By Gary Schultz, Courier-Journal Staff Writer
July 1, 1980 — Pay 'n Pak is coming back — but not at Madison, Ind., on Sunday.
That was the word yesterday from the Seattle-based team that had hoped to run the revolutionary unlimited hydroplane in the Gold Cup race.
"There's no way we can make it," said Monte Leen, a spokesman for the chain of do-it-yourself stores that sponsor the boat. "The basic hull is ready to go, but there are some other things that aren't right yet."
Leen said the Pak crew didn't want to enter a race until the boat had been thoroughly tested.
"We didn't want to throw everything together just to make the Gold Cup," he said. "We want to be ready to be competitive. As it is, we're a week to 10 days from putting the boat in the water for the first time."
Pay 'n Pak dominated the sport from 1973-75 before owner Dave Heerensperger retired from racing in 1976.
During its heyday, the boat was powered by the conventional unlimited hydroplane setup — a vintage World War II aircraft engine. The new Pak will be powered by a turbine engine similar to those used in helicopters during the Vietnam War.
With Pay 'n Pak on the sidelines, probably until the Tri-Cities (Wash.) race on July 27, Madison Regatta officials are expecting eight to nine boats for the $65,000 Gold Cup competition.
The regatta received an unexpected boost yesterday when another new boat, the Aronow-Halter Special, joined the lineup of challengers to heavily favored Miss Budweiser.
Not since the mid-1960s, when Bill Sterrett of Owensboro, Ky., campaigned Miss Chrysler Crew, has an automotive-engine powered boat competed on he unlimited hydroplane circuit.
The Aronow-Halter Special will be propelled by twin 850-horsepower turbo-charged Cosworths, the engines that have become the leading force in Indianapolis 500 racing. Earl Bentz will drive the boat.
Miss Busweiser, driven by Dean Chenoweth, has won all three 1980 races and 11 consecutive heats. The boat has 4,400 points and comfortably leads Circus Circus (2,138), driven by Steve Reynolds, in the national championship standings. Atlas Van Lines (1,975), with Bill Muncey driving, is third.
