The fastest—and loudest—watercraft afloat start their season next Friday in Miami with the $25,000 Champion Spark Plug unlimited hydroplane regatta.
Hydroplane owners are taking dead aim at Florida in more than one way since Miss Budweiser, the champion boat of the last three years, is co-owned by Bernie Little of Tampa. If the rebuilt Budweiser wins a fourth national title, it would be an American Power Boat Association record.
There are several reasons why Miss Bud may not repeat: Two new hydros—with new, talented drivers—last year's fast-finishing Pride of Pay 'n Pak, plus a new pilot for the champion.
The new unlimiteds are Miss Madison and Notre Dame. Then there are last year's new boats, Country Boy, Miss Miami and Miss Timex, which should be tougher with a season's tune-up under their belts. Plus Pizza Pete, an old boat (Fascination) with new engine and new money.
Muncey is Entered.
Of course, there are other obstacles in the Miss Budweiser's goal: Bill Muncey, the sport's most successful driver, who will be at the helm of Atlas Van Lines; Fred Alter's Towne Club, replete with new engines; Bob Fendler's rear-engine Lincoln Special, and a local entry, Miss Miami, with untested driver, Lou Nuta Jr.
Qualifying runs for the season's opener will be held Friday and Saturday, with the final heat on Sunday in Miami's Marine Stadium.
Unlimited fans can be expected to look for the following developments:
- National driving champion, Dean Chenoweth, taking on a new boat in Notre Dame.
- Pride of Pay 'n Pak attempting to continue her string of victories, which reached three last year.
- Gold Cup champion, Jim McCormick, switching to the Rolls-Royce-powered Miss Timex.
- Last year's rookie of the year, Terry Sterett, now driving Miss Budweiser.
The proposed 10-race unlimited by hydroplane schedule has lost its Diamond Cup regatta, which had been listed for Aug. 13 on Lake Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. The sponsor, International Raceways of Seattle, reportedly dropped the event over a dispute on posting a bond with the city council.