Wings?

[GENE LANHAM]

The vee front boat I bought from Mercury in 1970. Ran 1250 BP's on it until I almost blew it over in 1971. It was sold to some North adakota ANG pilots who did blow it over. Boat was scrapped in the Cass County. ND landfill in 1973.

Hi Bernie--

A little more history--(you may have this)--Dave Craig won the 1963 Gold Coast Marathon in the 'vee front' Wing.

'Rees Schnits' finished 5th in the same boat Dave ran in 1962- Dave finished 2nd overall in-'Bonadettes'---

https://www.floridamemory.com/fpc/me.../mp4/ca007.mp4

There is a good video of the 1962 Gold Coast--called 'Gold Rush' mislabled 1963-

[GENE LANHAM]

i remember Dave Craig having a Wood Switzer and racing it in the early 60s.
it was a beautiful boat and was the first one I ever saw. Soon he sold that one to a guy name Reeves (sp?) Schmidts and got a smaller one with a Vee bow. Reeves drove the boat in a few races over the next few years, but was not a serious racer.
i believe he raced in the GCM but never finished too high.
what the heck ever happened to the boat and him?

I don't think the 5 wooden Wings were ever 'bought or sold'----I think the were sort of passed around at the whim of ONE man--

Jan got this one--

[velox]

I don't think the 5 wooden Wings were ever 'bought or sold'----I think the were sort of passed around at the whim of ONE man--

Jan got this one--

I would have to disagree in Rees's case,
he was a complete unknown in racing and to my knowledge had no background that would make Carl want to put him in a Switzer.
Rees's used to visit the Skyway Bar regularly and Dave met him there.

[Powercat]

This is a favorite Wood Wing Photo
......

[Bob V]

That is such a great picture that it needs to be Super Sized...

[2us70]

I have always thought that boat was the best looking of the wings. I have also heard that it was the fastest of the bunch.

[lilabner]

I have always thought that boat was the best looking of the wings. I have also heard that it was the fastest of the bunch.

I agree, and I also heard that from Dave Craig. My favorite shot goes right next to yours.

An interesting little fact about the first wing running the kilo after the six hour at Lake X. Jon Culver and John Bakos had a duel. Culver ran his PowerCat and Bakos drove the U1 Wing. It was a long day. We each got three tries on the kilo. My last run was spoiled by an officials boat where I almost blew over. No more runs for me. Culver and Bakos were running neck in neck, one would be faster than the other each run, high 70's. The PowerCat ended up fastest after three tries, but the good Lord stepped in and they were allowed to register again for three more runs each. A lot of work was going on, on set ups and props between runs. I think Culver was right there with the speed again until he blew over, and John clicked off a quick one, so the Wing was the fastest. Jimmy Sewares was very close to Culver also in his PowerCat. It was quite a fun freezing day. Ice in the bilge in the morning..

[Bob V]

Another Bigger is Better picture...

[Bob V]

But you don't need a wing to fly...

[2us70]

Who is driving in that picture? Also that is the ultimate Switzer wing photo. I had the experience of being passed by Switzers many times and saw that view up close and personal. You never forget that stuff.

Another Bigger is Better picture...

[lilabner]

Who is driving in that picture? Also that is the ultimate Switzer wing photo. I had the experience of being passed by Switzers many times and saw that view up close and personal. You never forget that stuff.

That's Dave Craig, he was also the last one to drive it. He was thrown thru the side doing EC's bidding. Hurt pretty bad, but nothing like flipping his PowerCat and getting run over by it. Sliced open his belly pretty good. Happened at MOC. I figured I better make sure I got to work early to take over. Got there at about 7AM, walked in Dave's office to turn off the outside lights, Dave is sitting at his desk, all wrapped up, and says " What are you doing here so early Butch"? I was floored..He is one tough man, always had my respect.

[GENE LANHAM]

Who is driving in that picture? Also that is the ultimate Switzer wing photo. I had the experience of being passed by Switzers many times and saw that view up close and personal. You never forget that stuff.

Odell drove it more than once--

[Bob V]

Up close and personal...

[Bob V]

Gene Lanham flying the "Duct Tape Special"
​Sponsored by 3M

I'll need a couple of rolls for this one...

[Bob V]