Facts about Evinrude/Johnson racing outboards made my OMC

[lars strom]

Embassy GP/Bristol 1977.

Well..I was there racing OE/F3 with my Molinari/VPK.

This was one of the first big European races for Renato with Evinrude power. In my opinion Renato did nothing wrong. He got the result perfect.
Not only did he win the OZ class race with Evinrude CCC..Bob Hering was second with Johnson V6 RS.
On top of that Renato won the OE/F3 race with an Evinrude CC.
Renato did exactly what OMC hired him to do.
Bob Hering was hired by Renato to drive a second Saffa boat.
Same as Renato hired me to drive the second Saffa boat in Paris 1978.
I must do as Renato said or get another ride.

[lars strom]

Bob Hering won the 1978 UIM OE World Championship race, still driving for Renato.

Hering's #457 Molinari even raced under the Italian flag. (second picture)

This is an interesting picture from the UIM OE World Championship race in Dayton, Ohio 1978.

Renato is using an after market midsection and a Merc gear case..Well..I guess it did not work out very good because Bob Hering won with a sister Molinari powered by a real OMC Mod 50/OE/F3 midsection gear case. Well Bob used a Johnson RS engine cover..

PS..I dont think Jack Leek next to Renato's engine is very happy with Renato's "home made" stuff..!!

[lars strom]

More unique and interesting stuff from Paris 6 hours 1976..
Mercury's top driver Bob Hering left Merc for OMC just before the race.
Bob Hering teamed up with Tom Posey and drove the #88 ON Class Johnson RS V6 2 liter/ Molinari in the famous race.
Well..a hole in the boat ended the race early.

This is when it started for Bob Hering/Renato Molinari switching to Evinrude/Johnson racing outboards.

[lars strom]

Paris 6 Hours 1976

I have two picture from the start..the first one is me in a brand new #47 OE class Burgess with Johnson RS power.
I found my own little area to start from.

The second picture is very interesting..check the ON class #88.. That's Bob Hering in a Johnson RS powered Molinari..!!
That tells me the OMC - Renato Molinari deal was already done.
Paris was always the first year for OMC's racing budget.
OMC's calender year ended September 30.


Attachment 474497

More Paris 6 Hours 1976 and the #88 Molinari/Johnson V6 RS..

[lars strom]

Cathy McConnell

This is Chattanooga, Tenn. in 1983.
Jimbo is preparing to take Willard Scott on a ride in the 2-seat Press Boat. A Special Lifeline Jacket and Helmet were ordered for him. It was the largest Life jacket they had ever made. Willard Scott was a Very Big Man.
He just passed away. Our thoughts are with his family and friends. RIP.

[lars strom]

A better picture of Bob Hering's record setting boat of course with Evinrude V8 power....

Bob Hering, U.S.A., Parker Dam, Evinrude V8, 169.53 MPH

From the front page of the 1987 Evinrude sales brochure.

[lars strom]

Renato took his Saffa/Molinari/Evinrude V6 CCC to the overall win in the Dutch 3 hours GP 1977.

[lars strom]

OMC’s massive win in Bristol-Embassy GP 1977.

Renato Molinari was on fire in his is new Evinrude V6 CCC and his in line 3 CC in this race. Renato was not only the overall winner in the OZ class #2 Molinari/Saffa/Evinrude V6 2.448 liter cross-flow.
He was also the winner in the OE class #165 Molinari/Evinrude CC.
Yes I was there racing OE and finished sixth in my Molinari/Volvo Penta/Konig
Well..it was OMC engines in the top four overall positions..

https://svera.se/blogg/omcs-massive-win-in-bristol-embassy-gp-1977/

[lars strom]

...

[lars strom]

Well in the seventies safety was not a priority..
Renato Molinari in this beautiful painted #165 Molinari/Saffa/Evinrude V6 CCC 3 liter looper fuel injection.
Looks like Renato is driving in bare arms..

[WaterZebra]

Well in the seventies safety was not a priority..
Renato Molinari in this beautiful painted #165 Molinari/Saffa/Evinrude V6 CCC 3 liter looper fuel injection.
Looks like Renato is driving in bare arms..

Along with safety in the 70's the paint scheme on that boat is horrid. The blue is OK but that coral or bean orange is ugly.

[lars strom]

Refueling and driver change in Parker Enduro 1980.
Yes..Ken Stevenson & Bob Spalding won in a #201 Velden Racing with a 3 liter Johnson V6 RS

[lars strom]

More from Parker Enduro 1980.

[lars strom]

More from Parker Enduro 1980.


Jim Nerstrom
Yes, it's me with my 1980's curly hair style. Ken and Bob presented me with their Parker 9 hour jacket at the awards banquet, still cherish it.

[lars strom]

More from Parker Enduro 1980.