I will set the stage with a reprint from the Maple Leaf Chapter newsletter of Oct 2001.
I will set the stage with a reprint from the Maple Leaf Chapter newsletter of Oct 2001.
Last edited by Sturacer2; 02-19-2010 at 04:50 AM. Reason: Improve readability of attachment
Here is a 1953 Classes and Rules sheet.
A little corner of South West Ontario encompassing Wallaceburg, Chatham, and Sarnia. Including Port Huron and Algonac Michigan was an active area for boat racing. Racing every Monday, Tues, and Wednesday evening started in May and went through Labor Day weekend. We could run 2 heats each of 6 classes outlined on the Classes sheet.
Mostly Downhome style rigs and homebuilt boats. There were always a few "factory" hulls in the mix and as technology and competition advanced so did Rules and Classes to accomodate. Most classes had 4-6 boats per heat. Spectators would line the banks of the Sydneham River downtown and the club would pass the helmet for donations. This was true river racing with single buoy turns and not particularly long straights.
My Dad scratchbuilt every boat he and I raced through the years (1951-1973) as did most of the locals. My first boat was built from Mecanix Illustrated plans.
Hi Stu- Great seeing your postings. Did you get to run against the Smith kids?
From what I understand, some of the guys with Chris Crafts and probably others ran alky.
Ye Olde Desert Geezer Al
Nice to hear from you Al. No I didn't get to run with the Smith's. There were quite a few of more notable racers attending, namely Bud Parker, Walt Kade and others from the Port Huron area.
One of Bud's friends was killed testing on the North branch of the river that was our racecourse. I would like to see more info about who that was how it may have come about.
If someone would reveal that story.
Posting another news clipping. My Dad leading the pack.
Cool stories. Can't believe how easy and close it was for you guys to race. That first article I had to squint my eyes to read it, but thanks for posting. I hope you have much more to post.
Part 2 from MLC May 2002
The pic is newsclip of my very first boat. I was 9 yrs old.
LtoR in back Norm "Skinny" Jeffries, Bob Lewis, and Art Delorme (Helmet)the Merc dealer at the time.
"Skinny" was the original owner of the Wilson runabout "Skinnys Scooter" that was presented in posts gone by.
The young man who was killed while testing was Tommy Grade, Elmer Grade's nephew, He was testing a A Konig, and put it on the rocks coming out of a turn, he was chewing gum and the impact put it in his wind pipe and he choked. there was just Buzz Litzu and Tommy testing. no other help close by. I think this happened in 1970
Last edited by steve jones; 02-17-2010 at 05:15 AM. Reason: clarification
I had Sylvia Smith's B Chris Craft, ( according to the guy I bought it from) But I think it was the different version made by Chris Craft.
I think there were only a few of these motors with racing lower units made. I remember you needed right hand props. I raced it in Wallaceburgh and in St Clair 1968/69. It was not as fast as one on a merc quickie or a 20H
My dad raced with the Smith's in 1948/49
I wish I had that motor today, and my A/B Sid Hornet
Last edited by steve jones; 02-17-2010 at 05:05 AM. Reason: clarification
Some photos from the North Branch of the Sydneham river in Wallaceburgh
Stuart, I hope I didn't hi-jack your thread, I'm sorry if I did
steve jones
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