It's been a little time consuming tracking down what Marshall was doing during his final years of racing. I have to piece it together through my photos, my files, my Dad's files & old articles. This was during the time the Johnny Cash show was on TV so Marshall was very busy with rehearsals, TV, and being on the road. During the Pro Nationals at DePue in 1972 Marshall was shuttling from the pits to Washington D.C. and back every day. Nixon had wanted Johnny Cash to perform at the White House, so Marshall was really burning the fire at both ends. That was the last time Marshall had any boats in an APBA National Championship. He did not come to DePue in 1973.
My Dad, Tim Butts and Marshall Grant had been promoting a fast moving, entertaining, professional boat racing show so Marshall continued to support this event. In 1973, Dan Kirts drove for him at Hot Springs. This was the second invitational race there and was billed as the "Diamondhead Second Annual Jerry Waldman Cup", although Jerry had been killed there just the previous year.
Charlie Bailey was able to hold off Dan Kirts in D hydro, beating him by a split second. It's extrememly difficult to pass at the course on Lake Catherine, and if you've raced against Charlie Bailey, you know he will start on the inside. It was a great show for spectators.