The American Power Boat Association (APBA) was recently in Seattle for its annual meeting, and the Hydroplane and Raceboat Museum played a starring role.
Each year, at the annual meeting the host club puts on an event called "A Night to Remember, " It is usually a social event that is meant to show off something unique about the region. I know that last year in Detroit it was a tour of the Roush Racing. This year it was a visit to the Hydroplane Museum and was sponsored by TIRA (Tacoma Inboard Racing Association).
Ron Jones, Don Kelson and Ed Karelsen (photographed) were the honorees, at the museum reception, as designer/builders who helped shape the sport.
Museum Executive Director David Williams reported that there were more than 300 boats racers from every region of the nation in attendance. They all seemed to have a great time and many were totally amazed at the fantastic collection of boats and racing memorabilia that we have here.
"I must have had a least a dozen people come up to me and say, 'Gosh I wish we had something like this where I live' ", Williams said.
Special Miss Wahoo Exhibit Celebrates Legends in Seattles Hydroplane History
David Williams brings the Miss Wahoo by the Stan Sayres Pits on her Inaugural run
From January 21st through May 29, 2010, the Hydroplane & Raceboat Museum, located in Kent, Washington, will be offering a special exhibit in tribute to one of Seattles greatest unlimited hydroplanes- the 1957 Miss Wahoo. The Miss Wahoo exhibit will feature the recently completed Miss Wahoo replica, surrounded by many original artifacts from her racing days including driver and crew uniforms, news stories, photos and a special Wahoo movie. This special exhibit will be the first public display of the Wahoo replica since her debut at the 2009 Seafair race in Seattle where she honored the contributions made to the sport by the Boeing family over the past 50 years. Visitors to the museum will have the opportunity to walk right up and examine this spectacular 100 point replica at close range.
David Williams, Executive Director for the museum expects hydro racing fans- and Seattleites in general- will find real fascination in the exhibit materials. The 1957 Miss Wahoo represents a very clear snapshot of this sport, this city, and our country, at that moment in time. Seattle was just coming of age as a major metropolitan city and hydroplane racing was a big part of putting us on the map. The Wahoo was one of the fleet of highly successful hulls designed by Seattles own Ted Jones at the peak of his career. She was privately sponsored by the Boeing family during a time when such raceboats and, in fact, the entire sport itself was underwritten by private interests. And, of course, theres the great Mira Slovak story which adds so much color to her history. Wahoo driver Mira Slovak escaped to the west from Czechoslovakia in 1953, commandeering an airliner to flee the repression and tyranny of communism in favor of freedom and opportunity in America. Subsequently, Bill Boeing employed Mira as a pilot- and to his great surprise- as a hydroplane driver. The rest is history. His is one of the great cold war era stories, which is also highlighted in the Wahoo exhibit.
The exhibit also features a documentary film about the Miss Wahoo produced by museum video archivist and producer, Don Mock. The Wahoo movie, which plays continuously as a part of the exhibit, includes race coverage of the Wahoo, rare personal movies and commentary, and touching video of the replica Wahoo being launched on Lake Washington in 2009 with Mira Slovak and William Boeing jr. in attendance.
The Wahoo exhibit will be open to the public, along with the other museum displays, during regular hours. Miss Wahoo merchandise is available in the museum store.
Hours and Admission
Tue & Thurs: 10:00 am to 8:00 pm
Wed - Sat: 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Closed Sunday & Monday
General Admission: $10
Seniors (60+) & Students under 16: $5
Members & Children under 6: Free
Directions to the Hydroplane & Raceboat Museum
From southbound I-5 from Seattle, take exit 152 (Orillia Road).
Turn left onto 188th St, then turn right onto Orillia Road.
After 1/2 mile, turn left onto S. 200th St.
After 1/2 mile, road turns into S. 196th Street. The museum is on the right side (south) of the street.
From northbound I-5 from Tacoma, take exit 152 (Orillia Road).
Turn right onto 188th St, then turn right onto Orillia Road.
After 1/2 mile, turn left onto S. 200th St.
After 1/2 mile, road turns into S. 196th Street. The museum is on the right side (south) of the street.
MARC CONNELLY REMEMBERS PETE BERTOLOTTI
Pete Bertolotti looking over the brand new 1955 Miss Trhiftway Replica in May of 2007
My buddy, Pete Bertolotti
I should confess right up front that I don't think Pete Bertolotti ever actually knew me by name. By the time I met him, at a spry ninety years old, he was well past the age of forgiveness for not remembering museum newcomers individually. And that was just fine by me because from my third visit on, he welcomed me with an enthusiastic "Hi, friend!" He must have meant it, he repeated it to me at least a hundred times over the brief few years that we knew each other as friends. My standard reply to Pete was "Ahhh, now I know I am in the right place!" and I meant it too.
Our time together was mostly spent in the few minutes we shared sitting on the trailer of the Slo Mo V while eating a work crew dinner on a Tuesday or Thursday night at the Hydroplane & Raceboat Museum. "Oh, she was really something." he'd say, looking up at the magnificent Five. Pete was drawn to both her long legs and her wild ride legacy. Her potential intoxicated him. It was an enduring love affair with a very fast and promising newcomer from well over half a century ago. I would often drive to the Museum thinking up a question for Pete, testing his memory with a purposeful bit of absurdity. "Now, they tried a big old skidfin on the Five, once didn't they, Pete?" His memory was razor sharp, even at ninety plus years of age. Leaning on his weight on his cane, his answers were always most gracious and thoughtful. "Well, no, not exactly..." and then he would offer his priceless and accurate recollections. Pete was an integral part of the original historic Slo Mo crew that changed hydroplane racing forever. Well into his eighties, Pete was on the work crew when the Slo Mo V was lovingly restored back in 1995. Don Mock fondly remembers Pete in his shop coat, feeding plywood to the hungry bandsaw, and loving every minute of it.
It was especially heartening to see Pete at the Museum during the long year that we spent restoring the 1982 Atlas Van Lines. Those of us on the volunteer work crew understood all too well that we were learning on the job, with the jaundiced eyes of the other crews and hydro historians focused upon us. Every time Pete stopped by Jim Harvey's boat shop, which was often, he admired our work after checking over our progress carefully. After his compliment, I would ask him "Is it Slo Mo good?" or "Is it Anchor Jensen good?" and Pete would squinch up one eye, tilt his head and waggle his hand before busting out with a wicked chuckle. Pete was the first person to congratulate us after her first run. He was like a kid again that day- a ninety two year old kid.
Pete was just naturally a kind and supportive guy who knew all about the insecurities of learning on the job. Others who knew Pete better than I can speak to his professional and personal life accomplishments, which were many. I only knew Pete as a fellow crewman on an unlimited hydroplane. I believe that is how Pete liked to see himself. He just had a natural affinity for the concept of being on a hydroplane crew. As we restored the Atlas, I could tell that Pete would have liked nothing better than to climb up on that deck and help wrestle the Merlin into her bilges. It wasn't long before the Atlas camp adopted him as crew. Heck, I think every crew in the museum has adopted Pete at some point.
With his ever present wool watch cap and his dapper cane, Pete certainly made a good impression on the ladies. When I took my wife Mary to a museum event a few years ago, she met Pete and whispered in my ear "He's so cute!" And, indeed, he was undeniably cute. When I jabbed him about it later, he tossed his hands in the air and laughed "A lot of good that does me now!"
The longevity and mental acuity that so blessed Pete was, unfortunately, denied to his son Don Bertolotti. Don passed away this past October- far too young- from Alzheimers disease. Pete, his work done here, stayed with us only a month longer himself. In many ways, Don contributed even more to the Museum than did his historic and lovable father. Don worked tirelessly on many of the restoration crews, served as a museum docent, and volunteered for any assignment that might move the museum forward. To talk to either about the other was an opportunity to learn something important about how good and right a father / son relationship can be.
When I came to the museum I was drawn in, as everyone is, by the incredible boats. But if you stand around gazing at the boats long enough, somebody special, someone amazing is likely say "Hi, friend!" and mean it. And that is when you discover that this museum- and any good museum- is really about the people. I will certainly miss my buddy Pete, but I also know that he will always be there, sitting on that Slo Mo trailer fender, waiting for a familiar face to chat with while savoring a plate of Bob and Lu's excellent gulash.
Marc Connelly
Crew, 1982 Atlas Van Lines
The Hydroplane & Raceboat Museum
LEGENDARY "SMILING" GEORGE HENLEY PASSES
Memorial Services have been arranged for George Henley.
George will be buried in Eatonville at noon on Saturday Dec 19th
Eatonville Cemetery
211 Fir Ave N
Eatonville, WA 98328
After the burial there will be a small reception at the Eatonville Grange Hall,
Ohop Grange
41608 Mount Hwy E
Eatonville, WA 98328
360-832-6410
The services in Eatonville are intended for close personal friends and family members, although no one will be turned away.
There will be a large celebration of George's life open to all friends and fans in late January. Details on this celebration will be available shortly.
There has been a memorial fund set up at Key Bank, and donations in honor of George can be made at any Key Bank. The funds will be given to charities that were important to George including the American Heart Association and the Hydroplane and Raceboat Museum
If you have questions about George's memorial services, please contact David Williams at (206) 764-9453
George's family is grateful for all of the love and support that the boat racing community has given them during this very difficult time.
Article by Fred Farley
Unlimited hydroplane racing has lost another of its all-time greats.
George Henley, one of the top drivers of the 1970s, passed away on December 14, 2009, following a recent heart attack. He was 72.
During an Unlimited career that lasted from 1970 to 1975, the Eatonville, Washington, resident won twelve out of thirty-four races entered.
Although short and stocky in build, "Smiling George" was a giant of a man behind the wheel of an Unlimited hydroplane
Like very few drivers before or since, Henley could guarantee results. But his price was high, as Dave Heerensperger, the owner of PAY 'n PAK, will readily attest.
After a stellar 1974 campaign, George decided to concentrate on his Eatonville-based marina business and to retire from Unlimited racing.
Heerensperger soon discovered that it was easier to find someone to help with George's business than it was to find someone to replace George in the cockpit of the PAY 'n PAK.
So, Heerensperger became Henley's partner and the rest is history. In Dave's words, "When you give an arm and a leg, a checkbook, and the pen, I guess I know how [Sonics coach] Bill Russell feels."
A veteran Limited pilot, Henley started his Thunderboat career as a crew member in the 1950s on the likes of MISS B & I and CORAL REEF.
George's first Unlimited ride was the BURIEN LADY, a former NOTRE DAME (built in 1962), and owned by Bob Murphy. A modest budget notwithstanding, Henley raised many eyebrows when he finished a strong second in the 1970 Seattle Seafair Regatta. He won the Final Heat and defeated the overall winner MISS BUDWEISER with Dean Chenoweth in the process.
Before being tapped for the PAY 'n PAK assignment, George saw action with Bob Fendler's LINCOLN THRIFT'S 7-1/4% SPECIAL and Jim McCormick's RED MAN II. His best finish was a second-place in the 1973 Champion Spark Plug Regatta at Miami with LINCOLN THRIFT.
Then came the historic 1974 racing season when Henley joined forces with nonpareil owner Heerensperger and crew chief Jim Lucero on the "Winged Wonder" PAY 'n PAK, which was the boat that had popularized the horizontal stabilizer wing in Unlimited racing.
After paying his dues with the budget teams, George finally had a ride that was truly commensurate with his ability.
The "Winged Wonder" had won four out of nine races and the National High Point Championship in 1973 with Mickey Remund as driver. It was up to Henley to do it all over again.
In his first appearance with the Rolls-Royce Merlin-powered PAY 'n PAK at Miami, George experienced mechanical difficulty after winning both of his preliminary heats.
But a week later, in Washington, D.C., Henley won the President's Cup on the Potomac River. He defeated the likes of Bill Muncey in ATLAS VAN LINES, Leif Borgersen in the turbine-powered U-95, and Howie Benns in MISS BUDWEISER. There could be no doubt about it. George had achieved the big-time.
He followed this with victories at Owensboro (Kentucky), the Tri-Cities (Washington), Seattle (Washington), Dayton (Ohio), San Diego (California), and Madison (Indiana). Henley thus became the first driver to win seven High Point races in a single season.
One particularly memorable contest was the APBA Gold Cup on Seattle's Lake Washington at Sand Point. All day long, George battled side-by-side with MISS BUDWEISER, sharing the same roostertail, on extremely rough water in perhaps the greatest performance of his career.
And through it all, Henley impressed one and all with his friendliness and cheerfulness. He was a "regular guy." It's no wonder that he acquired the nickname "Smiling George."
According to rumor, he also smiled at his fellow drivers out on the race course, especially when he passed them (which he did frequently)!
Following a brief retirement from the sport, Henley rejoined the PAY 'n PAK team at the third race of the 1975 season in Owensboro. In the short time that George had been away, the WEISFIELD'S, chauffeured by Billy Schumacher, had garnered most of the glory and appeared a likely bet to unseat PAY 'n PAK from its National Championship throne.
On the first lap of the First Heat at Owensboro, Henley's boat swapped ends and caved in a sponson. PAY 'n PAK was forced to withdraw, and the race went to WEISFIELD'S. All hope of retaining the High Points crown appeared lost.
Over the winter of 1974-75, the PAK had been rebuilt. The boat now performed better on the straightaways but had difficulty in the corners.
Despite a formidable points deficit, George sparked PAY 'n PAK to one of the great comebacks in sports history.
The 2009 Annual membership meeting of the Hydroplane and Raceboat Museum is now a memory for those who attended (a very pleasant one too!) A crowd of around 100 folks gathered to watch highlights of the Doha race and hear the firsthand accounts of the historic event from Dr. Ken Muscatel along with Steve and Debbie Montgomery. The reception in Doha, and the quality of the event was beyond all expectations. Steve and Debbie shared some of their photos of the trip while explaining some of the cultural discoveries they made. They all were quite surprised how Westernized many of the Qatar citizens were, especially the women.
Bob and Lu, and Ken and Denise really put a wonderful feast together including roasted pork, salad, au gratin potatoes, rolls, Sparking Cider, Apple Pie, Spice cake, cheesecake and much more.
Volunteer awards, as well as the perpetual awards, were handed out. The first was the Splash Award, given to the museum member who was witnessed falling into the lake or river during a sanctioned event. Dane Sorensen had a little "slip" while brining in the Oh Boy! Oberto at this year's Tastin' and Racin' on Lake Sammamish in June. Photos were available upon request (the computer would not read the flash drive for the public display!)
Next was the Dixon Smith Award presented to the museum member who has worked hard in keeping Museum boats on the water by being a devoted crewperson. This year's recipient was Alan McDonough. Alan works on the 1980 Miss Budweiser, 1957 Hawaii Kai, 1955 Miss Thriftway and is the crew Chief of the Miss Wahoo.
The Motorhead Award is given to the person who shows devotion and leadership in the engine shop. Glenn Raymond took over the engine shop from Peter Orton and during the past year, with the help of his fellow motorheads, re-built the engines for the Wahoo and Burien. Glenn was this year's recipient.
Next presented were the Museums Perpetual Awards. The Wahoo Award was presented to Glenn Raymond, The President's award to Bill Boeing Jr. and the Gold Cup Award to Barbara Carper.
It goes without saying that the Museum is only a sum of its membership. Over the past two years, one person who has shown his appreciation of what the Museum represents is soon to be retired Boeing Executive Scott Carson. Scott was instrumental in putting together a group of investors who funded the construction of the Miss Wahoo. In addition, he and his wife Linda, were the main sponsors of this year's Gala Event, which was the most successful in the Museums history. A new item that will be for sale soon, will be a jacket with the Miss Wahoo logos embroidered. Scott was presented with the first one last night. To show our appreciation of Scott's involvement in the Wahoo project, Scott was also presented with a large framed photo of Miss Wahoo on her maiden run, signed by all those who worked on her.
After the meeting was adjourned, the stage was cleared and the sounds from the 60's filled the Museum by Rusty Quillshaft and the Superchargers.
If you missed this years meeting, you might want to mark your calendars for next year so you too can attend!
RECORD NUMBER OF RIDES GIVEN AT LAKE CHELAN
Chip Hanauer giving Raffle winner Forest Brooks his ride in MISS WAHOO
With all six boats on the water (not at the same time!), The Museums Fun Day was a rousing success! Executive Director David Williams commented that this was the most number of people he ever remembers seeing at a Fun Day event. Hydros in attendance were: 1955 Miss Thriftway (1st) replica, 1956 Miss Wahoo replica, 1959 Miss Thriftway (3rd), 1962 Miss Bardahl, 1967 Miss Budweiser and the 1975 Oh Boy! Oberto (replica)
The weather was just perfect! As usual, a little chilly in the morning, but it didn't take too long for the sun to warm everyone up, especially when the trailer firing started and the roar of the Allisons and Merlins echoed off the canyon walls. Over 50 people got a ride, including Forest Brooks who won the raffle for a ride in MISS WAHOO (see photo above)
Also in attendance was Scott Carson, financial contributor to the MISS WAHOO. Scott was one of the first riders in the new boat and was all smiles when he returned to the dock. John Goodman, owner of the two seat 1967 Miss Budwieser, had Chip Hanauer give him a lesson on how to drive his boat. David Smith, brother of Dixon, and original and current crewman of the 1962 Miss Bardahl, fulfilled his lifelong dream and was able to take the boat he had put hours and hours of labor/love for 3-4 laps ALL BY HIMSELF! Many of those who put time and effort into the building of MISS WAHOO realized their reward by riding a few laps around the short 1-1/4 mile lake Chelan course.
How does this get any better? David Williams was able to take the MISS WAHOO along with her original driver MIRA SLOVAK for a trip around the Ted Jones Race Course at Seafair.
Mira, who is 80 years old, said "It felt just like the old days" as he and David took two laps with David at the wheel, then was able to steer on the last lap.
More info and Photos to follow...
BECOME a 2009 MUSEUM BOOSTER!
Donate $30.00 to the Hydroplane and Raceboat Museum
and receive an exclusive "picture tack" (18th in a series)
of the original MISS WAHOO, driven by popular hydro jockey
Mira Slovak.
Make your check memo "Museum Booster".
Gold Cup Champion Terry Troxell Dies from Massive Heart Attack
Read More
Terry Troxell. 61, died on June 13, 2009 after suffering a massive heart attack at his home in Gig Harbor, WA.
Hydro Fever brings many fans to the Museum
Read More
Under the beautiful blue skies of Seattle, Hydro Fever brought many fans down to the Museum to browes through over 60 years of hydroplane history.
Drivers, Kids and Fans Enjoy Computer Racing
Read More
Dave Villwock, J. Michael Kelly, Jeff Bernard, Brian and Kayleigh Perkins and a host of current drivers along with fans and their kids had a great time at the first ever HydroMod Pro-Am Celebrity simulated racing event held on May 9th.
ULHRA's Spring Training a Success!
Read More
Miss Bardahl and Miss Thriftway had a number of successful runs on Lake Washington Tuesday, April 14th. Both camps were trying new setups to try to get the boats to run better.
Muncey, Hanauer Inducted into Hall of Champions
Read More
Two of Hydroplane Racing's greatest names became the first members of the Hydroplane and Raceboat Museum's Unlimited Hydroplane Hall of Champions at a dinner and induction ceremony Saturday evening at the Museum's facility in Kent, Washington.
Hydro Broadcaster Bill O'Mara Dies Read More
Hall of fame member and good friend to the Museum Bill O'Mara, died Saturday, March 21, 2009 at the age of 92.
Miss Wahoo Replica is Progressing Read More
The Miss Wahoo project is progressing at a rapid pace thanks to the
efforts of Museum volunteers. Check it out and join the group!
Hydroplane Racing in Detroit 1946-2008
David
D. Williams, Hydroplane & Raceboat Museum Director, has been driving
unlimited hydroplanes since 1993. This is his seventh book on the subject
of hydroplane racing, and it was published in June, 2009.
How close did George Stratton really get to the seawall in Detroit in 2000? How high did the E-lam go when JW blew over in front of the DYC in 2005? What did the Gale Jet boat look like and was there really a Miss Pepsi III?
For the answer to these and many more questions, pick up a copy of David Williams newest book Hydroplane Racing in Detroit 1946 - 2008. At 128 pages with over 220 rare and exciting photos, this book is a bargain for only $21.99.
Hydroplane Racing in Detroit 1946 - 2008, is David's fourth book for Arcadia Publishing and details the post war racing in the Motor City. Williams combed the photo collection of Doug Dossin, Bill Osborne, Sandy Ross and the Hydroplane Museum to find dozens of rare, old photos that had never been published before, to illustrated his carefully researched history of racing in the Motor City.
The mission of the Hydroplane and Raceboat Museum in Kent, Washington, is to honor, celebrate, and preserve the legacy of Unlimited Hydroplane
Racing. The museum has generously offered its extensive collection of
hydroplane photographs to Hydroplane Racing in Detroit.
The book is available now on the Hydroplane Museum website as well as Amazon.com and local book stores in the Detroit area.
Also,
David's recent books,
"Hydroplane Racing in Seattle", "Turbine Racing in Seattle" and "Turbine Racing in the Tri-Cities" are also available through the Museum.
HydroINSIDER
Updates
Hydroplane & Raceboat
Museum
5917 South 196th Street
Kent, WA 98032
Phone: 206.764.9453
FAX: 206.766.9620
Memorial Services have been arranged for George Henley. 
David
D. Williams, Hydroplane & Raceboat Museum Director, has been driving
unlimited hydroplanes since 1993. This is his seventh book on the subject
of hydroplane racing, and it was published in June, 2009.