LARGE VERSION

On that warm blustery August afternoon in 1921, three American boats would compete against the lone english challenger in the Harmsworth Trophy Race on the Detroit River. The Maple Leaf VII, piloted by Col. A. W. Tait, constructed of plywood that would not "give" tore a hole in her hull on the second lap. That left Miss America I, driven by George Wood and Bernard Smith; Miss America II, driven by Gar Wood and Jay Smith; and Miss Chicago driven by Phil Wood. After Miss America I sprung a leak and was knocked out of the race, and Miss Chicago barely finished with engine trouble, Miss America II easily captured the win. For the estimated crowd of 400,000 spectators, it was said to have been one of the most disappointing Harmsworth races ever. Even so, a milestone in racing history was made. After taking both the Harmsworth Trophy and the Gold Cup, Gar Wood driving Miss America II set a new world speed record by dashing across the measured mile at 80.567 miles per hour! Try to find the portrait of Gar Wood hidden in this work. [webmaster note: it's reasonably visible even in the JPEG picture.] Return to the Top Clary page. Return to the Top THUNDERFEST page. All contents Copyright © 1998 Spirit of Detroit THUNDERFEST, except where noted. All Rights Reserved. Web page created by Brian Reed.