Hot Singles ! - Pictures

[Lake X Kid]

Mr. Mercury & Miss Molinari had a nice marriage while it lasted.

~~~~~

Flight on water, the latest evolved motorized destiny.
Speed surpassing the, former V-hull plows pedigree.
Miss Molinari — you excited many of men’s nerves.
Wooden lines proportional bent, to reveal aero curves.
I met you in the early 70s, at Lake Como, thanks dad.
At regattas, you were the envy flower atop the lily pad.
I was young, watching older guys take you water dancing.
Like Fred Astaire, my friends led you over waves prancing.
You were loyal to man’s touch, and a welcomed playmate.
Later many, Astaire-pilots wanted another like you to date.
You were an Italian princess, in both Europe and the states.
We were both young then, a lake’s sunrise glitter on skates.
rsr

[willabee]

[GENE LANHAM]

​so sorry to hear—

[GENE LANHAM]

[jackiewilson]

Really sorry Bill, know what a good friend he was to you. Tried for years to get you to come to the OFF meeting . Told me every time i saw him ——-​I tried , even offered to swing by and collect him — but he always says the same thing —- MAYBE NEXT YEAR !!!!!!

[Zonkercraft]

Tom was a friend to all. Always greeted you with a smile and a handshake. I miss and will always miss the conversations with Tom. A great friend to have...we are all lucky to have him.

[willabee]

Tom was a friend to all. Always greeted you with a smile and a handshake. I miss and will always miss the conversations with Tom. A great friend to have...we are all lucky to have him.

Several years ago I remember Watermark saying that Tom was a great ambassador for boat racing. I agree with that statement, he was good for the sport.

I met Tom in 67 or 68. He was a professional butcher, lived in Dayton and raced Checkmates in the FJ class on weekends. His first factory ride was Havasu 68. He ran an 18' Molinari powered with a 1250 SBP (1350), one of four entered in their first race. He was running 1st overall at the 2 hour mark with that single engine rig, his first time in a tunnel boat!

He was hired in 69, about a year after the Merc OPC Race Division was formed and moved to Oshkosh with his wife Marcia and daughter "Peanut" His hiring was followed by that of Downard, Hering and Merten. He raced in all major events including Paris and Berlin. Set all the single engine marks for Havasu in 70.

Tom's #254 .....

[peterse90]

Wish I had had a chance to meet Tom. His name came up many times at Havasu this past October at the re-union.

[SCT]

Tom was a friend of my dad’s and I just remember him being ‘larger’ than life when I was a kid!

Here’s a good picture w- his **** eating grin.

[FUJIMO]

[GENE LANHAM]

[rckid74]

Attachment 496538

i enhanced the picture of jackie's cowbell so it better shows how the bottom end of the rear cowbell extends out beyond the back side of the mid.

Attachment 496540

ya know -- every black max v6 is a cowbell engine. It's just that the bells are inside the driveshaft housing!!!

[FUJIMO]

...if ya think about it, you are correct, lol...... (diamond marines tuner/cowbell)

[rckid74]

...if ya think about it, you are correct, lol...... (diamond marines tuner/cowbell)

Wow!! them are some purdy ones!!

[WaterZebra]

Several years ago I remember Watermark saying that Tom was a great ambassador for boat racing. I agree with that statement, he was good for the sport.

I met Tom in 67 or 68. He was a professional butcher, lived in Dayton and raced Checkmates in the FJ class on weekends. His first factory ride was Havasu 68. He ran an 18' Molinari powered with a 1250 SBP (1350), one of four entered in their first race. He was running 1st overall at the 2 hour mark with that single engine rig, his first time in a tunnel boat!

He was hired in 69, about a year after the Merc OPC Race Division was formed and moved to Oshkosh with his wife Marcia and daughter "Peanut" His hiring was followed by that of Downard, Hering and Merten. He raced in all major events including Paris and Berlin. Set all the single engine marks for Havasu in 70.

Tom's #254 .....

I had no idea that Tom and others were "drafted" to race in the Merc HiPerf OPC division. First time I have heard that Tom cut meat for a living. How did Mercury find these guys? Were they all racing as hobbyists at some point? Seebold and Molinari were "groomed" to go places by their families where Fountain appeared with his own funding income.