Tavares Spring Fling 2010
Story by Ted Parkhurst
Photo's & additional story by Bill John
It has been four years since the Classic Race Boat Association has been in existence and I must congratulate the group for starting out great and improving each event that far exceeds everyone’s expectations. Three events within a four month period means a lot of work for a couple of people who do quite a bit of the behind the scenes pre event organizing. This year’s event in Tavares is another credit to CRA. I hear stories of countless hours of pre event meetings, planning, preparing and distribution of the participant registration, get permits, arrange for equipment set up the course, cranes, publicity, insurance, vendors, sponsors and all the other things that make an event like this a wonderful experience for the spectators and the entrants in the events. (Than run the event all weekend!). Like all organizations, they are desperately looking for help so WE ALL can enjoy our boats.
Phil Jordan asked me to ride with him in his skiff Mellow Yellow so it was a busy day for me that I enjoyed to the hilt. Phil’s boat is fast I could tell that it had a lot more over 5000 R.P.M.’S it jumped up and ran quick. We laid back to get used to the conditions that seemed good but all of a sudden a big roller would come up from no where. Phil was happy that the boat was running well and finished in one piece.
The second heat Susan and I ran as well as we can run, Duff was flying by in "Oh Mona", and "Remember When" driven by Greg Sheldon with Donny Mc Lean as observer were on the course also. Susan and I just stayed out of the way and ran our speed. I had our boat tuned to perfection I had new head gaskets and the valve lash set for max RPM’S it turned another 100 RPM’S. We ran the first heat at a controlled pace. Duff Daily was not running too fast he only went by us by 75 MPH. You must be in the water to appreciate how fast Duff’s boat is. I think I would like a ride in this rocket ship but I need to think it over (may be a cabernet or two may do the trick). I have owned a flat bottom for over forty years, not much impresses me but I am impressed. Susan kept an eye on things for me she has no fear only good common sense that I am lacking, we make a good team.
The Grand Prix Hydros were at their best with calm water and more drivers with more seat time than the last event made for exciting action, these guy’s love it. I can tell they have spent the kids inheritance. I am sure that as time goes by more people will be reintroduced to hydroplane racing that excited us all in the 50’s and 60’s. Offshore boats are great but you can only watch them on TV this action is up front and close. It is only a matter of time, as more and more people see them in action will bring a new group of fans to the events. The small hydros are not that small but the conditions were the best yet. These boats fly and can run close again as everyone gets more seat time the racing gets exciting. The skiffs were out in force like always and they came from as far as New Hampshire. There were three heats of skiffs. The racing demonstration was as close to the real thing as you can get. Jeb Bosky in the new Georgia Peach had it dialed in, it was flying not leaping, he smoked everyone in his heat. Jeb has been working out some bugs in the boat and has finally gotten things under control. The time went by too fast, Cliff Ennis was as fast as ever, Sun Dog has the power to fly down the straights. Paul Nowack was way out front as usual. Dick Daily was sneaky fast, he was in on all the action Riley was hanging on. The New Hampshire Navy was out in force with Bill John and Gerri Prusko in My Precious Len Finethy and Donnie Mc Lean in Offwego II
Sunday was too rough to run safely, it was apparent after a heat or two. Marty ran small hydro's first, than two heats of skiffs and after the second skiff heat decided conditions weren't safe, so he called it a day. Awards were given and we were able to get on the road earlier than planned. The food was great! (No drive to another location) Everything was at the race site. Susan and I want to thank the people who did the work so we could have a ball.
Next event is Roar N Soar November 13th - 14th 2010