Facts about Evinrude/Johnson racing outboards made my OMC

[WaterZebra]

Struggle? How? Like it or not, we are all getting older. His son Mike has silver hair now too. At least his pontoon boat has a Merc on it. Last time there was a picture of him in FL with his boat it was Yamaha powered.

[WaterZebra]

Don Cox

It's hard to tell but I believe my dad, Ward Cox, is holding Jimbo's boat.

Can somebody name everybody lined up in the photo? Looks like the beach was split into 2 major groups. OMC to the right and Merc in the distance to the left. I see an Italian flag on #4. Johnson power...........sure wasn't Molinari? Never did understand what the big deal was to lead the first lap. It was a monster long race and product endurance, fuel strategy and traffic driving were all factors. Looks like it was all V4 Strangler and Stinger GP power in 1972. No V6 power yet. Rotary ran at Parker but I don't think it ever saw Havasu? I'm not even sure OMC V6s ran there as well? Merc had a better line (but longer) to clear the official's tower on the point but OMC had the shorter line but had to swing harder to the point on the right. Probably the only time in the race where being ahead had an advantage.

[lars strom]

WOW..check this out..50 years ago in a few weeks.
The Entry list for the Havasu race 1972.
Thanks
WW.

A complete report about the race here..https://svera.se/blogg/the-pepsi-col...-arizona-1972/

Here it is @WaterZebra

[lars strom]

Pretty cool..!!

[Lake X Kid]

[vintage v4]

Don: I believe that's Mike Kukla with his back to the picture. I see Mouse holding boat 33. Is you dad still around? Tell him John Sheldon, aka Rotary John says hello.

Ward is still around. I see Mouse is one of the few guys in the water doing it the right way.......lifting up.

[lars strom]

This is from a Classic Offshore meeting north of Stockholm last weekend.
Hans Strandman and his Argo/Evinrude V6 235 was one of many boats.

Thanks Patric Andersson for the pictures.

Here you see better how narrow the Argo race boat are..Argo V and cats have been very successful in Offshore racing in Scandinavia.

[lars strom]

Cathy McConnell

Top contributor

Once again we have Lost a Fellow Racer, Competitor, Co-Driver, and Friend….. Barry Woods.
Lots of Memories. Last time we saw Margarite and Barry, a few years ago, they flew into the Needles Airport and we had a Great Visit. Not realizing it would be our last. Later Barry suffered a massive stroke. It has been a Tough Journey for him and his Family.
He is At Peace now…….but probably still looking for the Checkered Flag.
Race In Paradise, Barry!!

[Rotary John]

Cathy McConnell

Top contributor

Once again we have Lost a Fellow Racer, Competitor, Co-Driver, and Friend….. Barry Woods.
Lots of Memories. Last time we saw Margarite and Barry, a few years ago, they flew into the Needles Airport and we had a Great Visit. Not realizing it would be our last. Later Barry suffered a massive stroke. It has been a Tough Journey for him and his Family.
He is At Peace now…….but probably still looking for the Checkered Flag.
Race In Paradise, Barry!!

May he rest in peace. Barry was a great guy and a fearsome competitor.

[lars strom]

Barry is gone but all the great memories are still here.
Thanks Barry and R.I.P.

Barry Woods update/info.
To my surprise I did see a familiar lady at the Racers Reunion Sunday afternoon.
I asked Margarite Woods if I could sit down next to her an did so.
As always she looks great..
Margarite stopped by Lake Havasu City Sunday to see some friends.
As we all know Barry could not come to the event.
Barry is struggling and I told Margarite about all the great memories when Barry was racing overseas.
From driving a rental car in to the Sofitel, Brugge lobby and all the fun in the Amsterdam 3 hours dry pit.
I should have asked Margarite for a picture but forgot..
Barry..lots of people was asking me about you..

— in Lake Havasu City, Arizona.

[lars strom]

Piney Point Maryland June 10, 2023

[lars strom]

Piney Point Maryland June 10, 2023

[lars strom]

Ziggy at Hinton WV 1987, with Jon Stone and Leigh Furnal.

[lars strom]

Piney Point Maryland June 10, 2023

Mr. Herb Payne riding on the drain plug!!

[lars strom]

Lars Strom is at The Encore Lakeside Grill & Sky Bar.
Beautiful late afternoon “beer thirty” at the Encore patio with a great lake view..