CHRYSLER JEEP DETROIT APBA GOLD CUP July 6-9, 2000 Monday June 19 2000 *** NEW WATER SPEED RECORD FOR PROP-DRIVEN POWERBOATS! A great era comes to a close as one of the longest-standing motorsport records was broken this past Thursday, June 15th. Driven by Russ Wicks, the U-25 Miss FreeI is owned by UHRA commissioner Ken Muscatel and averaged a speed of 205.494 through the timing traps. Wicks needed two runs on a one-mile straight course, in opposite directions, within a 20 minute period. His northbound run was clocked at 207.254 then southbound at 203.735. The previous record of 200.419 was set in 1962 by Roy Duby in the "Miss U.S. I" (owned by Detroiter George Simon) at Lake Guntersville, Alabama. Things sure were a lot different on that day in April 1962 when they set this record with a boat running an open cockpit and WWII Rolls-Royce Merlin (V-12) piston engine. Roy also set the kilo record that day which continues to stand at 198.168. Both records are landmarks in powerboat history. Roy and George have passed on within just the last 2 years, and we miss seeing them at the races. While their mile record has now been eclipsed, their achievement has not. UHRA historian Fred Farley has written a wonderful story about Roy: http://www.thunderfest.com/history/royduby1.html All our congratulations go to Ken Muscatel, Russ Wicks, FreeI, the secondary sponsors, and the volunteers who assisted. For more details and photos of the record setting run, visit Chuck & Cindy Moore's website: http://www.hydrofest.com *** NEW SODT SPORTSWEAR! This year's items include a khaki & teal cap, a very nice Jersey Shirt (like a polo) with checkerboard collar and cuffs, a light denim long-sleeve, and a rain jacket. For details & photos: http://www.thunderfest.com/mmart/mmart.html All include the Thunderfest logo. *** REMINDER - JIM CLARY PAINTING TO BE UNVEILED THIS WEDNESDAY This years commemorative work, "Roostertail Frenzy - The 1976 Gold Cup" is a portrayal of Atlas Van Lines and Miss U.S. dashing around the Roostertail turn, with the Roostertail restaurant in the background. Portraits of Bill Muncey, Tom D'Eath, the late George Simon, and the late Lee Schoenith are hidden somewhere in the painting. The restaurant will be opening it's doors and providing the munchies - no admission charge! (cash bar). June 21st at 6PM. For the first time, Cap'n Jim and his shipmates will be exhibiting prints in Waterworks Park. Be sure to take a look! [Ed note: Location change: look in the Merchandise Mart area] *** REMINDER - MANDATORY SODT VOLUNTEER MEETING --- JUNE 27TH The annual mandatory volunteer meeting is Tuesday June 27, 6PM, at the Main Event restaurant located inside the Pontiac Silverdome. This is when we will receive our credentials, t-shirts, and lunch tickets. Call the office if you have any questions. - Brian Reed (Volunteer WebMaster)

Return to the Top NEWSLETTER page. Return to the Top THUNDERFEST page. All contents Copyright © 2000 Spirit of Detroit THUNDERFEST, except where noted. All Rights Reserved. Written by Brian Reed.