April 27 at the Lino Lakes YMCA from 8 a.m. until noon. Please bring photo ID or if a minor must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

/ /David Garza

Creek is out this year). Think Lucky Eagle .... "

Our other Inboard group, Tacoma Inboard Racing Association presses on with their preparations of the upcoming season as well. Commodore Ana Cappelletti reports:

''As we are quickly approaching the beginning of our season out here in the Northwest, we have some up and coming things that we are really excited about .... some members of our club have designed a Volunteer Day that will help people understand the jobs that it takes to put a race on. This is for anyone to come out whether you are already involved in racing and just not sure what the job entails, or someone who has wanted to get involved in the sport. It takes a lot of people to put a race on, but it has also taken some people to put this day together and so we would like to thank; Kim Bussmeir, Cathy Mitrovich, Lisa Malmo, Pam Villwock and Mike Opel. I know that once you receive this month's Propeller, this event will already have taken place, but we hope to keep this going so that it may help grow our sport that we all care about so much! "

Our Vintage group had their pre season meeting a few weeks ago at Don Kelson's shop. Ron Morrison brings us up to speed on their plans for an ambitious 2014 season:

..... ___ PROPELLER ... ....... .. ..... ......................... ......... ... ·········· ······· ············· ········· ············ //REGlON ROUNDUP//

"2014's first in the water Vintage event will be Soap Lake on June 14 and 15. By historical standards this feels like a late start; Gee, I recall Frigid Regattas in March on Lake Sammamish in years past. The loss of Moses Lake this year is a real disappointment. It is a great site for racers, families and all concerned. I'm told that a concerted effort will be made to overcome whatever and find a way to bring it back for 2015. There is also Oroville, it is no go again this year. Here too, rays of light flicker for next year and beyond. It is tough to lose good water, we need it.

Onward to people and boat news. Updating our Vintage leader Jim Olson's cockpit visioning for the upcoming season, he'll take turns in Bob Morris' Gibbs design 5-litre and the Labrie fam's Sooy design 280. All the planning, organizing and administrative work Jim's done has him needing some seat of the pants adrenalin renewal. Steve Compton returned the Gold Streak 280 from California and will have it Plymouth powered for go and show with our Vintage mid-size runners. Sunday Pants is Mike Egbers'Vintage Jones 7-liter out of the Mt. Vernon area. It's nearly restored; engine will be a crate motor, so count it likely for summer action.

A feature of the Soap Lake event will be a "60 years of racing" celebration of Don Kelson and the Kelson Clan. They are bringing five Kelson designlbuilt Inboard Hydros, Copy Cat, Cat's Meow, Bolam's Express, Cat Ballou and Gang Green. As well as, five adult family members will be there to pilot them; Don, Ed, Jerry, Shaun

REGION 11 Once again racers from far and wide converged on The Mterbay in Oroville, Calif., to display their blinding flashes of speed.

None of this could have been done without the herculean efforts of a small band of brothers and sisters who pursued the deluge of paper work required by the various agencies and enforcement groups in the area. Between Region Chairman Bill

and Christine (Ed's daughter). One of establishing the APBA % mile straightaway the family grandkids will also bring along record for Outboard River Racer at 78 a J-hydro for photo ops with the group mph at Oroville, Calif., on March 15,2014. and to establish that there is more of the There is already interest to up that record at Kelson boat racing action story still to be Lincoln City, Ore., in October." written. Reaching the big 60 is worthy of a very special tribute. The number of boats and amount of equipment that has come out of the Kelson South Seattle Shop and this family's brain trust is written large in Inboard racing history."

Larry Darneille gives us a glimpse at the Cal Ore River Racing group and their plans for the season:

"The rain gods have returned in force. The spring rains have filled the reservoirs and rivers, at least for the spring season. With the rain season coming late there will be a lot of attention to water forecasting to plan the season. The first race of the season will be Boatnik at Grants Pass Memorial Day weekend. This is the 54th year which will be a four day event and will include a large parade, drag boats, sprint boats, D-Stock Marathon Runabout exhibition and of course the annual whitewater hydro race on Monday. Other race dates finalized are Gold Beach on the Fourth of July and Grants Pass on Labor Day Weekend.

Cal-Ore has three returning rookies with at least three new rookies to start the season. Rookie training will be in full force. This is the largest influx of new drivers in years. A couple of the older drivers will be returning to the sport also.

Cal-Ore would like to congratulate Sonnyman Downs of Klamath, Calif., for

Boyes and Race Director Julian Rucki, our mail boxes were kept filled day after day apprising us that one more permit had to be filed and ok'd. The average racer doesn't have a clue about the mountain of work required to make it possible for him to go out and strut his stuff. To develop an appreciation for what it takes, all you have to do is to put yourself in the shoes of a Bill Boyes or a Julian Rucki during the planning and preparation stages; not to mention the time spent on site running the event.

Other worker bees included Russ and Carol Dodge, both of whom came down from

At the time I am writing this, we are just a few days away from the first event in Region 10, which is the Kenmore Slough Exhibition. This event acknowledges the history of the legendary Sammamish Slough Race, which dates back to the 1930s and was run through 1976. Our race directors, Jan Shaw and Amber Lee Gaul Culley, have put forth a ton of effort to engage the local city government of Kenmore and generate local interest. The boats will run from the Juanita Drive Bridge, away from the slough, and out into Lake Washington for demonstration laps. There promises to be some great old school entries from loopers and Bob Waite's 'slough boat' (the only hydro most of us ever saw him run) to some Mark 20H's and other fun stuff. We can't wait to report on this event (hopefully with photos) in the next issue.

Until then, try to stay dry, and get those boats toward the water ... racing's almost here.

/ /Patrick Gleason / /Ron Morrison / /Jim Codling / / Ana Cappelletti / /Larry Darnielle

Washington in advance of the event to map out and survey the combined % mile and Kilo course, upon which 19 new records were set in the % mile runs. Interestingly, 32 sets of runs were made on Saturday after a 10:17 a.m. hours starting time.

Jean MacKay Schwartz's motor home served as the galley for the food preparation for the officials and the STARS. (This was the group of sheriffs' deputies who volunteer to supervise and secure the event.) When she wasn't preparing food and feeding the STARS, Jean was piloting her ASH to a new % mile record at a speed of 58.366.

..... ...... ................................. ...................... ............. .... ..................................... ...... ............................... ... PROPELLER "oS '. As though he didn't have enough to do kid tagging along behind his dad, Dwight, time the records were made in the % mile. directing and announcing, Julian Rucki who was setting the examples by garnering Bob set a DIM record in the OSY class filled the roll of sous-chef preparing food records and winning races. If you have with a straightway speed of 72.993 mph. and de hydrants for the troops. stood alongside of Zach these days you With a Little bit of time separating the two

Larry Darneille and Bill Thompson came down from the great northwest to lend their talents respectively as referee and inspector.

Mary Phipps came out of retirement and down to the booming metropolis of Feather Falls to assist Kay Boyes with registration and performing the duties of scorer. It couldn't have happened without these two ladies. When we racers have packed up and gone home, the scorer's work picks up when they return home and they work into the wee hours to prepare all the information to send to APBA Headquarters for the official record books.

The scanner operators are the ones who make it all come together. Always faithful, hardworking Bill Miller spent two days on the levee along with Karl Bishop, who is also one of the outstanding worker bees here in Region 11. Russ and Carol Dodge, who came to survey the course, operated the # 1 scanner while, Steve Wilde and Bill Boyes pulled the duty on the # 2 scanner.

Mother Nature gazed down upon us offering up a beautiful weekend, not too hot and not too cool with a steady, gentle breeze that put just enough chop on the water surface to keep it from getting sticky; no wonder Oroville is noted for having fast water.

The speed merchant of the weekend had to have been Zach Malhiot who set four speed records in four different classes. On Saturday, Zach went out in his 350ccR and set record at 73.290 mph, which was a prelude to his subsequent % mile run in his 1100ccR with Jon Peeters on board where they brought home another record at 88.626 mph. It developed that on Sunday we were greeted with fast water and California sunshine, Zach would jump in his 350ccH and turn another % mile record speed of 77.956 mph. As ifhe had now gotten the knack for speed records, Zach got into his 500ccR and turned in yet another speed record in the % mile with a speed on 79.295 mph.

It seems like only yesterday that Zach was a

can understand why I didn't refer to him as attempts on Saturday, he managed to post a the "little Kid" I met a few years ago when time of 73,922 in the OSY 400 class. my grandson and I spent time racing in Region 10. As the time flew by, Zach went on through grade school and high school to do a stellar job in pursuit of a major in Mechanical Engineering at Washington State, from which he graduated. All the while he sharpened his skills as a race boat driver. Combining the boat racing acumen he developed alongside his Dad and other mentors in Region 10 with a successful collegiate major in mechanical engineering and it is little wonder that he has what it takes to garner four new % mile National Speed Records. On top of that, he is a good sportsman and a nice young man. Way to go Zach.

Drew Jeppesen, representing the Sutfin Racing Team here in Region 11, took home three National records. Saturday saw a speed of77.154 mph in the 750ccR class. Drew came back on Sunday with a warmer upper in his 500ccR, with a speed of 55.745 mph. His next effort produced a % mile record of 79.823 mph in his 850ccR. It sure helps when a driver has Allen Sutfin,Jr.In the pits and doing the wrenching. Another big plus for this team is that Allen Sutfin, Sr. a veteran racer long since retired as a driver is on hand to offer advice and counsel to the youngsters. It's always nice to see Al at the races

Driving 2,000 miles from Mabank, Texas, paid off for Sean McKean in the T -4. You may recall that the T-4 was featured on the November, 2009 cover of Propeller Magazine. The T-4100ked just as nice and just as fast here in Oroville. Sean went out on Saturday and nailed a % mile speed record of 104.773 mph as a 700ccH. On Sunday, configured as an 1100ccH, Sean cranked out a speed of 101.351 mph. A short note, it won't be long before we see another McKean on the boat racing rolls. That little guy of his already looks like he's ready to go from his pedal powered trike to a J-Hydro, it's just a matter of time.

Once again the "Kilo King," Bob Wartinger, has upped the number of straight away records to his personal record sheet. This

Saturday saw other records inasmuch as the water and chop seemed to produce "fast water." Steve Walde from Region 11 posted a record setting speed of 60.525 mph in his Sport C tunnel boat. Walde made another attempt at breaking is own record on Sunday but came up a wee bit shy on the Sunday run.

Daren "Speed Streaks" Goehring set a %

mile record of 84.191 mph in his D-Stock Hydro. Daren got the nickname "Speed Streaks" when he used to race in Region 11 and about all one could see when he went by was a bunch of speed streaks. And, he's still going fast.

Veteran Dave Anderson is credited with a speed of 82.418 mph in his D-Stock Hydro on Saturday and then had to pack up and head home to the great northwest. Precluding any attempt on Sunday when the water seemed to be a tad better from my vantage point. His job called and he answered. Oh well. Dave had set a record and subsequently Daren "Speed Streaks" Goehring came along and topped it.

"Sonnyman" Downs, a stellar river racer, drove down from Grants Pass with his wife Linda and the kids to take a shot at the % mile record for river racers. If you've ever seen a river race, you know that the two inch chop at the speed trials was a piece of cake. Downs took that river racer out on the course and had a cream puff of a ride, setting a speed record of77.956 mph. Sonnyman is not used to such great water and gentle breezes on those wild rivers up in Oregon and was pleased to be the first to set a % mile record in his class.

Coming the long distance from up north, Bob Williams trotted out his D -tock Runabout and, taking advantage of prime conditions, chalked up a speed of 61.41 mph.

/ /Frank Banducci

• M,_- PROPELLER ......................................................................................................... !!REGION ROUNDUP!!

R E G I 0 N 1 2 Schatz met for four hours to talk safety. There was an Offshore race at Lake Perris. Dutch Squires and Greg Foster joined in They had seven entries with five starters. I via conference calls. I've "Parked" my 2 1/2 don't know any results, but Thaddeus and

March started with high hopes as we had COR boats until I feel my drivers will be Thaddeus,Jr Finlay were racing. This father sponsors for Puddinstone, we had The safe. son team has raced Offshore for 40 years in Driver's School planned and the weather SoCal. They along with Ricky Ford run the was more than spectacular. On Friday, we Dora Belda had a very beautiful Celebration Ragamuffin Offshore Team. They will be at had maybe nine new drivers sign up for the of Life Party for her late husband, Greg. I the Desert Storm Offshore Poker Run the Driver's School. Dave Hale was the "spark have to admit, I knew Greg from the MOD last week of April. plug" leader with the help of Marlee Hill, VP days of the 1980s but did not know Jeff Conant, Roger Carr, Ken Scoville and him well. The celebration had more than a bunch of others. Fred Hauenstein came 200 people present and many gave glowing, down from Kingsburg to "oversee" on behalf warm and loving speeches about Greg. of APBA's insurance. Region 12's new Boat racing lost a wonderful person.

Chief Scorer, Vicki Schwarzenbach had all the paper work together for the diver's school.

Scott Schatz, Race Director, puts the buoys out with the pontoon boat powered by a donated 100 HP Evinrude as the club had managed to blow up John Soares 150 Suzuki at the 336 Enduro. Bob Williams was doing an outstanding job as Risk Manager. I loaned the Driver's School three boats and motors. On Friday, everything went great. We had a few glitches but I told everyone who would listen, as long as the weather is good, everyone has a good time.

Saturday started out bright and clear (the last two Puddinstone races had been rain drenched). We had a good turnout of boats in all classes. First heat up was A-Hydro. They had a full field or almost, but Britney Schwarzenbach stalled in the pit turn, so a red flag was put up. The next heat out was COR, as a new class that has about 20 boats. A class Rod Zapf and I started. On the warm up lap and horrific accident occurred and the race was immediately cancelled as Greg Belda lost his life.

As a result of this accident, CO R has been suspended from APBA. Today, 4/ 14/ 14 Mike Qyindazzi, Al Stoker and Scott

Marlee Hill borrowed Greg Foster's Band H hydro for Parker. She loaned it to Alex Bloomfield who raced it in 20SSH. Alex bought the boat and motor. Casey Wright bought one of my 302s. So, Region 12 will have two more 20 hydros, even though Alex lives in Denver. I'm hoping Burley has 20SSH on the schedule this year.

Congratulations to Walt Hollis for being Rookie of the year in Western Formula Lite Series.

Parker had visitors from APBA. Because we had just taken possession of our new river house in Needles, we were in Needles all weekend. But I heard Saturday's races were good. Casey Jones got his first, first in ASH, driving his Amzoil Special. Britney Schwarzenbach won AX Hydro. Alex Bloomfield got second in 20SSH. Sorry, but I know nothing else.

The Region 11 Speed Trials came off with perfect weather and many records. I think Rankin Racing broke a K record, but don't know that for a fact. Region 11 will have a race in May at Minden, but Region 12 doesn't have a race until Long Beach in August.

May will be the high school solar boat races, I will keep you posted. June will be the College World Series of Solar Boat races in Dayton, Ohio. I will keep you posted also.

Buddy Byers, APBA Historical Society Chairman has authorized myself, Tana Moore and Mike Qyindazzi to take over the APBA Historical Society webpage. Buddy will still be the Chairman but look forward to changes in the Historical website.

I spoke with Steven Fitts the other day. He said his twin brother, Stan, had always been his best friend. Stand was a Stocker Racer always, but a dedicated worker for APBA. He will be missed by many.

The Havasu Boat Show was last weekend (4/11-13/14) promoted by Bob Brown. There was a very good crowd and many supporters of a Mini Boat Enduro. So stay tuned.

/ /Ron Hill

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