Tricks that old racers get up to after retirement

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Originally Posted by GENE LANHAM

Hi Jackie--Hi Bob V---

I have good news-----and bad news-------------

The Publisher is an online company named--BLURB---but for some reason can not locate MEMOIRS---?? (still looking)

The GOOD NEWS??---

They have published TWO Books on my FAMOUS and BEAUTIFUL wife-----

Attachment 465159
Attachment 465160

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Sorry to have to tell you Gene, the attachments of “Beautiful and Famous Wife” are “Not Valid” .
You never sent me your address.
Does Doug want a “Concept” wing, or the real thing?
How far on with the MALIBUSTANG are you?
Still in total lockdown here, even though it’s VE 75th Anniversary Day.
Boris doesn’t want the blame for a second wave of Covid 19, so he does nothing.
Unfortunately, Brits Are tired of isolation and will say “enough” and do what they have to, without being stupid.

If only Marlboro had used Pruett instead of the ponce cowboy, the would have sold much more product. Trouble was, he only ever smoked CAMEL .Attachment 465212

No polntsfor guessing where that picture was taken—— one point for guessing the year!

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Originally Posted by jackiewilson

If only Marlboro had used Pruett instead of the ponce cowboy, the would have sold much more product. Trouble was, he only ever smoked CAMEL .Attachment 465212

No polntsfor guessing where that picture was taken—— one point for guessing the year!

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1969

Close!

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Originally Posted by jackiewilson

Close!

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1971

https://www.screamandfly.com/attachm...2&d=1588929066

Attachment 465231

Today is VE Day and I make no apology for being English and fiercely patriotic!
My father was a flight engineer in the Royal Air Force, he survived thirty six operations, dropping bombs on Germany.
I still remember the street party celebrations of 1945, i was thirteen years old at the time, my young brother .” Nipper”. was nine.

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Originally Posted by jackiewilson

If only Marlboro had used Pruett instead of the ponce cowboy, the would have sold much more product. Trouble was, he only ever smoked CAMEL .Attachment 465212

No polntsfor guessing where that picture was taken—— one point for guessing the year!

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1970

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Originally Posted by jackiewilson

Attachment 465212

No polntsfor guessing where that picture was taken—— one point for guessing the year!

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Did you forget that you asked for guesses? :confused:

...Victory for Europe Day...and it allies...Thank-You Sir For Your Service!...:thumbsup:https://www.screamandfly.com/attachm...1&d=1588958351

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Originally Posted by willabee

Did you forget that you asked for guesses? :confused:

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Didn’t forget Bill, damned if I could remember if it was ‘69 or ‘71 ?
I would opt for the latter, logic tells me that Don Ross and I were at Havasu together and there are no pictures of Don anywhere! That was ‘69. In 1971 I had been “drummed out of the brownies”” and gone there with Pruett., So the chances are, I was taking pictures of him at the start. Plus, there’s at least ten more of the start.
Would feel like I was overstepping the mark to print all ten !

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Originally Posted by jackiewilson

Didn’t forget Bill, damned if I could remember if it was ‘69 or ‘71 ?
I would opt for the latter, logic tells me that Don Ross and I were at Havasu together and there are no pictures of Don anywhere! That was ‘69. In 1971 I had been “drummed out of the brownies”” and gone there with Pruett.,

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How many times do we have to tell you that it's not polite to ask for answers to a question when you don't know the answer? :D

Well, I'm taking the point anyway just because I'm right (Mr. Neverwong) ..... 1971. The proof is the black twin with the motors spread in the center, left. That was Renato's white speedster from 1970, now painted black and driven by Petty in 71. I think there were two more twins with the motors spread in 71, Rasini & Summerfeldt, but they were both white. :thumbsup:

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Originally Posted by jackiewilson

Pruett bought me that hat for my 40th birthday——- I would walk two metres behind him through the pits—- told everyone he was my dad.

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Hats of the 4 Amigos.

Attachment 465282

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Originally Posted by Lake X Kid

Hats of the 4 Amigos.

Attachment 465282

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Those were the days my friend, we thought they’d never end !!!

Good title for a song doncha think ?

Anyone know who that is talking to Pruett? I can tell you, he has a drop dead gorgeous wife!!!

Im pretty sure that’s not Bob in the bowler either!! Any takers?

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Originally Posted by willabee

How many times do we have to tell you that it's not polite to ask for answers to a question when you don't know the answer? :D

Well, I'm taking the point anyway just because I'm right (Mr. Neverwong) ..... 1971. The proof is the black twin with the motors spread in the center, left. That was Renato's white speedster from 1970, now painted black and driven by Petty in 71. I think there were two more twins with the motors spread in 71, Rasini & Summerfeldt, but they were both white. :thumbsup:

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This was the race that Pruett blew over the twin Molinari and tore his hip out.
Then I went back to the Nautical and dropped my pants, in walks this vision of loveliness, I exploded, she fell about laughing.
Fifty years on we met again—- Kathy Flo Smith is still falling about laughing!
I really should have remembered the year!

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Originally Posted by jackiewilson

Attachment 464866

Damned if I can remember what happened to this pair—— one was for Butch Stokes—- the other was for Jim Hunt.

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got mine rite in front of the tv. had a lot of positive comments on it.

i have mine in the china cabinet in my living/dining room. S&F says incorrect image so I can't send you a picture. Worked for the last 17 years though.

Thank you again Jackie

Billy Don and family lived in the same neighborhood as we did in the 70's. He kept saying to me lets get together. I was all for it but my wife was a little scared of him.

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Originally Posted by lilabner

i have mine in the china cabinet in my living/dining room. S&F says incorrect image so I can't send you a picture. Worked for the last 17 years though.

Thank you again Jackie

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Thanks Jim and Butch—- the older I get, the more forgetful, accident prone and dafter I get!
Been using a huge trunk as a worktop in my shed for the last three years. Forgotten what was in it long ago, so I thought I’d better take a peek.
Inside are some fifteen or twenty full size”Concepts” I packed up ready to send to an old farts meeting and completely forgot about .
Cost of postage to the USA , was something like $175! Can you wonder I didn’t send them!
If anyone’s interested in buying about 100 lbs plus of Jackie Wilson concepts blind, then let me know.
Onthe other hand, I could reopen the trunk and itemise the contents, list them all and then ask for offers.
As Forest’s mum once said, Life is like a box of chocolates, You just don’t know what you’re going to get ‘till you open them up!

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Originally Posted by lilabner

Billy Don and family lived in the same neighborhood as we did in the 70's. He kept saying to me lets get together. I was all for it but my wife was a little scared of him.

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Butch, everybody’s wife was afraid of Pruett, mine included. I told her, just keep your knicker elastic tight when Pruetts around. His hands could reach parts other hands only dreamed of. He loved every female he ever met, plus, he was the worlds greatest “Fanny Magnet” since Rudolph Valentino! I’m not saying this for any malicious reasons, I loved the guy to bits from the minute I first met him. Was friends with him ‘till the day he died ( which I never believed could happen ) until Jack Stuteville informed me he’d died.
I was standing with Anne Curtis and my son Mark in St. Tropez, watching Stevie Roll the boat over when he told me the news!
I have devoted a whole chapter of my book to BDP,FBI . It’s very hard to describe Pruett truthfully, without causing offence to his existing family , friends and relatives.
Most exciting time of my life was traveling around the world with Pruett as my companion.
He cared for nobody, but loved everyone, could pick a fight in a closed room with a locked door.
Highly successful racer in both offshore and circuit.
one of only a handful of men who raced triples, duals and single engine rigs.
Rubbed shoulders with the rich and famous.
Definitely “ THE DON JUAN “ of the powerboat world—- Nobody even came close !!!

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Originally Posted by lilabner

i have mine in the china cabinet in my living/dining room. S&F says incorrect image so I can't send you a picture. Worked for the last 17 years though.

Thank you again Jackie

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I get this all the time Butch. Occasionally the Admin steps in, but it generally just slides by. Forget it, it’ll come up again. It’ll get back on track.
On another note here, my youngest daughter SAm ( Samantha for short) has been called “Butch” all her life!
I know it’s got bugger all to do with boat racing, although she did race junior boats against the likes of Andy Elliott and Tiff Needell!
That was until she started shouting at me and demanding a new motor and generally throwing her dollies outa the pram at twelve years old in the pits at the LMBRC, She still doesn’t believe I sold it for cash to guy in the pits who was standing close by.
When you’re raising four girls and a boy, discipline and respect have to be maintained at all times, or you’ve lost!

Inbetween me posting on the tricks site and writing a book, constructing “ concepts “ . I do have a life of my own. Believe it or not.
I am sitting back and letting the rest of the world put the world to rights.
Its then that I realise what a clever bugger I am compared to them.
There’s absolutely no way on Gods earth I could make such a bloody mess of things that the powers that be have done!
Fifty days lock down and we still have a higher mortality rate than those who just buried their heads and did nothing. Economy turned to worms. Money thrown like confetti at a royal wedding. Achievement nothing so far, but there’s ambition!
Air travel as we knew it, gone for good! Petrol prices down to where it should be. ( or getting on that way). Climate?? Well, your guess is as good as mine!
Now those brave warriors who decided behind closed doors what the rest of the world should do have all but disappeared up their own rectum. What are we going to do!

Whats the books title going to be?

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Originally Posted by powerabout

Whats the books title going to be?

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Not finally decided yet Pilgrim., you can take that as a not going to tell you or I don’t know, .
What I will tell you is, it’ll be twenty chapters about BOATRACING and it’s characters.
At least ten and no more than twenty pages per chapter.
Hundreds of piccies! And I want it be a can’t put it down book!
Brownies is all offshore—— I’ve a feeling Ron’s will be circuit.
I have to do something that includes and then exceeds both,.
A formidable task.

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Originally Posted by GENE LANHAM

Hi Jackie--Hi Bob V---

I have good news-----and bad news-------------

The Publisher is an online company named--BLURB---but for some reason can not locate MEMOIRS---?? (still looking)

The GOOD NEWS??---

They have published TWO Books on my FAMOUS and BEAUTIFUL wife-----

Attachment 465159
Attachment 465160

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Gene...Good News...I found your memoir. I have attached a link below so that everybody can order a copy and make this one a best seller...:thumbsup:

https://www.blurb.com/b/1415863-gene-lanham

Crap and damnation, this always seems to be happening on a regular basis these days. News of another of my favourite people dying on me!
Graham Burton was a fourteen year old kid and crazy about powerboats, son of Denny Burton, long time family friend. He had two brothers Nick and Neil who were friends with my four girls.
They all grew up together at Iver , home of the LMBRC, where we spent eight months of the year, camping out and BOATRACING most weekends.
In those far of days, before single seater racing, you needed a crew. There was usually enough impecunious enthusiasts about that was enough to go round.
Young Grahame took to it like a duck to water, I even stopped yelling at him what to do after the second heat.
He was my crew for many years, right up to the time he got his licence and single seaters came on the scene, he became a good friend and remained so for over fifty years!.
Today my friend Graham Burton died. RIP. Graham and thanks for so many happy hours!

...sorry to hear another friend went to the hearafter Jack...

Hells teeth Gene, I can buy two john Grisham— three James Patterson—- and a signed original copy of gone with the wind for price of the hardback!
There’s a good read and “ Excusivity” —— Gene Langham — Memoirs is DOCUMENTAL .
Nonetheless, I shall bite the bullet, take out a second mortgage, raid the piggy bank and maybe sell one of the Rollers!
On the other hand, I could swop you one of the last wings ever for a signed copy, I heard Doug wants one !

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Originally Posted by Bob V

Gene...Good News...I found your memoir. I have attached a link below so that everybody can order a copy and make this one a best seller...:thumbsup:

https://www.blurb.com/b/1415863-gene-lanham

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WOW!

Thanks Bob--

BUT----"she who must be obeyed"------

---and her name is KARIN

---and the book is KARIN

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Originally Posted by jackiewilson

Those were the days my friend, we thought they’d never end !!!

Good title for a song doncha think ?

Anyone know who that is talking to Pruett? I can tell you, he has a drop dead gorgeous wife!!!

Im pretty sure that’s not Bob in the bowler either!! Any takers?

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Guy in the bowler hat is one of Toms teamates used to be a bit of a poser only turned up when JPS sponsership showed up he always wore tinted specs and sometimes carried a walking umbrella to go with the bowler hat.Guy talking to Pruett as you know was Bob Glen who worked for his uncle who had the UK Johnson dealership and when Bob was a young whippersnapper he fancied himself as a boat racer he rang Bill Shakespeare up to give Bill a demo of the then new 75 HP V4 Johnson outboard on a skiboat he turned up at Bills boatyard on the river severn and the river is not very wide there and Bob gunned it from the riverbank across the river straight into a moored 30ft cruiser and sank it. I saw the picture on Bills office wall of this accident the skiboat was still embedded in the cruiser when they craned it out.Bobs wife Pippa as Jackie said was a very attractive cool lady i can tell a little story about my teamate Jeff Edwards sat in his Johnson powered outfit engine supplied by Bob Glen with over 100 outfits all lined up at the start of the 1973 Paris 6hr race everyone itching to press the start button 5 min countdown gun had long gone when Edwards jumped up out of his seat walked to back of his boat and shouted i need a pee and Pippa blocked his way and said not today Jeff.

https://bookshow.blurb.com/bookshow/...4186f3105f80a2

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Originally Posted by jackiewilson

Not finally decided yet Pilgrim., you can take that as a not going to tell you or I don’t know, .
What I will tell you is, it’ll be twenty chapters about BOATRACING and it’s characters.
At least ten and no more than twenty pages per chapter.
Hundreds of piccies! And I want it be a can’t put it down book!
Brownies is all offshore—— I’ve a feeling Ron’s will be circuit.
I have to do something that includes and then exceeds both,.
A formidable task.

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Jackie when you do decide a title, be more specific than Gene's memoir book.

Gene of all the titles online and in bookstores, how are you going to invite people who do not know you, to open or look at a review of your book. Subtitle, I think that would entice readers to open/purchase your book, would probably include; Boat Racer, Fireman, Pilot and more exciting adventures.

Okay Mr. Lanham, a good looking guy in a tee-shirt will catch the women eyes, but what about us dudes?
Gene this is Jackie's thread, and we get to tell it like we see it — correctly or wrong. Please do not be upset with me. I just want the boat racing fraternity to reach a larger audience, than the guys in the pits.

https://bookshow.blurb.com/bookshow/...4186f3105f80a2

I have one inbound for my reading pleasure. Thank you Mr. Lanham. :cheers:

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Originally Posted by Lake X Kid

Jackie when you do decide a title, be more specific than Gene's memoir book.

Gene of all the titles online and in bookstores, how are you going to invite people who do not know you, to open or look at a review of your book. Subtitle, I think that would entice readers to open/purchase your book, would probably include; Boat Racer, Fireman, Pilot and more exciting adventures.

Okay Mr. Lanham, a good looking guy in a tee-shirt will catch the women eyes, but what about us dudes?
Gene this is Jackie's thread, and we get to tell it like we see it — correctly or wrong. Please do not be upset with me. I just want the boat racing fraternity to reach a larger audience, than the guys in the pits.

https://bookshow.blurb.com/bookshow/...4186f3105f80a2

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Afraid I have to agree with ROY on this one Gene.
Imagination cells were on strike when you named the book!
Two ways of looking at this. Never judge a book by its cover????
A BOOKS ONLY AS GOOD AS ITS AUTHOR .??
Now, as I already know the kind of life you’ve led up to now, along with the adventures, the jobs, the achievements, the abilities , and the legend you have become. I think it’s going to be some “Exciting Biting!
Now that’s ok if you’re known to the public, like one of those scatty celebrity chefs, ( Gordon , mad as a March hare Ramsey) . Or maybe a gay pianist ? ( Liberace or Victor Borge) Or Perhaps a celebrity hooker ???? But a normal red blooded, curly haired American male. No chance!!!
MEMOIRS of a Mass Tranvestite Murderer ? Lecherous Langham, Americas most wanted!!!
Theres a ten million best seller right there in the title !
What do I know Gene, I’ve never even written a book before.
“Tricks” site is about the closest I’ve ever come to writing of any description !
I’m in just over a hundred pages up to now including pictures. You have to have pictures for those unfortunates that can’t read !
I have no idea for a title, but I’m thinking on it.
Three chapters in and I’ve only covered the early years, Garbrecht and Pruett, and some other bits and Bobs. But I am religiously churning out two full pages a day before I go into the shop.
Aiming for five hundred pages, can’t put me on the front cover, I don’t have curly hair!
Don’t think the broken nose would sell many copies either!
What about a collage of ugly boat drivers for the dust cover? God knows there’s a stack of those to be had????
Main thing is, it’s another book about boat racing, by a boat racer, and there’s not many of those about.
Right, that’s me gone, I have things to do, places to go, and a book to write!

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Originally Posted by STEVERINO

Guy in the bowler hat is one of Toms teamates used to be a bit of a poser only turned up when JPS sponsership showed up he always wore tinted specs and sometimes carried a walking umbrella to go with the bowler hat.Guy talking to Pruett as you know was Bob Glen who worked for his uncle who had the UK Johnson dealership and when Bob was a young whippersnapper he fancied himself as a boat racer he rang Bill Shakespeare up to give Bill a demo of the then new 75 HP V4 Johnson outboard on a skiboat he turned up at Bills boatyard on the river severn and the river is not very wide there and Bob gunned it from the riverbank across the river straight into a moored 30ft cruiser and sank it. I saw the picture on Bills office wall of this accident the skiboat was still embedded in the cruiser when they craned it out.Bobs wife Pippa as Jackie said was a very attractive cool lady i can tell a little story about my teamate Jeff Edwards sat in his Johnson powered outfit engine supplied by Bob Glen with over 100 outfits all lined up at the start of the 1973 Paris 6hr race everyone itching to press the start button 5 min countdown gun had long gone when Edwards jumped up out of his seat walked to back of his boat and shouted i need a pee and Pippa blocked his way and said not today Jeff.

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Jeff Edwards ???? While all eyes were on the antics of Bob And Tom, Jeff was quietly getting his end away with Julie. Saying nothing, but always had a smile on his face.
First I heard of it was in the middle of the night at the first 24 hours At Chasewater!!!
They were bivouacked next to me. I heard this unknown female yell in a very loud voice,
Jeff Edwards, give me my FECKIN knickers back !!!
Never knew for certain whether it was Julie, a legend among boat racers!

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Originally Posted by jackiewilson

Jeff Edwards ???? While all eyes were on the antics of Bob And Tom, Jeff was quietly getting his end away with Julie. Saying nothing, but always had a smile on his face.
First I heard of it was in the middle of the night at the first 24 hours At Chasewater!!!
They were bivouacked next to me. I heard this unknown female yell in a very loud voice,
Jeff Edwards, give me my FECKIN knickers back !!!
Never knew for certain whether it was Julie, a legend among boat racers!

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Dang Jackie, if your book is full of episodes like "give me my feckin knickers back" you will be drawing readership from women, tabloid readers, and probably me too. Character driven books are best sellers. And just put it in the environment of boat racing, and you will have anomaly. You might be invited to promote your finished manuscript on a book tour.

Escapades of boat racing characters according to Jackie Wilson.

Oh, I got a million of those ROY.
One case in particular you may be able to relate to.
It concerns the Villa D Este hotel at the bottom of lake Como. Prizegiving had finished and as boat racers tend to do , got a little boisterous and out of hand. Wine was free , now that in itself is licence to play. The caribinerie were called and Tom Percival was one of the first to be arrested and cuffed. I was hiding in the gardens, halfway up a cactus plant with Chas Shooter . Tom suddenly yelled out across the water as he was being led away.
BOB, I DONT KNOW IF YOU CAN HEAR ME, BUT IM BEING ARRESTED, I KNOW YOURE OUT THERE SOMEWHERE, WOULD YOU COME DOWN TO THE POLICE STATION AND EXPLAIN IT WASNT ME,!!
We damn near fell out of the tree laughing.
Suddenly, a row boat with two people pulled up on the shingle beach out steps Bob , spies Chas and me and says. “Tell me the dopey sod hasnt got his self arrested!
There’s a sequel to this tale, but I have to save some things for the book!

Man, I see two chapter titles, that would entice readers to read on.

JEFF GIVE ME MY FECKIN KNICKERS BACK

COME DOWN TO THE POLICE STATION AND EXPLAIN IT WASN'T ME

:) ;)

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Originally Posted by Lake X Kid

Man, I see two chapter titles, that would entice readers to read on.

JEFF GIVE ME MY FECKIN KNICKERS BACK

COME DOWN TO THE POLICE STATION AND EXPLAIN IT WASN'T ME

:) ;)

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​Chronicles of a powerboat man?

Talked to my youngest sister Jan on FaceTime yesterday.
She always used to come to Bristol for the race, loved to play with my kids, she was only a few years older than them.
Now, breakfast in the KILN at the Dragonara hotel Was simply a fantastic experience. Best chefs in the world we’re employed there. I always liked to get there early on race days. Chas and I had finished eating and we’re headed for the pits around 6 am when we spied my daughter Boo and sister Jan jogging back towards the hotel. I said “ morning girls, you’re up and about early” Jan said” well, it’s a nice day so we thought we’d run back” ! Yesterday she told me that the pair of them had been up all night at a card game with the Bullen boys, the Spalding Kids, Peverell and Goodfellow.and the rest of the drivers kids!
She laughed till she wet her knickers , told me they kept it a secret for over forty years!
I have a dozen more BRISTOL stories.
Ill maybe tell you about the time Mark pushed Chas into the dock ! But another time?