Facts about Evinrude/Johnson racing outboards made my OMC

[STEVERINO]

Peter Thornywork #5 Cougar/Johnson V6 Stinger GP 2 liter cross-flow.

477387 This little Cougar sprint boat was the fastest boat that OMC Belgium had it ran with a 1to1 gearcase made 10mph differance top speed.In one race this outfit broke down and i borrowed the lower unit complete with prop and fitted it on my boat for my next heat i went from 4th fastest to fastest in the last race.

[lars strom]

This little Cougar sprint boat was the fastest boat that OMC Belgium had it ran with a 1to1 gearcase made 10mph differance top speed.In one race this outfit broke down and i borrowed the lower unit complete with prop and fitted it on my boat for my next heat i went from 4th fastest to fastest in the last race.

If I remember correct..that's the gear-case (1 to 1) Paul Kalb installed for me to do more propeller tests..!!
Did not end up good..!!..:)

Lars OE “mega crash” at the OMC factory 1975

http://svera.se/blogg/racing-historier/lars-mega-crash-at-the-omc-factory-1975/

[Bob Zipps]

Charlie Strang told me that he had the 121 cube (2 Liter) Johnson Stinger GP V6 designed in parallel with the Rotary Combustion Engine. If I remember correctly, the powers in Paris did not allow the Rotary Combustion engine to race, so OMC used the 121 cube (2 Liter) Johnson Stinger GP V6. At one race where the 121 cube motor broke down, Charlie in a friendly way, tossed a damaged piston from that 121 cube racing motor over to one of the Mercury Folks, knowing that they would examine it very closely. Then Charlie completely pulled the rug out from beneath the Mercury Folks because while Charlie raced a 121 cube V6 motor, he subsequently put a 150 cube V6 motor in production for normal service. What Charlie was after was the Bass Boat Market, which he got. Charlie was one of the greatest people in Outboarding, and especially to outboard racing the world over. Hope that this helps.

[STEVERINO]

The Johnson V6 Stinger GP was raced for the first time in Paris 6 hours 1973 and won the race.
It was a 2 liter cross-flow carb model.

477313
477314
477315
477316 The no 2 Cougar outfit is driver Neil Gregg one of the top drivers from the Oulton broad powerboat club.

[STEVERINO]

This little Cougar sprint boat was the fastest boat that OMC Belgium had it ran with a 1to1 gearcase made 10mph differance top speed.In one race this outfit broke down and i borrowed the lower unit complete with prop and fitted it on my boat for my next heat i went from 4th fastest to fastest in the last race. Peter Thorneyworks home powerboat club was Fairford in the UK he always held the lap record there and in 1977 Cees Velden came over to race at Fairford with the then new OZ 2.4 injected Mercury engine and set a new lap record.A few weeks later at the next race Peter Thorneywork got his lap record back he had the new OMC 2.3 Looper fitted to his sprint Cougar outfit.

[lars strom]

....the new OMC 2.3 Looper fitted to his sprint Cougar outfit.

Wow..please tell us more about this engine.

[Rotary John]

Lars: You and I know there wasn't a 2.3l looper. Also, are you fellows sure about the 1:1 gearcase. At that time it was 15:17. The 1:1 was from the 60's and had the rounded front nose not the needle point.

[lars strom]

..Also, are you fellows sure about the 1:1 gearcase. At that time it was 15:17. The 1:1 was from the 60's and had the rounded front nose not the needle point.

No I am not Rotary John, but Paul Kalb installed two different gear cases on my OE class Burgess 1975. Not sure what the gear ratio was but I tested plenty of propellers before the very bad crash outside the "boathouse".

[lars strom]

Not sure where this is but its the Johnson V6 Stinger GP with the "longer shaft" mid section..not the first 12 inch CCC mid section Cees used in Cardiff 1975.

477465

[lars strom]

Charlie Strang told me that he had the 121 cube (2 Liter) Johnson Stinger GP V6 designed in parallel with the Rotary Combustion Engine. If I remember correctly, the powers in Paris did not allow the Rotary Combustion engine to race, so OMC used the 121 cube (2 Liter) Johnson Stinger GP V6. At one race where the 121 cube motor broke down, Charlie in a friendly way, tossed a damaged piston from that 121 cube racing motor over to one of the Mercury Folks, knowing that they would examine it very closely. Then Charlie completely pulled the rug out from beneath the Mercury Folks because while Charlie raced a 121 cube V6 motor, he subsequently put a 150 cube V6 motor in production for normal service. What Charlie was after was the Bass Boat Market, which he got. Charlie was one of the greatest people in Outboarding, and especially to outboard racing the world over. Hope that this helps.

Hi and thanks for posting here..
Yes..Mercury did everything they could to stop OMC from racing the rotary engines in Paris. A late agreement with the Paris race organization was to race the rotaries in Paris 1974 in a separate class.."Categorie Exp"

Full story here:

http://svera.se/blogg/paris-6-hours/very-happy-with-our-paris-6-hour-race-1974/


(http://svera.se/blogg/paris-6-hours/very-happy-with-our-paris-6-hour-race-1974/)
(http://svera.se/blogg/paris-6-hours/very-happy-with-our-paris-6-hour-race-1974/)https://www.screamandfly.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=477466&d=1605972659


(http://svera.se/blogg/paris-6-hours/very-happy-with-our-paris-6-hour-race-1974/)
(http://svera.se/blogg/paris-6-hours/very-happy-with-our-paris-6-hour-race-1974/)https://www.screamandfly.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=477467&d=1502990530 (http://svera.se/blogg/paris-6-hours/very-happy-with-our-paris-6-hour-race-1974/)

[STEVERINO]

Wow..please tell us more about this engine. The Amsterdam 3hr race 1976 Jimbo ran a 2.3 litre looper and Barry Woods also ran a 2.3 litre looper i think this race was in August. Alfi Bullen had the first 2.5 crossflow for the OZ class which he won the race with. The idea was they were about to go over to OZ class racing both the 2.3 looper and the 2.5 crossflow engines were evenly matched for performance these 2.3 loopers were left at Brugge they were still there when 9 new 2.0 litre loopers arrived in October for the Paris 6hr race.Paul Kalb and Jack leek were worried they only had one spare 2.0 looper engine and Pelster blew his up in practise because someone fitted a too small pitch prop on so Paul Kalb told me if any more engines failed i would have no engine to use but he said you will still get to race and would fit one of the 2.3 loopers to my outfit for the Paris 6hr race even though the class limit was ON 2.0litre class he said but i wouldnt be allowed to finish.Something else neither of you will believe but Didier Jeausomme and myself had been testing a new smaller 2.5 crossflow but reduced to 2.0 litres a one off that was built to see how it performed but they had no good props for it .Going back to the 1 to 1 gearcase many drivers had already used these on V4 engines and were nothing new my own team i was with in 1970 got the record at Windemere fastest one way 119mph but thats another story.You are right John about the clubfoot gearcase being 15/17 ratio.The first 2.5 crossflow gearcase ratios were 15/17 but failed too often so we used 16/18 ratios and they still failed often.

[lars strom]

The Amsterdam 3hr race 1976 Jimbo ran a 2.3 litre looper and Barry Woods also ran a 2.3 litre looper i think this race was in August. Alfi Bullen had the first 2.5 crossflow for the OZ class which he won the race with. The idea was they were about to go over to OZ class racing both the 2.3 looper and the 2.5 crossflow engines were evenly matched for performance these 2.3 loopers were left at Brugge they were still there when 9 new 2.0 litre loopers arrived in October for the Paris 6hr race.Paul Kalb and Jack leek were worried they only had one spare 2.0 looper engine and Pelster blew his up in practise because someone fitted a too small pitch prop on so Paul Kalb told me if any more engines failed i would have no engine to use but he said you will still get to race and would fit one of the 2.3 loopers to my outfit for the Paris 6hr race even though the class limit was ON 2.0litre class he said but i wouldnt be allowed to finish.Something else neither of you will believe but Didier Jeausomme and myself had been testing a new smaller 2.5 crossflow but reduced to 2.0 litres a one off that was built to see how it performed but they had no good props for it .Going back to the 1 to 1 gearcase many drivers had already used these on V4 engines and were nothing new my own team i was with in 1970 got the record at Windemere fastest one way 119mph but thats another story.You are right John about the clubfoot gearcase being 15/17 ratio.The first 2.5 crossflow gearcase ratios were 15/17 but failed too often so we used 16/18 ratios and they still failed often.


Well..Me and Bo Nilsson was invited by Paul Kalb to Brygge in late 1976. This was after the ON & OE World Championship race in Auronzo when Renato won both titles.
OMC did terrible in the OE class at that time. Bo and me tested lots of OE boats at Brygge with different power-heads but not very good.
(for racing in Amsterdam)
Willy Permanne was very fast in his Gardin OE class boat with a better OMC powerhead but only one power-head was available.
Bo and I picked a used factory OE Burgess and the best powerhead we could get for Amsterdam.
I remember lots of testing at the factory with the V6 boats. Did not pay attention to the "size" of the power-heads..
One thing i clearly remember was when Barry Woods drove his rental car in to the lobby at Sofitel..Paul Kalb was not happy..!!
The Amsterdam race for us 1976 was no good..power-head blow up at practice. Remember Barry Woods crashed bad and Alfy Bullen won in his Burgess.
After Amsterdam we drove back to Brugge and Bo & me rigged a brand new OE class factory Burgess for the Paris 6 hours 1976.
I am still a bit confused over a OMC 2.3 liter looper powerhead 1976..
I know Paul Kalb did his own "development" in Brygge..maybe he put oversized pistons in a 2 liter looper power-head but thats only a guess..

Pictures of the very powerful OMC 2 liter V6 looper purpose built race engine.

http://svera.se/blogg/pictures-of-the-very-powerful-omc-2-liter-purpose-built-race-engine/

[Rotary John]

It's interesting that you say the 150 cross had gear case problems. The rotary had more HP then the 150 and never failed a gear case, either the 14/23 or the 15/17. Might have something to do with the fact that the rotary had a power stroke over 270 degrees of crank rotation, while the 2-stroke developed it's power in less than 100 degrees of crank. I sure don't remember a 2.3 l looper though. Maybe I was out of racing before it came about.

[lars strom]

Not 100% sure but I think I used the 1:1 gear case on the special OE class engine 1975.

https://www.screamandfly.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=477477&d=1371696498

https://www.screamandfly.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=477478&d=1371696498

[Rotary John]

Yes that is the 1:1 gear case, but it proceeded the 15/17 used in the early 70's by the factory. The 14/23 was kept and it wasn't till 75/76 that the new shape gear case came out. I don't know what ratios were used in it. I was gone by that time. Another interesting fact was the rotary gear case used all V-4 parts. The only thing new was the casting itself and the shorter input shaft. Provo was the first race for the rotaries to use the 14:23 ratio and was actually a V-4 gear case with an adapter to fit the rotary bucket.

[Rotary John]

I believe that same gear case used the 15:17 also. Your're asking me to remember 45 yrs. back and that's getting difficult for an old man like me.

[Lake X Kid]

Charlie Strang told me that he had the 121 cube (2 Liter) Johnson Stinger GP V6 designed in parallel with the Rotary Combustion Engine...
Charlie completely pulled the rug out from beneath the Mercury Folks because while Charlie raced a 121 cube V6 motor, he subsequently put a 150 cube V6 motor in production for normal service. What Charlie was after was the Bass Boat Market, which he got. Charlie was one of the greatest people in Outboarding, and especially to outboard racing the world over. Hope that this helps.

Mercury Marine in 1973 had a production 150 hp outboard for bass and pleasure boats. Charlie and OMC getting the "Bass Boat Market, which he got," is an over statement in my humble opinion.

In 1975, I was a mechanic at Shelby Marine in Memphis Tennessee. And at that time this dry-dock marina's life blood was selling bass boats with Merc engines. And the bass boat community through out the southern states of USA, then were full of Merc powered bass boats. And subsequently Mercury got heavily involved in supporting professional bass fishermen, at the bass tournaments.

[STEVERINO]

Well..Me and Bo Nilsson was invited by Paul Kalb to Brygge in late 1976. This was after the ON & OE World Championship race in Auronzo when Renato won both titles.
OMC did terrible in the OE class at that time. Bo and me tested lots of OE boats at Brygge with different power-heads but not very good.
(for racing in Amsterdam)
Willy Permanne was very fast in his Gardin OE class boat with a better OMC powerhead but only one power-head was available.
Bo and I picked a used factory OE Burgess and the best powerhead we could get for Amsterdam.
I remember lots of testing at the factory with the V6 boats. Did not pay attention to the "size" of the power-heads..
One thing i clearly remember was when Barry Woods drove his rental car in to the lobby at Sofitel..Paul Kalb was not happy..!!
The Amsterdam race for us 1976 was no good..power-head blow up at practice. Remember Barry Woods crashed bad and Alfy Bullen won in his Burgess.
After Amsterdam we drove back to Brugge and Bo & me rigged a brand new OE class factory Burgess for the Paris 6 hours 1976.
I am still a bit confused over a OMC 2.3 liter looper powerhead 1976..
I know Paul Kalb did his own "development" in Brygge..maybe he put oversized pistons in a 2 liter looper power-head but thats only a guess..

Pictures of the very powerful OMC 2 liter V6 looper purpose built race engine.

http://svera.se/blogg/pictures-of-the-very-powerful-omc-2-liter-purpose-built-race-engine/ These 2 engines were built by Fred Hauenstein when i asked about the 2.3 cu capacity this was the most they could get out of a 2.0 block i saw an article on Ron Hills site with Fred saying they had many varients that we never new about or saw would be interesting to have Freds take on this discussion.I am not sure but was told the loopers in the Paris 6hr race in 1978 may have been 2.7 but with a different block but the info was not from Brugge

[lars strom]

Ulf Backman a Swedish friend of mine and his Molinari/Evinrude Starflight SS from 1970.
He drove the boat in Paris 6 hours same year (#24)..Yes..Ulf drove all 6 hours by himself.
Real easy according to him..he was a SAS commercial pilot flying between Scandinavia and the USA.

First picture is Ulf in his "Bass Boat" in Sweden..!!..:)

477481
477482
477483

[Rotary John]

last picture between #79 &69. Jack Leek, Jimbo, Ralph Evinrude ?, Ziggy.

[lars strom]

I see that now..Thanks @Rotary John (https://www.screamandfly.com/member.php?u=48164)

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The auction today at the former Evinrude Test Center in Stuart is not a BRP event.

The test center was sold Sept.1 2020 in as-is condition, with all materials left there (which was most everything)
As such, the auction is being conducted by/for the new owner, who is selling his merchandise.

[lars strom]

WAY..of topic...!!

Wow..first time ever.. I felt a need to make a Swedish dish I really miss.
“Biff Rydberg” and after a few hours in the kitchen the Zumba Queen was extremely happy..
I guess I still got it..!!..https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/taa/1.5/16/1f603.png
https://www.food.com/recipe/biff-rydberg-beef-rydberg-delicious-beef-and-potato-dish-424623?fbclid=IwAR199UKmzqyMAyQ0tesd192omqmGQEJNENXrf7ZJhf7HmBD_Bp9YdVlyRaU

477496
477497
477498
477499
477500
477501

[lars strom]

REAGAN ASSAULTS POSTER – produced by sponsor Justice Brothers.

477506

[lars strom]

A pretty cool picture of the Evinrude Super Strangler 2 liter cross-flow.

477528

[John Schubert]

It's interesting that you say the 150 cross had gear case problems. The rotary had more HP then the 150 and never failed a gear case, either the 14/23 or the 15/17. Might have something to do with the fact that the rotary had a power stroke over 270 degrees of crank rotation, while the 2-stroke developed it's power in less than 100 degrees of crank. I sure don't remember a 2.3 l looper though. Maybe I was out of racing before it came about.
John,

Didn't both rotaries at the 1975 Parker race have gear case failures early & had to retire? Tha's my recollection as I was in that race with Bill Muncey my co-driver

[Rotary John]

John,

Didn't both rotaries at the 1975 Parker race have gear case failures early & had to retire? Tha's my recollection as I was in that race with Bill Muncey my co-driver
No. Both engine failed the rotor bearing due to being set extremely lean causing the bearing to overheat. Jimbo lasted 1 1/2 laps, Tommy ran for about 45 min. As I said before, the rotary never failed a gear case.
You may recall saying the rotaries didn't seem to be able to keep up with you in a V-4 at the intro in Miami. That was because of the lean setting in the mid-range (ie. no Power). Parker showed once aired out, no one, regardless of boat or motor, could keep up.

[STEVERINO]

Ulf Backman a Swedish friend of mine and his Molinari/Evinrude Starflight SS from 1970.
He drove the boat in Paris 6 hours same year (#24)..Yes..Ulf drove all 6 hours by himself.
Real easy according to him..he was a SAS commercial pilot flying between Scandinavia and the USA.

First picture is Ulf in his "Bass Boat" in Sweden..!!..:)

477481
477482
477483 Ulf Backman must have been using a customer bought V4 engine with no powertrim only 2 customer V4 engines came to UK in 1970 l had a Johnson and James Beard had a Evinrude both without powertrim.Looking at the Factory V4 engines they ran much higher compression the heads looked to have at least 200 thou off compared with the stock V4 engines.In the UK in 1970 they cost £1200.at that time.

[lars strom]

Ulf Backman must have been using a customer bought V4 engine with no powertrim.

Correct..he purchased one in Sweden. I wrote this at my FB page earlier.

Lars Strom (https://www.facebook.com/groups/2043017495976607/user/1020429044/?__cft__[0]=AZUrqi69Cf8d9aOnIzrGLCeGXQXd3LiZ10Yq9d7imgIcVmEyYavkcpdp1GdK54XzdziS0KemTvBZYNbHYyM4SzvhcNitU02TYYC wCvRM6drF9kYdrWJIDOUzyCfvcdJTiLEFBdEYAb5R4_hUFmZuhHPWeU_58hWAWn5Q9xKkyTAXW1hSfNRsG04VqibxpRwl2WE&__tn__=R]-R)
https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/rsrc.php/v3/yi/r/oJUaDQAiBQe.png
Mr. Backman was a bit upset in Paris 1970..OMC did not have enough power trim kits and he did not get one. (Only OMC factory drivers)

Mr. Backman drove the 6 hours without power trim and got out of International ON class racing.

[lars strom]

@STEVERINO (https://www.screamandfly.com/member.php?u=65408)
There was also a Johnson Stinger V4 in Sweden 1970. Purchased by Ulf Jansson for his new Schulze the ON class cat.
Same story..Ulf did not get a powertrim from OMC that year..I think he got a kit for 1971..!!
OMC really did handle the private ON drivers poorly at that time.

[STEVERINO]

@STEVERINO (https://www.screamandfly.com/member.php?u=65408)
There was also a Johnson Stinger V4 in Sweden 1970. Purchased by Ulf Jansson for his new Schulze the ON class cat.
Some story..Ulf did not get a powertrim from OMC that year..I think he got a kit for 1971..!!
OMC really did handle the private ON drivers poorly at that time. At that time i was upset that i purchased a racing V4 engine they never told me it was the cooking version which E P Barrus told me it was designed to last a full season of racing not for a few races as the factory versions were .To convert to a powertrim and up and down version would be a complete mid section with all the hydraulics.By 1972 i was driving a factory version anyway.

[lars strom]

Wow..finally I have great pictures of one of the most brutal tunnel boats ever. Renato Molinari in his 2 X F1-V8 powered Molinari he raced in the unlimited hydroplane class.
The race was run at Clear Lake outside Houston, Texas 1983.
Thanks to Fabio Porta.

More pictures is coming tomorrow (Friday)

https://www.screamandfly.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=472642



I got the same info..175 MPH..!!

Lee Sutter (https://www.facebook.com/lee.sutter.5?__cft__[0]=AZUbxecPDlwgUpdEDnbG86V3HWkN0k66XpO5nIJIOZdPl5FCG5MvY-Clf-hbRPTiSSeUGvIE8uu78QMW_YeM4GKIK_VxU7u51Tj6fOa0C63_lUUrc_X_smBSpT7Ta0Um3opj734MtMyL9sq9GEjya0poRNOXUc-x6B-qBdGvfGroz4vAUSvBNYl1JwAI9n5xhzU&__tn__=R]-R)

I think the Unlimited rules prevented multiple outboards on hydros. Molinari’s tunnel rig ran 175 mph and would hook in the corners. Terrible combination! I think the turbines were on the horizon too!

https://www.screamandfly.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=477549&d=1599235187

[lars strom]

It takes big balls to race this little tunnel boat wide open..no safety..only thin fiberglass around the driver. Over 175 MPH top speed.
1983 must have been a very busy racing season for Renato.

472651

....
https://www.screamandfly.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=472651&d=1599229168

[lars strom]

Must have been an evil handling Velden tunnel boat.
20 inch shaft..extremely large propeller.
Probably a Johnson 2.6 GT

477566

[2us70]

Must have been a real bear to turn left in that thing!

[Instigator]

Yikes!

[lars strom]

Jack Aylsworth (https://www.facebook.com/groups/2043017495976607/user/1027298938/?__cft__[0]=AZVtxrAOwzLPkWI0geq5Vkf-ASOEgCMC-Lu8rW6c9tiANjYydg6kMDGlFKvmr8VLayEn0dCSN5tmZbbp4i8SZjb30aALt0OvdZBaVw_Ov2r0_BRDVlCUhQUSK6kACz25kxnKw aWVpzFoQl11JWMKJPhGDZ7FEaJFpzK_-5ZHRxzENLjzr7miXdmsXeZ7ddGd2jE&__tn__=-UC%2CP-R)

1977 Australian Evinrude ad - The annual “Bridge to Bridge Ski Race” is one of the longest running and most prestigious ski racing events in the Southern Hemisphere. The first two-up water-ski race to be held on the Murray River took place in 1965, when nine boats competed in the Echuca Ski Cup, which was held over a 100-mile course, which took competitors from Echuca to Torrumbarry Australia and back again. During the early 1980s the race started to attract more than 100 entries, as well as large numbers of spectators.

477569

[lars strom]

Must have been a real bear to turn left in that thing!

The UIM SZ class was mostly raced in Rouen 24 hours and only right hand turns there.
We raced clockwise around the island!!!!
http://svera.se/blogg/racing-historier/our-se-class-victory-in-the-rouen-24-hours-1975/ (http://svera.se/blogg/racing-historier/our-se-class-victory-in-the-rouen-24-hours-1975/)

https://www.screamandfly.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=477571&d=1606160530

[lars strom]

Sea Tow International Presents Annual Awards
https://www.tradeonlytoday.com/industry-news/sea-tow-international-presents-annual-awards (https://www.tradeonlytoday.com/industry-news/sea-tow-international-presents-annual-awards)

477584

[lars strom]

A very nice memory from the Ralph Evinrude Test Center in Stuart, FL I got from a friend of mine.
Thank you very much.https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/tf3/1.5/16/2764.pnghttps://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/t55/1.5/16/1f44d.png

477587

[Lake X Kid]

I got the same info..175 MPH..!!

Lee Sutter (https://www.facebook.com/lee.sutter.5?__cft__[0]=AZUbxecPDlwgUpdEDnbG86V3HWkN0k66XpO5nIJIOZdPl5FCG5MvY-Clf-hbRPTiSSeUGvIE8uu78QMW_YeM4GKIK_VxU7u51Tj6fOa0C63_lUUrc_X_smBSpT7Ta0Um3opj734MtMyL9sq9GEjya0poRNOXUc-x6B-qBdGvfGroz4vAUSvBNYl1JwAI9n5xhzU&__tn__=R]-R)
I think the Unlimited rules prevented multiple outboards on hydros. Molinari’s tunnel rig ran 175 mph and would hook in the corners. Terrible combination! I think the turbines were on the horizon too!


The side door (east-side) I circled in the big red square, was installed when Lake Como's water level was to shallow, for the original lift.
The original boat lift was on the south-side building's face of the Como race shop, where the thinner red hi-light is

477589

[lars strom]

"Beauty" of a pic from the shop wall. (1986) poster.
V-4 looper.

477606

[lars strom]

Sea Tow International Presents Annual Awards


https://www.tradeonlytoday.com/industry-news/sea-tow-international-presents-annual-awards (https://www.tradeonlytoday.com/industry-news/sea-tow-international-presents-annual-awards)

https://www.screamandfly.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=477584&d=1606164527




Jack Aylsworth (https://www.facebook.com/jack.aylsworth.9?__tn__=-UC*F)

Many OMC vets will remember larger-than-life character JOE FROHNHOEFER who founded SEA TOW along with his wife Georgia. Joe was a former state trooper and police officer. While he was serving as a Bay Constable the Coast Guard changed its policies about responding to non-emergency calls. In response, Joe founded Sea Tow in 1983 to help boaters stranded on the water. The company has since expanded internationally and moved beyond towing stalled boats. OMC was the first outboard company to provide outboards to Sea Tow for their rescue boats. Joe passed at 71 in 2015.

https://www.screamandfly.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=477617&d=1606229027

[lars strom]

Brodenbach/Løf Koblenz 1973

I think some people found this interesting..!!!
Thanks John Edvard Hoydahl.

477619
477620
477621

[lars strom]

Cees & Ziggy, Bristol 1976.

477634

[lars strom]

The UIM SZ class for production V6 outboards with 20 inch shaft was replaced with the S-3000. Production powerhead on racing midsections - gear cases.
This is an S-3000..a very popular class in France-south Europe.

477666

[lars strom]

Check this..
(Tom) Percival Boats LTD

477677
477678

[Rotary John]

Lars: The article is incorrect. There were only 4 rotaries entered. not 6. Johnny Sanders broke in practice, broken crank bolt.

[lars strom]

Lars: The article is incorrect. There were only 4 rotaries entered. not 6. Johnny Sanders broke in practice, broken crank bolt.

John..you know all the details way better than me..:thumbsup:

The most interesting for me in the Windermere race after the rotary victory is the fact of the UIM OZ class..
As we all know Mercury was doing everything they could to ban the rotary from racing..but clearly the UIM OZ class was invited in the 1973 Windermere race and could have been so also in Paris 1973-1974..!!

[lars strom]

@Rotary John

(http://svera.se/blogg/omc-and-the-rotary-outboard-took-the-overall-win-in-windermere-1973/)http://svera.se/blogg/omc-and-the-rotary-outboard-took-the-overall-win-in-windermere-1973/


477687

More from Windermere 1973

[lars strom]

477700

[lars strom]

477712
477713

[lars strom]

Cees Van Der Velden
1984

477743

[keith scotton]

OMC sold those clocks long time back the one I have has different hand. Nice to see the first one. I like clocks have like 13 different OMC ones.

[lars strom]

“Check it out, 1984 Toledo F1-V8 Race, crewed for Tom Posey”
Thanks Sam LaBanco for pictures and info.
Very unique..!!

477748
477749

[lars strom]

Wow..but the broken blade is saved and can be attached again..:)

[lars strom]

477775
477776
477777

[lars strom]

A better picture of the #9 Rick Hoffman SE-X Evinrude F1-V8 3 liter looper, fuel injection and 6 inch mid section.

477801

[lars strom]

477817

[lars strom]

Rick Hoffman’s Office..

477822

[lars strom]

WOW..I have never seen this poster before..!!
Very nice to be at the same Evinrude poster/ad as Renato Molinari & John Hill.

477824

[lars strom]

477856

[lars strom]

OMC V4 cross-flow.

477868

[peterse90]

In the above Evinrude 85 ad is says "Up and down as well as in-and-out boat trim adjustment".
Pretty sure in/out meant the optional power trim...but don't remember OMC ever having up/down on recreational motors - only racing engines about 1972 and after ???

[lars strom]

In the above Evinrude 85 ad is says "Up and down as well as in-and-out boat trim adjustment".
Pretty sure in/out meant the optional power trim...but don't remember OMC ever having up/down on recreational motors - only racing engines about 1972 and after ???

Well..back then not even power-trim was available..my guess is you could do the adjustments by hand.

[lars strom]

From the 1969 sales brochure. Power trim kits was a few years later.

477873

[lars strom]

WOW..I have never seen this poster before..!!
Very nice to be at the same Evinrude poster/ad as Renato Molinari & John Hill.

477824

Hard to believe..but its 39 years ago..!!

https://www.screamandfly.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=477877&d=1569373224

[lars strom]

My brother Lennart Strom won the F3 World title 1985 in this #21 Burgess/Evinrude CC.
More stories about this boat later..!!

https://www.screamandfly.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=477879&d=1606502067

[WaterZebra]

In the above Evinrude 85 ad is says "Up and down as well as in-and-out boat trim adjustment".
Pretty sure in/out meant the optional power trim...but don't remember OMC ever having up/down on recreational motors - only racing engines about 1972 and after ???

I don't think either OMC or Mercury ever produced a show room floor model engine assembled with power trim at least until the mid 70s. Power trim was always considered a kit that dealers would add on to the engines they sold. Would have have been difficult to crate and ship motors with rams, trim lines, pumps and wiring together in a box?

[FMP]

In the above Evinrude 85 ad is says "Up and down as well as in-and-out boat trim adjustment".
Pretty sure in/out meant the optional power trim...but don't remember OMC ever having up/down on recreational motors - only racing engines about 1972 and after ???

Clamp to transom mount hole selection ?

[lars strom]

Great memories from the OMC races at Cypress Gardens. I was there the year after..1994 and I think Duke Waldrop was the Officer of the Day.
Thanks Dean Chew for the pictures.

477918
477919

[lars strom]

Gene Thibodaux #5 Velden Racing/Johnson F1-V8 (on top)


477950

[lars strom]

Gene Thibodaux #5 Velden Racing/Johnson F1-V8

477951

[lars strom]

Cees & Gene Thibodaux in Como, Italy 1983.
This was my first race in the F1-V8 class and lake Como was flooded and really windy/rough race day.

477952

[lars strom]

Team Velden Racing Como, Italy 1983
Arthur Mostert - Cees & Gene Thibodaux.

477954

[lars strom]

My first F1-V8 race..Como, Italy in May 1983.
Lake Como was flooded, mean/really windy/rough race day.
Check #20 entry.

477955
477956

[peterse90]

Well..back then not even power-trim was available..my guess is you could do the adjustments by hand.

I agree Lars. Manual up/down by way of the transom bracket and manual in/out by way of the tilt pin.

I don't think the transom brackets became 'universal' for all outboards until maybe the introduction of the V6's.

[lars strom]

I don't think the transom brackets became 'universal' for all outboards until maybe the introduction of the V6's.

Bill Grannis (https://www.facebook.com/groups/2043017495976607/user/100001136084469/?__cft__[0]=AZWtffjqksI_AWbYHAbY-55aCaIu_4gRkTnwqUxhukQJKwyKc64RHKwnIwTyA70zadADxQDvRYIv0Py6qliCqtIFEM1Q1puA1kn5Q91gu1F5p_2_w0whvs8cL 98jImfNwgqaIA2aEb15UBKFeis584ra&__tn__=R]-R)

https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/rsrc.php/v3/yi/r/oJUaDQAiBQe.png
1960 model, the first 75 hp.

A bit of trivia - the transom bolt pattern used for first time on this 1960 Johnson engine is the same bolt pattern today that the outboard industry standardized years ago for larger motors.

https://www.screamandfly.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=477969&d=1606599317

https://www.screamandfly.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=478049&d=1606673132

https://www.screamandfly.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=478051&d=1606674007
https://www.screamandfly.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=478052&d=1606674023

[lars strom]

Como pit 1983. The #3 Molinari is Jimbo McConnell & the #12 Molinari is Francios Salabert.

478043

[lars strom]

Entry list for the 1983 Stockholm F1-V8 GP

478047
478048

[lars strom]

Martini (Renato Molinari) matchbook from the 1984.

478056

[lars strom]

@STEVERINO (https://www.screamandfly.com/member.php?u=65408) please help with more info.
Pretty sure it is from Paris. (Maybe 1976)

478067

[lars strom]

Thanks Scream & Fly.

478087
478088

[WaterZebra]

Bill Grannis (https://www.facebook.com/groups/2043017495976607/user/100001136084469/?__cft__[0]=AZWtffjqksI_AWbYHAbY-55aCaIu_4gRkTnwqUxhukQJKwyKc64RHKwnIwTyA70zadADxQDvRYIv0Py6qliCqtIFEM1Q1puA1kn5Q91gu1F5p_2_w0whvs8cL 98jImfNwgqaIA2aEb15UBKFeis584ra&__tn__=R]-R)

https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/rsrc.php/v3/yi/r/oJUaDQAiBQe.png
1960 model, the first 75 hp.

A bit of trivia - the transom bolt pattern used for first time on this 1960 Johnson engine is the same bolt pattern today that the outboard industry standardized years ago for larger motors.

https://www.screamandfly.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=477969&d=1606599317

https://www.screamandfly.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=478049&d=1606673132

https://www.screamandfly.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=478051&d=1606674007
https://www.screamandfly.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=478052&d=1606674023

As a kid I remember the V75 as the biggest monster I had ever seen. Only to be eclipsed by the Golden Meteor 90 a few years later. I thought the bars on the back were some special steering gadget accessory. Our family's 40 hp Johnson was equipped with them too. It never occurred to me that the bars were intended to be used as a 2 man lift for big outboards. Today, I would call these bars "hernia handles" (LOL).

[lars strom]

I thought the bars on the back were some special steering gadget accessory. Our family's 40 hp Johnson was equipped with them too. It never occurred to me that the bars were intended to be used as a 2 man lift for big outboards.

Well..yes the bars was also good for placing the engine safe on the floor.
Really cool option back then..!!..

:)

[STEVERINO]

@STEVERINO (https://www.screamandfly.com/member.php?u=65408) please help with more info.
Pretty sure it is from Paris. (Maybe 1976)

478067 I have never seen this picture before this was my ride in 1976 it ran a 2.0 litre looper just for that one race that was the same Cougar that James Beard ran the Rotary on at Windemere and the previous Paris 6hr in 1975 Sanders and Posey drove it with a 2.0 litre crossflow engine.

[lars strom]

I have never seen this picture before this was my ride in 1976 it ran a 2.0 litre looper just for that one race that was the same Cougar that James Beard ran the Rotary on at Windemere and the previous Paris 6hr in 1975 Sanders and Posey drove it with a 2.0 litre crossflow engine.

OK..so this is Paris 1976. I guess you got a big hole in the boat..Who was driving when it happen..??
Please, tell us more.

https://www.screamandfly.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=478111&d=1606678751

[STEVERINO]

OK..so this is Paris 1976. I guess you got a big hole in the boat..Who was driving when it happen..??
Please, tell us more. The drivers for this race were Frenchman Didier Jousseaume and UK driver Steve Pinson we tossed a coin to see who would take the first drive and i lost. And Jousseaumes accident happened in the first hour of the race he blew it over i am afraid.Paul Kalb race manager never had the frenchman in his own team lineup and because the Jousseame brothers had won the race the year before Jack Leek had Paul find the frenchman a boat for this race but it was his last factory drive for that particular team.

[lars strom]

@STEVERINO (https://www.screamandfly.com/member.php?u=65408) ..
Thanks..I remember how busy OMC racing in Belgium was before Paris 6 hours 1976.

PS..One of the Jousseaume brothers son (Amaury) have a restored red Molinari/Evinrude F1-V8

[lars strom]

OFF in Tavares, Florida a few years ago. (2016)
Great memories.

Me, Mr. Bill, Rayner Blair & Steve Larkin.

478112

[lars strom]

The drivers for this race were Frenchman Didier Jousseaume and UK driver Steve Pinson we tossed a coin to see who would take the first drive and i lost. And Jousseaumes accident happened in the first hour of the race he blew it over i am afraid.Paul Kalb race manager never had the frenchman in his own team lineup and because the Jousseame brothers had won the race the year before Jack Leek had Paul find the frenchman a boat for this race but it was his last factory drive for that particular team.

The Jousseaume brothers was used the drive the heavy fiberglass Cormorant cats. Those boats was like a tank..but good enough for the overall win in Paris 1975.
Maybe the 2 liter Evinrude Super Strangler was the main reason for the win..!!
This #13 ON class boat was the winner in Paris 1975.

https://www.screamandfly.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=478115&d=1606760553

[RogerH]

lars, Not a racing boat, but thought you'd like to see a 1979 35HP Johnson that I restored for our neighbor's son. It should run another 41 years. How appropriate for TJ's first fishing rig. Model 35EL77H

478116

478117

[lars strom]

lars, Not a racing boat, but thought you'd like to see a 1979 35HP Johnson that I restored for our neighbor's son. It should run another 41 years. How appropriate for TJ's first fishing rig. Model 35EL77H



Very nice and clean RogerH.. 1977 was the first year for Johnson production outboards to be painted white.. The horsepower number on the engine cover was black. 1978 & 1979 the horse power number was red.
I think your neighbor's 35 HP you restored so nice is model year 1977.
(35EL77H is 1977).
Thanks for sharing.
PS..1977 was also the first year for the CD ignition on the 35..instead of breaker point.

[lars strom]

1976 Bristol/Embassy GP Program

478133
478134
478135
478136
478137

[STEVERINO]

1976 Bristol/Embassy GP Program

478133
478134
478135
478136
478137 It would be excellent if you could post the you tube race from Bristol 1976 i have seen this somewhere.

[lars strom]

STEVERINO..Bristol 1976


https://youtu.be/srOhiHkH-Ow

[RogerH]

Very nice and clean RogerH.. 1977 was the first year for Johnson production outboards to be painted white.. The horsepower number on the engine cover was black. 1978 & 1979 the horse power number was red.
I think your neighbor's 35 HP you restored so nice is model year 1977.
(35EL77H is 1977).
Thanks for sharing.
PS..1977 was also the first year for the CD ignition on the 35..instead of breaker point.


You are correct - was a typo on my part 1977

[lars strom]

A very cool Evinrude 31.8 (521cc) race engine built by a good friend of mine. (based on a production 20-35HP block)
This one of a kind is by far the most powerful OMC/Evinrude 31.8 (521cc) engine built.

478189
478190
478192
478191
478193
478194

[lars strom]

Brodenbach Germany June of1981.
The first ever F1-V8 race. Yes..I was there.. racing the ASPEN F-3 World Series with my AKAI/Burgess/Evinrude CC boat.. ended up third. An incredible weekend.
Renato Molinari won.

478215

[Instigator]

Wow!

Have not seen that before.
Gorgeous and I want to drive it!


@RogerH (https://www.screamandfly.com/member.php?u=20979)...thanks.

I know you have seen this 31.8 (521cc) engine before. Built by a good friend of mine.
You could turn your neighbors 35HP in to this..
The most powerful OMC/Evinrude 31.8 engine built so far.

478189
478190
478192
478191
478193
478194

[lars strom]

Probably the coolest F1-V8 racer ever..!!

478227

Cees Van Der Velden.

[lars strom]

John Hill in Notthingham 1981.
#52 Burgess/Evinrude CC

478228

[lars strom]

Brodenbach Germany in June of 1981.
The first ever F1-V8 race. Yes..I was there.. racing the ASPEN F-3 World Series with my AKAI/Burgess/Evinrude CC boat.. ended up third. An incredible weekend.
Renato Molinari won.

https://www.screamandfly.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=478215




More from Brodenbach Germany in June of 1981.


https://www.screamandfly.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=478229&d=1508289790

[lars strom]

Continue with Brodenbach, Germany 1981.
Fantastic weekend.




478240

478241


478243

[lars strom]

Rick Frost.
Burgess SE Class boat with Johnson FT-19S.
1980

478247

[lars strom]

Tom Percival in his JPS/Velden Racing/Johnson F1-V8 in Nottingham 1981.

478254

[lars strom]

World F1 Champion Bob Spalding #11 Hodges/Evinrude V8
1985

478272

[lars strom]

Very cool Martini racing poster.
The 1984 F1 World Champ Renato Molinari in his #18 Martini/Molinari/Evinrude F1-V8.
You can see #3 Francios Salabert B&H Velden Racing/Johnson F1-V8 in the background.
Thank you Henry-Jacques CMC.

478321

[FMP]

Where did your last post go, engine details carbs etc ?

[lars strom]

A very cool Evinrude 31.8 (521cc) race engine built by a good friend of mine. (based on a production 20-35HP block)
This one of a kind is by far the most powerful OMC/Evinrude 31.8 (521cc) engine built.

https://www.screamandfly.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=478189&d=1606838591

https://www.screamandfly.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=478190&d=1606838608

https://www.screamandfly.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=478192&d=1606838749

https://www.screamandfly.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=478191&d=1606838644
https://www.screamandfly.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=478193&d=1606838776

https://www.screamandfly.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=478194&d=1606838791



Some info from the engine builder...

The side carb fed twin piston ports machined into the block from the inside. No reeds and no flow restriction with the side carb. The front 2-barrel carb provided the initial mixture feed, with progressive linkage opening the side piston-port carb at ~ 1/2 throttle. At WOT, all 3 barrels were full open. That way, it provided good bottom-end punch and great top end performance.

[Capt.Insane-o]

Love it.

[lars strom]

Time for a coffee break..!!..:)

478351

[2us70]

Wonder how much power this motor makes? Kind of hard to find a dyno to put it on. Most of us could only guess how much power the changes we made to our motors made. It just came down to faster or not faster on the boat.
Some info from the engine builder...

The side carb fed twin piston ports machined into the block from the inside. No reeds and no flow restriction with the side carb. The front 2-barrel carb provided the initial mixture feed, with progressive linkage opening the side piston-port carb at ~ 1/2 throttle. At WOT, all 3 barrels were full open. That way, it provided good bottom-end punch and great top end performance.

[Instigator]

That was the configuration I was guessing.

Has to be 60 - 70 HPs ???

I want my old Butts 20H hydro back, a jug of gas, a race vest (that fits), a helmet and a GoPro!

And a lawn chair and cooler of beer for after.

That engineering reminds of the Championship winning, turbo’d 3 banger OMC.
Pretty cool youtube videos of it running.




Some info from the engine builder...

The side carb fed twin piston ports machined into the block from the inside. No reeds and no flow restriction with the side carb. The front 2-barrel carb provided the initial mixture feed, with progressive linkage opening the side piston-port carb at ~ 1/2 throttle. At WOT, all 3 barrels were full open. That way, it provided good bottom-end punch and great top end performance.

[lars strom]

Wonder how much power this motor makes? Kind of hard to find a dyno to put it on...

The engine builder of this Evinrude 31.8 (521cc) race engine got invited by the "big wheels" at OMC to use their dyno.

[FMP]

Und?

[2us70]

?????

[Lake X Kid]

The engine builder of this Evinrude 31.8 (521cc) race engine got invited by the "big wheels" at OMC to use their dyno.

That answers my pondering, if the OMC brass liked their logo being displayed on this modified engine.

https://www.screamandfly.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=478194&d=1606838791

https://www.screamandfly.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=478190&d=1606838608

[lars strom]

Here is the answer from the engine builder of the Evinrude 31.8 (521cc) race engine when it comes to HP..!!


"I still have the dyno sheets............ but prefer to just mention that it was the strongest 31.8 ci engine to be run on the OMC dynos, by a considerable margin"

[lars strom]

Another coffee break-not as powerful..!!..:)..OMC style.

478396

[lars strom]

Here is the answer from the engine builder of the Evinrude 31.8 (521cc) race engine when it comes to HP..!!
"I still have the dyno sheets............ but prefer to just mention that it was the strongest 31.8 ci engine to be run on the OMC dynos, by a considerable margin"







Paul Pittman (https://www.facebook.com/groups/2043017495976607/user/100001058985266/?__cft__[0]=AZXWW50SIu0nwZmATI0gjQW4WtfMoVmKgQnri2mkxNMqUd3PWabfDtORfujZR6TIVAIHXIP6REo14kNiJ0L03Xo8ggXcZCp5xes M-rMzF-IVkYXrsDvBdL-4uz5QVXnzUTtNhbWuYH-rw8VgvCgKWQ5-hfqZq9prLwroI96_FLDj7Ek-ealiK01TbpbGah89_LA&__tn__=R]-R)..as I recall, the gearcase couldn't hardly take the horsepower.
Lars Strom (https://www.facebook.com/groups/2043017495976607/user/1020429044/?__cft__[0]=AZXWW50SIu0nwZmATI0gjQW4WtfMoVmKgQnri2mkxNMqUd3PWabfDtORfujZR6TIVAIHXIP6REo14kNiJ0L03Xo8ggXcZCp5xes M-rMzF-IVkYXrsDvBdL-4uz5QVXnzUTtNhbWuYH-rw8VgvCgKWQ5-hfqZq9prLwroI96_FLDj7Ek-ealiK01TbpbGah89_LA&__tn__=R]-R)..correct..he used up a few.https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/taa/1.5/16/1f603.png

[keith scotton]

I have never seen those mugs. is there one for sst100 and are you selling them.

[lars strom]

#5 Gene Thibodaux
The 1986 F1-V8 Champion.

478418

[lars strom]

#11 Bob Spalding
The 1985 F1-V8 Champion.

478419

[lars strom]

#18 Renato Molinari
The 1984 F1-V8 Champion.

478422

[lars strom]

#18 Renato Molinari
The 1983 F1-V8 Champion.

478431

[lars strom]

#9 Roger Jenkins
The 1982 F1-V8 Champion.

478433

[lars strom]

#165 Renato Molinari
The 1981 F1-V8 Champion.

478435
478436
478437

[Instigator]

Great series of shots showing how incredibly hard those monsters turned!
Wow.

Look at how low the hull is in the water.

3 G’s ???

Bad asss!


#165 Renato Molinari
The 1981 F1-V8 Champion.

478435
478436
478437

[Capt.Insane-o]

#18 Renato Molinari
The 1983 F1-V8 Champion.

478431



Said it before, but the Martini livery is the best ever..it looks good on anything.

[lars strom]

Some info from the engine builder...

The side carb fed twin piston ports machined into the block from the inside. No reeds and no flow restriction with the side carb. The front 2-barrel carb provided the initial mixture feed, with progressive linkage opening the side piston-port carb at ~ 1/2 throttle. At WOT, all 3 barrels were full open. That way, it provided good bottom-end punch and great top end performance.

https://www.screamandfly.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=478189&d=1606838591




Sam LaBanco (https://www.facebook.com/sam.labanco?__tn__=-UC*F)

Here's the engine on a yamato 80 boat we borrowed to test it, if you look up close I'm backing off the throttle, it just wasn't enough boat.

https://www.screamandfly.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=478487&d=1607181938

[lars strom]

Great series of shots showing how incredibly hard those monsters turned!
Wow.
Look at how low the hull is in the water.
3 G’s ???
Bad asss!



....

https://www.screamandfly.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=478492&d=1530117736

[lars strom]

Sam LaBanco (https://www.facebook.com/sam.labanco?__cft__[0]=AZVh4LlR2Fx0pdTX8g9SkkAhFYb6n91vBPMdLupA5fTKBpVgtRsXGO8cTiT8nh1nPjcrYsRuxym4hVRLcjmF4Ofb9j1bSeAcHmp _7GvVEJb00G_88hrc9QhreQr1aI50AYuJjSj5dUYAAMpxA8dAEErtURz0sFTlwA9-NCOlA7Kppw&__tn__=-UC%2CP-R)

1984 Cincinnati F1-V8 race.
Tom Posey stuffed it in the straightaway in front of the pit area. This was all that was left. The rest of the boat and engine were not recovered.
He was OK.

478493
478494
478495

[FMP]

Surprised it wasn't recovered, even today, dive down and rope it. Probably has been.

[lars strom]

I guess this is the same boat..!!..
Toledo, Ohio 1984


Tom Posey #97 Velden/Abilene Marine/Johnson V8

478499

[lars strom]

Sam LaBanco (https://www.facebook.com/sam.labanco?__cft__[0]=AZVh4LlR2Fx0pdTX8g9SkkAhFYb6n91vBPMdLupA5fTKBpVgtRsXGO8cTiT8nh1nPjcrYsRuxym4hVRLcjmF4Ofb9j1bSeAcHmp _7GvVEJb00G_88hrc9QhreQr1aI50AYuJjSj5dUYAAMpxA8dAEErtURz0sFTlwA9-NCOlA7Kppw&__tn__=-UC%2CP-R)

1984 Cincinnati F1-V8 race.
Tom Posey stuffed it in the straightaway in front of the pit area. This was all that was left. The rest of the boat and engine were not recovered.
He was OK.

478493
478494
478495


More from Cincinnati GP 1984.

Mercury T-4 racing vs OMC V-8 racing.

After a summer-long legal battle, Mercury and OMC reached an out-of-court settlement a month before the Cincinnati GP which allowed the Merc T-4s to compete against the V-8s on a one race, experimental basis.
Here is the full story..if you don’t want the read the full Powerboat story I can make it pretty short.
Mercury lost big time using the T-4 and the Wizard..(with twin Merc V6 powerheads)
Ben Robertson won in his #57 Burgess/Johnson V8. Barry Woods second in his #35 Molinari/Evinrude V8

After the race one of the OMC’s corporate executives couldn’t help but mutter under his breath after watching
the T-4’s self-destruct:
“They (Mercury) have been suing us all summer” he said in hushed tones, ” do you think we could bring a case against them for fraud?”

Thanks Mark Spencer


Better text to read here:

http://svera.se/blogg/mercury-t-4-racing-vs-omc-v-8-racing-cincinnati-gp-1984/

[lars strom]

The Wizard in Cincinnati 84..!!

478513
478514
478515

A few pictures more later.

[Lake X Kid]

More from Cincinnati GP 1984.

Mercury T-4 racing vs OMC V-8 racing.

After a summer-long legal battle, Mercury and OMC reached an out-of-court settlement a month before the Cincinnati GP which allowed the Merc T-4s to compete against the V-8s on a one race, experimental basis.

Thanks Mark Spencer

Better text to read here:

http://svera.se/blogg/mercury-t-4-racing-vs-omc-v-8-racing-cincinnati-gp-1984/


I guess this two headed monster, was allowed to compete because it had one prop-shaft.
Instead of a dual engine rig competing against OMC V8.

https://www.screamandfly.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=478515&d=1607197193

[lars strom]

The London GP 1984 was under the UIM OZ class. No rules. (same thing happened there.)
Not sure what APBA class in Cincinnati 1984..but APBA later changed to only one crankshaft.
Still..did not matter..The Wizard was no good for circuit racing.

London 1984
478534

478528

[lars strom]

Cincinnati 1984.

478531

478532

[Instigator]

I showed up at that race right as they pulled that out of the river.

[FMP]

Just thinking I'm almost sure I've read that V8 was recovered, it's mentioned somewhere in a thread, possibly another site.

[Instigator]

Wrong.

That is the twin V-6 Mercs they unsuccessfully chained together to chase the OMC 8’s.


Just thinking I'm almost sure I've read that V8 was recovered, it's mentioned somewhere in a thread, possibly another site.

[FMP]

Wrong.

That is the twin V-6 Mercs they unsuccessfully chained together to chase the OMC 8’s.

Wrong lol

The OMC F1 V8 , scroll up

[lars strom]

Mike Gwaltney

478541

[lars strom]

Pretty sure this is from F1-V8 race in Antwerp, Belgium 1985.
I raced one of the first Velden with safety cell there.
Not this one, mine was a different color.

478559

[lars strom]

Watermark

Please help with more info..I guess 1984??
Thanks Sam LaBanco.

478560

[lars strom]

There's 2 people (maybe 3) in this picture that Formula 1 guys can recognize.
Thanks Sam LaBanco.

478562

[lars strom]

Mike Gwaltney

https://www.screamandfly.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=478541




Dawn Johnson (https://www.facebook.com/groups/2043017495976607/user/100004471025161/?__cft__[0]=AZUsQWGj4r-fxppX-0J_J0nb3CtirzNWw1Z8dhU71dFD49s_SfsZ_9Qts3B-qhbPw5uwSNUPAzJMqIHeZgVtKnSmkx9vafZ6yhR_47akfefF02UXm-8SUuWCnfW65CoVeK1OUKUOhI0gU5lGE65A8ZmYTB5N08UaIZ6AUM-4_rW_DygVn45D6xXuqxkNMfzbUlM&__tn__=R]-R)
Mike was one of my instructors in 1979 at Johnson Service School in Waukegan.

https://www.screamandfly.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=478574&d=1607281679

[lars strom]

More OMC race engines never seen before from my friend.

After OMC designed and released the OMC "A" and 45SS race engines in 1986, APBA asked OMC to investigate/develop a mid-range race model. This 31.8 ci race engine was the result. It was boat tested by OMC and APBA drivers during the summer of 1987. Never had any gearcase durability issues with this one.

478584

[lars strom]

31.8 - 521cc OMC race engines.
Another Evinrude engine never seen before from my friend.
Thanks you so much.https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/tf3/1.5/16/2764.pnghttps://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/t55/1.5/16/1f44d.pngThe Evinrude version was lighter weight and had a 14/19 reduction gearcase. As a result, it performed better on the boat than the Johnson version.

478587

[lars strom]

Johnson 31.8 boat test on hydroplane.

478598

[lars strom]

More OMC race engines never seen before from my friend.
After OMC designed and released the OMC "A" and 45SS race engines in 1986, APBA asked OMC to investigate/develop a mid-range race model. This 31.8 ci race engine was the result. It was boat tested by OMC and APBA drivers during the summer of 1987. Never had any gearcase durability issues with this one.

478584






Sam LaBanco

(https://www.facebook.com/groups/2043017495976607/user/1473340026/?__cft__[0]=AZVQezy5Y02kkNMwO1-OpW3DnkqEe1pKqUnECVDzm_EfvRM62Wre6aLcroJA21_HkofCOTcUMqAtSsJkhLV5n6ebnsvIBuahRKbZNwZBElKMbCuhngpU-1A5uho9sVYDyaqpuY_GCMSBvMlDbPCz-nPm&__tn__=R]-R)I tested first one built, it was rigged wrong, I spun out in a corner and went out through the cockpit side. It was originally designed to be put on outboard hydro's. It's intended speed was to be in the mid nineties on a hydro. Lars you know who blew it over the second time out.

[lars strom]

Sam LaBanco

(https://www.facebook.com/groups/2043017495976607/user/1473340026/?__cft__[0]=AZVQezy5Y02kkNMwO1-OpW3DnkqEe1pKqUnECVDzm_EfvRM62Wre6aLcroJA21_HkofCOTcUMqAtSsJkhLV5n6ebnsvIBuahRKbZNwZBElKMbCuhngpU-1A5uho9sVYDyaqpuY_GCMSBvMlDbPCz-nPm&__tn__=R]-R)...Lars you know who blew it over the second time out.

Lars Strom.. (https://www.facebook.com/groups/2043017495976607/user/1020429044/?__cft__[0]=AZXRNtxHZxpsSkbd9nvKexj63U-b67FFJuXewaTOmtiSa-2XVHkBCeotalB1gteQ1Ua_UFDngMyDQT8QeCbSIlqjUc4uZ73me1HPfPP2IXDcnIRuZzoGOHTrnyOxzpPzPjEUa_xt2_C7t90NM9 QfHFXE&__tn__=R]-R)NO..but please let us know..!!

Sam LaBanco (https://www.facebook.com/groups/2043017495976607/user/1473340026/?__cft__[0]=AZXRNtxHZxpsSkbd9nvKexj63U-b67FFJuXewaTOmtiSa-2XVHkBCeotalB1gteQ1Ua_UFDngMyDQT8QeCbSIlqjUc4uZ73me1HPfPP2IXDcnIRuZzoGOHTrnyOxzpPzPjEUa_xt2_C7t90NM9 QfHFXE&__tn__=R]-R)..It was your friend who wants to stay private.!!

Lars Strom (https://www.facebook.com/groups/2043017495976607/user/1020429044/?__cft__[0]=AZXRNtxHZxpsSkbd9nvKexj63U-b67FFJuXewaTOmtiSa-2XVHkBCeotalB1gteQ1Ua_UFDngMyDQT8QeCbSIlqjUc4uZ73me1HPfPP2IXDcnIRuZzoGOHTrnyOxzpPzPjEUa_xt2_C7t90NM9 QfHFXE&__tn__=R]-R)..HaaHaa thanks.:).

[lars strom]

OMC’s Ziggy and the Johnson 31.8 race engine.

478599

[lars strom]

The Johnson 31.8 - 521 cc race engine being tested on runabout.

478613

[Instigator]

Fred Miller?

I know he was 33M for Michigan but no idea where he ended up.

I know at one point he was way up the food chain at OMC racing.

BTW, mid 70’s on a Hydro would put you mid pack in DSH against the MK 55’s.


The Johnson 31.8 - 521 cc race engine being tested on runabout.

478613

[lars strom]

Bristol 1980
..was another big setback for Team Mercury and the T4 racing.

This is the headline:
No Gold at Mercury’s Final Rally.. Evinrude/Molinari wins in Bristol 1980
Seebold breaks down in last lap forfeiting win to Molinari.


Many Merc supporters always bring up Bristol 1982 when Billy Seebold won the OZ class with a smaller Merc V6 over the V8 drivers.
As always I was there and Renato Molinari was leading by a lot over Billy Seebold but broke down at the end and Seebold won..Yes I know you must finish to win..

Back to Bristol 1980 and Billy Seebold was leading the OZ class with the big bore T4 but broke down and Renato Molinari ended up winning the race with the smaller 3 liter looper fuel injection. So please remember this Merc fans when bringing up Bristol 1982.
Bristol 1980 was also Team Mercury's last race for the T4 in the OZ class at that time. I am 100% sure the reason for Team Mercury to pull the plug on the T4 racing was the rumors was already out about OMC introducing the new V8 for the OZ class 1981. Team Mercury was now going to race ON max 2 liter and call the ON class Formula One.
(Merc came back with a modified T4 in the OZ class 1984)

Here is a link to exactly what happen in Bristol 1980 and the OMC advertising after the race. "Evinrude staying-power wins Embassy Grand Prix" Pretty funny..!!

http://svera.se/blogg/no-gold-at-mercurys-final-rally-evinrudemolinari-wins-in-bristol-1980/

(http://svera.se/blogg/no-gold-at-mercurys-final-rally-evinrudemolinari-wins-in-bristol-1980/)http://www.screamandfly.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=378805&d=1498571098 (http://svera.se/blogg/no-gold-at-mercurys-final-rally-evinrudemolinari-wins-in-bristol-1980/)


....
https://www.screamandfly.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=478614&d=1514038485

[lars strom]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A9zIjxUjrpo&t=2s

[Watermark]

@Watermark (https://www.screamandfly.com/member.php?u=11289)

Please help with more info..I guess 1984??
Thanks Sam LaBanco.

478560

Sam, you are correct - it was 1984.
Thanks for sharing.
- Mark

[lars strom]

Fred Miller?
I know he was 33M for Michigan but no idea where he ended up.
I know at one point he was way up the food chain at OMC racing.

https://www.screamandfly.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=478613&d=1607349313





Yes, 33-V is Fred Miller. This photo is of Fred testing the Johnson 31.8 prototype at the OMC Fox Lake Test Center, summer 1987.
Fred took over as OMC's Manager of High Performance when Jack Leek retired.

[lars strom]

A very cool Evinrude 31.8 (521cc) race engine built by a good friend of mine. (based on a production 20-35HP block)
This one of a kind is by far the most powerful OMC/Evinrude 31.8 (521cc) engine built.

https://www.screamandfly.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=478189


478190
478192
478191
478193
478194

Sam LaBanco next to the #27 B&H Hydro. This is from Lake Zurich, Illinois in early 1980's.

https://www.screamandfly.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=478630&d=1607382331

[lars strom]

Fred Miller left us a few years ago.
He was a great supporter of APBA racing.

Jim Jost (https://www.facebook.com/groups/2043017495976607/user/1109600442/?__cft__[0]=AZVZ_d-9vdKEl0jdAZvX-GEuuRuhQ0HUx-1-bewz9fp1_RfTwrpt1DshY4ZOBXwtohwy5owcB9G9fzAZtkz8rXl4ZmpsABM7ZkMs1ecy9ORiNUFSSUqnLnL40kmTj6NoGkMnoxRc ob4j0WNqUE_3m4KgoEBwuYOcbvEgOYGF05gk06L5P2_Sdoy_0AdjA8Ip-zY&__tn__=R]-R)

"Fred Miller and Paul Kalb were staples in stock outboard racing in the 60's. They both joined OMC and were in the race program"


478639
478640

[lars strom]

Yes..that's Ziggy (in the hat) next to the very special Evinrude 31.8 (521cc) race engine.

478641

[Capt.Insane-o]

That is a lot of motor for that little boat

[lars strom]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=32I0Qso4sDg

[lars strom]

Mike Gwaltney

https://www.screamandfly.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=478541



Jim Nerstrom

(https://www.facebook.com/groups/2043017495976607/user/100009051379415/?__cft__[0]=AZUOZHKjpcFWKiM8eOCueQfuEyJ_X4ct67DYAn21qIClzbkUzopkWI8TCuc0NdANAZcysXTzBKdsmVz7bll9H4OW0KU8-cZNsJdpFX9GGR7XuTcANqCEZm74FcfEPtJVfHZTDygGNWTpD3tz86HlbTgcXujB1_pG-t9Bn6ct2RrriPbEyJnj9DWchlnP2eGQdBo&__tn__=R]-R)
Michael J is standing next to an Offshore Race Engine based on the F1 V8 powerhead. Gearcase is a twin pinion shifting unit. Not your standard production 300 V8.

[lars strom]

31.8 - 521cc OMC race engines.
Another Evinrude engine never seen before from my friend.
Thanks you so much.https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/tf3/1.5/16/2764.pnghttps://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/t55/1.5/16/1f44d.png

The Evinrude version was lighter weight and had a 14/19 reduction gearcase. As a result, it performed better on the boat than the Johnson version.

https://www.screamandfly.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=478587


Jim Jost

(https://www.facebook.com/groups/2043017495976607/user/1109600442/?__cft__[0]=AZV5h8O8RDrjjyR5h-NGVQYsmOe88bUayLVBCdCzYtl1NkYANrINyKFVwqzgZmQvdhNXguIscQ9KpWEGemDdZPn9BjRAMtVmkLsX2ZPbmcSTeyZ46PHCuv nI17P-u01LXJ0E_-xprjIoNTnYPa9a75HtEpjKE7wUeqKKDOq12AiTX41s3xR20RIfI6QHVbwa-Ig&__tn__=R]-R)There were a number of these prototypes stored in an area of the Waukegan plant. When OMC went under and BRP purchased the assets and Waukegan was closed these engines were taken to a warehouse. I do not know what happened to them after that.

[lars strom]

Ben toy.

478671

[peterse90]

I really tried my best to make mine look like the one on the box...but came up well short !!
478681 478682

[Instigator]

Famous Fred Miller story:

Our National Championships used to be a wk long.
It was like Woodstock.
Especially for a 20 something yr old.

Back then we all camped.
No one had an RV or could afford a hotel room.

So we all get their Friday night and set up our tents/camp sites.
There were tents everywhere!
Had to be a hundred of them!

That night, after we all went to bed a storm rolled in.
It wiped out our Woodstock!

The storm wiped out my tent and filled it w/water, and everyone else’s.

I remember the first view of our fellow campers the next morning and it was bad!
One or two standing tents, everything else was gone!

This was in Dayton Ohio at the Hydrobowl Lake.
They had a good PA that reached the entire pits/campground.
This was during Fred Millers prime. He was the man.

So us campers are all wandering around in a daze, surveying the damage when, someone comes on the PA and says:

”GOOD MORNING, THIS IS GOD!”

It was Fred on the PA and you could hear laughter as far as you could see!
Exactly what we needed to hear, when we needed to hear it, from who we needed to hear it from.

The man gave his life in support of boat racing.

[Watermark]

I really tried my best to make mine look like the one on the box...but came up well short !!
478681 478682

Hey Peterse90.. Nice effort, but I'm thinking that may have been a better project for your kids - some years ago! ;0) I have one too and it's still in the box. Think I may bring in "the professionals" to put it together, haha.:D

[peterse90]

Hey Peterse90.. Nice effort, but I'm thinking that may have been a better project for your kids - some years ago! ;0) I have one too and it's still in the box. Think I may bring in "the professionals" to put it together, haha.:D

Hey Mark, if I remember correctly (about 20 years ago) it was wrapped as a Christmas present to my kids knowing full well it would be me that would build it and I actually still have it.
Pretty sure I bought it at the model train store on Mount Pleasant just south of Merton Street - an area of Toronto you would be very familiar with!!

[Watermark]

Pretty sure I bought it at the model train store on Mount Pleasant just south of Merton Street

"George's Trains"! Moved to Markham and still in business.

Hope Benny doesn't mind, but one day I may paint mine like SE VII, without the canopy... My final race in Pittsburgh 1987, driving for Tom Wood.

478730

Qualification
478732

[Watermark]

478738

[lars strom]

Thanks..
Very nice pictures and I also learned something.
On the way to Florida and an overnight stop in the world famous drag racing city/lake in Jasper, TN.
I guess we are a bit late for the last race of the season..:)

478766

[lars strom]

Watermark.

Not sure if you have seen this one before..I guess the #15 is you.

478767

[Watermark]

@Watermark (https://www.screamandfly.com/member.php?u=11289).

Not sure if you have seen this one before..I guess the #15 is you.


Yes, #15 was my international F1 Number. #11 was my Canadian... and no, I haven't seen that photo before. Andy Bullen #16 started the season with the same new Burgess as I had, but switched back to his previous year's Burgess after a number of races. The new design was quick down the straights, but didn't set or handle as well through the turns. The 83/84 versions were a great handling boat - even with the higher mid-sections. Ben Robertson had great success with an older Burgess hull.

[lars strom]

OK..thanks Watermark.
My 1983 Burgess was very good and fast on smooth water..but pretty difficult in rough water as in Pittsburgh 1983.

478768

[Watermark]

Lars, you too must have enjoyed your your F1 Burgess! Aside from the hull design, they were very well constructed & finished. David's F2 models were extremely well balanced, as were his earlier F1 hulls. Great looking as well.. lines flowed.

478769
@Rotharmel

[lars strom]

Watermark,

I used #15 once in the Stockholm GP 1983. Lost my own boat cowling in one heat and Allan Nimmo was nice and offered me to use his Molinari boat cowling. (No time to change number) Allan had some issues with his aluminum Molinari and could not race more that weekend.
A very nice friend/racer.

478772

[lars strom]

https://www.screamandfly.com/showthread.php?354399-EVINRUDE-JOHNSON-OMC-Formula-1-V8-Powerhead-for-SALE&fbclid=IwAR08nr1B-e5cr71LyjRgvA2bKJck3XIZ9xNe5NNZdVvzpUE2tkqhWK28sek

478774

[lars strom]

478780

[Instigator]

Just figured out who you are ��

I have an autographed 8 x 10 of you hanging on my shop wall.

To be truthful, it came from my friend Sean Goodman in Ontario who is also a fan of yours.

Still a cherished picture on my wall of fame.





Yes, #15 was my international F1 Number. #11 was my Canadian... and no, I haven't seen that photo before. Andy Bullen #16 started the season with the same new Burgess as I had, but switched back to his previous year's Burgess after a number of races. The new design was quick down the straights, but didn't set or handle as well through the turns. The 83/84 versions were a great handling boat - even with the higher mid-sections. Ben Robertson had great success with an older Burgess hull.

[peterse90]

Just figured out who you are ��

If you had access to most episodes of The Powerboat Television Show from about 1990 to around 2010 you would probably see Watermark hard at work testing 'Go Fast Boats' !!
"We'll see you on the water" the most famous sign-off in history !!!!!!

[Instigator]

Crap, your right!

Forgot about that.

An X boat racer and he’s famous!


If you had access to most episodes of The Powerboat Television Show from about 1990 to around 2010 you would probably see Watermark hard at work testing 'Go Fast Boats' !!
"We'll see you on the water" the most famous sign-off in history !!!!!!

[lars strom]

478807

[lars strom]

Rick Frost. Burgess/Johnson.
Not sure where in the USA but it is 1984.

478835

[lars strom]

Arthur Mostert
Picture: Fred Emeny

478866

[WaterZebra]

Rick Frost. Burgess/Johnson.
Not sure where in the USA but it is 1984.

478835
How did Rick Frost (UK) get hooked up with NAIU? (Bob Thompson, Ben Robertson, etc)?

[lars strom]

I don’t have the correct answer WaterZebra but here is a bit more info from Cincinnati 1984.

478876

[lars strom]

How did Rick Frost (UK) get hooked up with NAIU? (Bob Thompson, Ben Robertson, etc)?

https://www.screamandfly.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=478835&d=1607650885



It is Rick Frost with his left hand on the side of the Burgess boat.

[lars strom]

Cees Van Der Velden and Ziggy Boettle at the UIM meeting in Cape Town, South Africa.


478894

[lars strom]

This boat is the Molinari winner of the Rouen’s 24 hours in ’79! Now It’s Headed to Auction
478947
478948
478949

[lars strom]

https://www.barcheamotore.com/molinari-rouens-1979/?lang=en&fbclid=IwAR0mehZZ-VLB2fYSBG0oZeLNA5grB3hQzNsb91YwkzqXZW6vB_lZhBA9Gcw

478950

[lars strom]

Steve Hill.

#52 UIM F3 Burgess/Johnson 31 engine. Pretty sure it’s from 1997.
Yes, it’s John Hill’s son.

478955

478956

[lars strom]

More OMC FR 31M F3 race engine.
#52 Steve Hill again.

478963

[lars strom]

#8 Jimmy Kling in his Kimby/Evinrude 31 F3 engine.

478965

[lars strom]

Cees Van Der Velden
#1 Velden Racing/Aspen/Johnson F1-V8. (1982)
Thanks Fast on Water.

478966

[lars strom]

Two more UIM F3 Evinrude 31 engines.
This is from 1988..the first year for the new OMC F3 engine.

478972

[lars strom]

Ken Stevenson is testing his brand new Hodges with the Johnson F1-V8.
R.I.P. my friend.
Thanks Mike Chatfield for picture.
478991

478992

[lars strom]

44 Dario Grassini of Italy.
Evinrude UIM F3 31 engine.
Not sure what year.

478994

[lars strom]

Tom-Erik Braaten of Norway

Racing the UIM F3 class in his #15 Molgaard/Shell/Johnson FR-31M race engine. 1988..the first year for the new OMC engine.

(http://svera.se/blogg/the-omc-fr-31m-f3-race-engine-1988/?fbclid=IwAR2IOsXEJ-jVMVCdpafNN1gs5o3nFHUCPVP_gqKcry2rCmUhZQ34z1taOW8)http://svera.se/blogg/the-omc-fr-31m-f3-race-engine-1988/


479013

[WaterZebra]

Ken Stevenson is testing his brand new Hodges with the Johnson F1-V8.
R.I.P. my friend.
Thanks Mike Chatfield for picture.
478991

478992

I never knew that Ken Stevenson had the opportunity to drive with OMC V8 power. Always thought his rides were with Merc power?

[lars strom]

I never knew that Ken Stevenson had the opportunity to drive with OMC V8 power. Always thought his rides were with Merc power?

Ken Stevenson & Buck Thornton in the Chattanooga F1-V8 race 1983 (http://svera.se/blogg/ken-stevenson-buck-thornton-in-the-chattanooga-f1-v8-race-1983/)

27 June, 2019 (http://svera.se/blogg/2019/06/27/) Published by: Lars Strom

(http://svera.se/blogg/author/lars-strom/)
Ken Stevenson in his #74 Hodges/ Johnson V8 power. Buck in the #95 Molinari/Evinrude V8. Johnny Sanders in the #88.
Thanks for the pictures Martin Tidwell.


https://www.screamandfly.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=479017&d=1607891372
https://www.screamandfly.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=479019&d=1607891391
https://www.screamandfly.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=479018&d=1607891382

[lars strom]

Very sad day 37 years ago today at the Bahamas race

New York Times

Dec. 13 1983.

Racer Is Killed

Ken Stevenson, a 36-year-old powerboat racing champion from Mentor, Ohio, was killed Sunday in the Bahamas Grand Prix. He was leading the third heat when his boat became airborne. He was thrown from the boat and broke his neck.

R.I.P. Ken.

[lars strom]

I never knew that Ken Stevenson had the opportunity to drive with OMC V8 power. Always thought his rides were with Merc power?


Ken Stevenson & Bob Spalding won Parker Enduro 1980 driving the #201 Velden/Johnson V6 RS.

https://www.screamandfly.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=479025&d=1607897294

[lars strom]

Ken Stevenson & Bob Spalding also won Paris 6 hours 1980.
Driving the #12 Carlsberg/Velden/Johnson V6 RS to victory on the mean river Seine.

479027

[lars strom]

The winning #12 OZ class boat in Paris 6 Hours 1980. WaterZebra

479028

[lars strom]

I found the S&F Sponsored Links interesting..:)

https://www.bellewholesale.com/collection/Red%20Wishlist/d200c8b0-e21a-4db5-90f3-8cfb7d79f917.html?sort_by=LZR8680H,LZR8680C,LZR86802&utm_source=google&utm_medium=gdn&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIlbfN-ofM7QIVVTPTCh08HwWLEAEYASAAEgI_0vD_BwE

479029
(https://www.bellewholesale.com/collection/Red%20Wishlist/d200c8b0-e21a-4db5-90f3-8cfb7d79f917.html?sort_by=LZR8680H,LZR8680C,LZR86802&utm_source=google&utm_medium=gdn&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIlbfN-ofM7QIVVTPTCh08HwWLEAEYASAAEgI_0vD_BwE)
479030

[sharpeye Mike]

I found the S&F Sponsoring Links interesting..:)





479029



I want one, lol

[FMP]

OMC rules!!!!

[lars strom]

More Paris 6 Hours 1980.

479031

[lars strom]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=em-upload_owner&v=hkcHGpk60-Q

[lars strom]

479051

https://www.powerboatracingworld.com/which-racer-did-kim-jong-un-beat/?fbclid=IwAR1EF4QGQ8hOUdYOF7CXVIT6gfP6eyLWobZkUpaQAwlu8cMqrSfGRsfuSF0

[lars strom]

Interesting comment from Jim Nerstrom regarding 2 speed gear cases..!!

Jim Nerstrom

(https://www.facebook.com/groups/2043017495976607/user/100009051379415/?__cft__[0]=AZVjfy7mdrGQ_E4kGHUCTTC23lA8ELLnn7wxl53cZzcypz7h3ldD9F7ukXGpIxBGlLs8Ln2Ync3Cb7B1zX8l6_PNRwbLTiYOQF-Dg5cuaNXPK8pp6jc_lRN2whwglliEjirSsUjyd9mhMF7hhWPDruw0EUUhTZTB2gY7Um2ivIZlLWKe2Ukf90NixP2sK4k-Zow&__tn__=R]-R)
This was not the first attempt at a shifting (2-speed) gearcase. Charence Blanchard designed one around the CCC gearcase. It worked well, but was not any faster around the race course than a non-shifting unit. We also had a shifting unit for the production V6 Cross Flow. I believe Mercury had a race unit with shifting as well.
Not a new Idea!

https://www.screamandfly.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=479054&d=1607960529

[lars strom]

Lars, Thanks for posting the timeline of the large OMC motors. There is so much general confusion about these...people who weren't there always getting them mixed up. To further clarify, is the 1978 3-liter looper motor the "727" motor? Any idea about how many might have been made.
Thanks,
Roger

CCC vs 727 gearcases look close!!!!! my CCC GC is on the right with the stub shaft

https://www.screamandfly.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=378006



The CCC gearcase..did not surprise me a two speed gearcase was no faster on a lap.

[WaterZebra]

Ken Stevenson & Buck Thornton in the Chattanooga F1-V8 race 1983 (http://svera.se/blogg/ken-stevenson-buck-thornton-in-the-chattanooga-f1-v8-race-1983/)

27 June, 2019 (http://svera.se/blogg/2019/06/27/) Published by: Lars Strom

(http://svera.se/blogg/author/lars-strom/)
Ken Stevenson in his #74 Hodges/ Johnson V8 power. Buck in the #95 Molinari/Evinrude V8. Johnny Sanders in the #88.
Thanks for the pictures Martin Tidwell.


https://www.screamandfly.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=479017&d=1607891372
https://www.screamandfly.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=479019&d=1607891391
https://www.screamandfly.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=479018&d=1607891382
Buck too?! I didn't know that! I'd be willing to bet that at some super secret location like a lake located in Area 51 that Billy Seebold was given the opportunity to test drive a F1 OMC V8............Looks like there was an extensive list of drivers who alternated between OMC and Merc

[lars strom]

Buck too?! I didn't know that! I'd be willing to bet that at some super secret location like a lake located in Area 51 that Billy Seebold was given the opportunity to test drive a F1 OMC V8............Looks like there was an extensive list of drivers who alternated between OMC and Merc

I raced Buck for a long time in the Pittsburgh race 1983..his boat gave up at the end..

http://svera.se/blogg/the-1983-pittsburgh-gp-was-one-of-the-best-us-f1-v8-races-for-me/



https://www.screamandfly.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=479059&d=1607973550
(http://svera.se/blogg/the-1983-pittsburgh-gp-was-one-of-the-best-us-f1-v8-races-for-me/)

[lars strom]

479067

[peterse90]

Lars, hope you don't mind this picture of Ken Stevenson driving a Merc powered Glastron-Molinari obviously from the early 70's.
Ken came to Valleyfield, Quebec in 1979 with Fred Hauenstein. Both I believe had 3 litre loopers and their lap times were actually better than the Grand Prix inboards. They looked VERY fast on the long straights in Valleyfield.
For the brief time I was around him he seemed like a total gentleman.
479103

[lars strom]

Thanks Brandon Stevenson for this picture/memory.

479105

[Lake X Kid]

Per this 1973 article the OMC V6 debuted in Europe at the Paris 6 Hour race.
Did the OMC V6 race first in Europe or at a USA race?
What was the first competition race for the OMC rotary engine?

Apparently the V6 Merc T3 first competition race was at Koblenz Germany in 1973, prior to racing at the 1973 Paris 6 Hour and American races.




479117

[Rotary John]

The first OMC V-6 ran at Paris 1973 and won. The first rotary race was Parker 1973 and scared the **** out of Mercury. The rotaries were shown to the public a week earlier in Miami at a press conference.

[lars strom]

The first OMC V-6 ran at Paris 1973 and won. The first rotary race was Parker 1973 and scared the **** out of Mercury. The rotaries were shown to the public a week earlier in Miami at a press conference.

...
https://www.screamandfly.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=479129&d=1608081815

https://www.screamandfly.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=479130&d=1608081990

[lars strom]

Tom Percival and Chris Hodges.
10 Hodges/Evinrude V8. 1982

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10216658718513292&set=gm.2274718349473186&type=3


479138

479153

[lars strom]

479139

[lars strom]

The first OMC V-6 ran at Paris 1973 and won. The first rotary race was Parker 1973 and scared the **** out of Mercury. The rotaries were shown to the public a week earlier in Miami at a press conference.

I think the pictures are from Miami 1973 but not sure Rotary John.



https://www.screamandfly.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=479149&d=1584823307https://www.screamandfly.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=479150&d=1584805877

[2us70]

Looks like a test session at the Marine Stadium. Back then you could just drive in and test any time there wasn't a race going on. I did many laps testing there in those days.

[Rotary John]

The first picture is not Miami. Fuel tank filers are installed. L-R Barry Karris (PR), Rick McKinnley, Jack Leek, Jimbo and Don Henrich (props)The second one is Miami.
I maybe wrong about the first picture. Both boats did not have the fuel filler tubes installed for the press release demo, as can be seen in the B&W photo of Jimbo above, but I don't recall ever putting the rotaries in the water at Parker before the actual race. Thus, fuel tube installation and prop selection must have been done in Miami prior to being trucked to AZ. Thus the first picture might indeed be Miami. Maybe Kathy could say for sure.

[lars strom]

This picture from the pit in Nottingham 1981.
A very cool one. You can see my red AKAI/Burgess to the left being pushed by my friend Mats.

The Winners are..Molinari OZ – Seebold ON – Strom OE..Nottingham 1981

http://svera.se/blogg/the-winners-are-molinari-oz-seebold-on-strom-oe-nottingham-1981/

479157

[sharpeye Mike]

That's actually the first boat I spotted.

[WaterZebra]

Per this 1973 article the OMC V6 debuted in Europe at the Paris 6 Hour race.
Did the OMC V6 race first in Europe or at a USA race?
What was the first competition race for the OMC rotary engine?

Apparently the V6 Merc T3 first competition race was at Koblenz Germany in 1973, prior to racing at the 1973 Paris 6 Hour and American races.




479117

Kind of a shame that these 2 American outboard powerhouses couldn't even debut their products at a USA race? (and no, testing at Miami doesn't count).
Same thing happened with the OMC V8? Introduced in Europe and FINALLY ended up in the USA. One thing for certain, Europe did a much better job in harvesting big business sponsors than the Americans did.

[lars strom]

Kind of a shame that these 2 American outboard powerhouses couldn't even debut their products at a USA race? (and no, testing at Miami doesn't count).
Same thing happened with the OMC V8? Introduced in Europe and FINALLY ended up in the USA. One thing for certain, Europe did a much better job in harvesting big business sponsors than the Americans did.

I dont have the correct answer but OMC raced the rotaries the first time in Parker 1973. At that time all the winning boat builders was Molinari, Scotti and Schulze. All based overseas. OMC was not allowed to race the rotaries in Paris 1973 and used the first V6 instead.
The world debut for the racing V8 was in Germany 1981..
Same thing..Only Molinari and Velden was building boats for the new V8.
OMC at that time was extremely big in Europe running their own companies in more or less every country in Europe.
http://svera.se/blogg/f1-v8/forst-till-bojen/
Large outboard racing was also very popular in Europe with many great UIM races as Paris, Berlin, Amsterdam, Nottingham, Bristol, Como etc.


PS..Mercury is today the only factory building racing stuff..All UIM F1 races are overseas. Mainly Middle East.

[lars strom]

Nice and thanks.

479179
479180

[lars strom]

That's actually the first boat I spotted.

Thanks..you have a sharpeye Mike...:)

[lars strom]

The pilot and his #8 Burgess/Aspen/Evinrude F1-V8.
1983.

479187

(https://www.facebook.com/Evinrude/?__tn__=kK*F)

[WaterZebra]

The first OMC V-6 ran at Paris 1973 and won. The first rotary race was Parker 1973 and scared the **** out of Mercury. The rotaries were shown to the public a week earlier in Miami at a press conference.

Did OMC ever race their new V6 and rotary together at a race? I would imagine that decision (yes or no) resided with Charley Strang and Jack Leek?

[lars strom]

Paris 1974 @WaterZebra (https://www.screamandfly.com/member.php?u=25765) and St. Louis 1974. (Maybe other places also. Rotary John knows.)

OZ Class racing St. Louis 1974. A mix of Merc V6, OMC V6 and 2 Rotary’s..

http://svera.se/blogg/oz-class-racing-st-louis-1974-a-mix-of-merc-v6-omc-v6-and-2-rotarys/ (http://svera.se/blogg/oz-class-racing-st-louis-1974-a-mix-of-merc-v6-omc-v6-and-2-rotarys/)

[lars strom]

St. Louis 1974.

”Barry Woods in his Scotti boat powered by the Evinrude Rotary was by far the fastest boat. Won the first two heats but barrel-rolled in the third when he was leading handing the victory to Bob Hering”

479194

479195

[lars strom]

Sam LaBanco (https://www.facebook.com/sam.labanco?__cft__[0]=AZW7HoaD3LTRT9bW_otjJJU5iHftiC0P66hUJMv9mudyd1nmr9lcMItSdbYD-HBZEKGwMr7DVNqQdqUmccsj0Q0gGx4XObEm5C9dyZqQGhi3kMsIrw3HdXfCsC_SAM-rWTOlJQ-E2daIEj3Rcp0rhmakYe_RLQT3kqVo4A79MpG_B6U7J4SKmbhsL_FxYiousFQ&__tn__=-UC*F)

OMC F1-V8 connecting rod forging not machined yet.

479196

[Rotary John]

Did OMC ever race their new V6 and rotary together at a race? I would imagine that decision (yes or no) resided with Charley Strang and Jack Leek?I believe St. Louis '74; Paris 74; and Pewaukee 75. St. Louis story above, Paris rotaries 1-2 until Posey hit the turn buoy and destroyed the boat. Woods/Jimbo Lead by as much as 15 min. until the engine quit with less than an hr. to go. Loose carbs, and Pewaukee, Strang wanted the V-6 to win as it was being released for production.

[lars strom]

“It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas” onboard our Marathon Coach #1035.:cheers:

479213

479214

479215

479216

[Instigator]

Love it Lars!

[lars strom]

F1-V8 pit 1985.

479218

[lars strom]

Happy birthday Alan Stoker.

479220

[Instigator]

Indeed.

Racer, here on the board, one of my hero’s.

He and his dad took OMC fish motors and won 3 or 4 championships against the Merc factory, in Mod VP.

I remember pixs of the Merc support trucks parked in the pits and the Stokers station wagon in the middle of them ������


Happy b day Al!


Happy birthday Alan Stoker.

479220

[WaterZebra]

Indeed.

Racer, here on the board, one of my hero’s.

He and his dad took OMC fish motors and won 3 or 4 championships against the Merc factory, in Mod VP.

I remember pixs of the Merc support trucks parked in the pits and the Stokers station wagon in the middle of them ������


Happy b day Al!

I remember one St. Louis race where Al Stoker won the race and motored over to the dock to pick up the checkered flag for a victory lap. Problem was (like a lot of his beach starts) he couldn't get that Evinrude re-lit so he jogged up and down the dock a couple of times. LOL I don't think OMC ever gave the credit and recognition Al and his dad deserved.:smiletest:

[lars strom]

Funny...:)

Ric McChesney

(https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100009098666022&comment_id=Y29tbWVudDoxMDIxNjgxODI4MjgwMzE1MV8xMDIxNjgxODg5ODIxODUzNg%3D%3D&__cft__[0]=AZVcPQlvUP-ArO45buaouCMhyXqyssz0zmPZG7w3GjueczH4RteNIx2kT4k79QCpVMaDFtwDJh8iqVJNVFM5KstDPh9FENJm1MYNxzux4GkdCPY TI2QWXiRZqdIkZCrUvTQ&__tn__=R]-y%2370.g-R)Happy Birthday Al, remember " You dont need a second effort if its done right the first time"

[lars strom]

Happy birthday Alan Stoker.

479220


Ric McChesney (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100009098666022&comment_id=Y29tbWVudDoxMDIxNjgxODI4MjgwMzE1MV8xMDIxNjgyMDYxMTMwMTM2Mg%3D%3D&__cft__[0]=AZW9D_ayVgx6xjlUCFIVgijGcLqgouFHukn3Ul2ZDemk4L7Bbp5gGGzpyjMz6BmaAaZ6DFCrnJReffMidDSuyLXS_Fo7aOFdqdi W42SyBGr0JieBApmxNuLM1s0rva3p1AyhgMWVmMoYa5WSUtqzXenz&__tn__=R]-R)

Picture was taken at Kankakee, see the boat club in the background.

[lars strom]

Uim f3 1987.

479254