This last week, we lost an icon in the Unlimited hydroplane racing community. Fred Alter, also known as “Fearless Fred” or “Fast Freddie,” past away in a Florida hospital on Saturday evening following a fall experienced on the previous Wednesday. He was 94.

Fred was one of a kind, active in the Unlimiteds since the early 1950s. "Fearless Fred" is known for driving nineteen different Unlimited hydroplanes in competition, more than anyone else. One of these was the turbine powered 1973 Miss Lapeer, the first turbine powered unlimited to enter a race. He also drove the hull called Atlas Van Lines in the movie Madison.

Following his retirement as a driver in 1975, he became the Unlimited Racing Commissioner from 1981 through 1983. He helped bring sponsorships and national television coverage to the sport, and was named the Unlimited Racing Commission Official of the Year in 1977.

Recently, he founded the “Pioneers of Powerboating,” an arm of the Great Lakes Maritime Institute, to preserve the history of the sport. Rest in Peace, Freddie.

We will miss you.

Written by Doug Ford

WE HAVE FINALLY REACHED THE FINISH LINE ON THIS VERY TOUGH RACE CALLED 2020!

Now, it's time to head back to the pits, refuel, change your props and get ready to get back on the water!

We know 2020 has been rough on lots of people - It's been rough on us, too.

If you find yourself in the position of being able to make a year end donation, please consider The Hydroplane & Raceboat Museum.

Use this link to make a donation now:

https://www.paypal.com/donate/?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=UXR6V9XYTS25L&fbclid=IwAR31eVEYtA0cX_X9O2tXV1gnqWHuFuC-2bsDaorghkYXNUvm9XK-0M_c0qs

THE HYDROPLANE & RACEBOAT MUSEUM WISHES EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU A VERY SAFEE AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!

The Video Vault is a private Group, on our web site, that provides Museum members access to hundreds of hours of hydroplane video footage. Some of the footage is very rare, not seen in public for decades. Here is how you can join!