Hydroplane and Raceboat Museum
1967 Miss Budweiser
The Hydroplane & Raceboat Museum's 1967 Miss Budwieser was built by Les Staudacher in 1962 for Shirley Mendelson McDonald. She ran in 1962 and 1963 as the Notre Dame. In 1965 the boat was renamed Shu-Shu.
In 1967, the 4th Miss Budweiser crashed in Tampa Florida, killing Bill Brow. Bernie Little bought the Shu-Shu and turned her into the 5th Miss Budweiser. She was driven by Mike Thomas and won the British Columbia Cup in Kelowna BC. The boat was replaced by the famous Ed Karelsen-built hull in 1968.
The hulled next raced in 1970 as the Burien Lady with George Henley a the wheel. It continued running under a variety of names until 1980.
The Hydroplane & Raceboat Museum restored the boat to her Miss Budweiser colors in 1999 just in time to take part in filming the movie Madison.
The 1967 Miss Budweiser is often mistaken for the four seat Miss Budweiser that originally started out as Guy Lombardo's Tempo.
Dave Wrzesinski
This was the first Staudacher built Notre Dame. The boat was driven by Col Gardener. It had a major fire and was brought back to the shop and turned on to the two seater named SHU SHU
Oct 12, 2018
Pastor David Ash Sr.
i grew up w/ Mike Thomas in Harvey Cedars ,N.J. during the 50s/60s & watched him practice on Barnegat Bay. i painted his 266 in the 60s.He was a kind and loving person. GOD bless him !!!
Jan 5, 2021
Steven John cooper
Hi to all from Oz, regarding the 1977 Miss Budweiser National Champion which bought by Ron Burton and raced successfully in Australia. After Ron put the boat in storage myself Steve Cooper, Joe Cooper and Vern White acquired and re built her with an 86A Merlin with water meth injection. After 2 seasons the boat was sold to Ken Warby who immediately on the boat on sold the boat to the USA
Does anyone know of her whereabouts
Regards Steve Cooper
Mar 26, 2021