Limited Hydroplane Racing at Green Lake, Washington 1967

Comment by Gary Todd on November 7, 2010 at 3:42am

Great Film. I have a lot of 8mm and video to convert.

Comment by Steve Compton on November 7, 2010 at 6:42am

Mark, thanks for posting! That's great footage.

Comment by jim mckeon on November 11, 2010 at 6:05pm

Gee that was great to see them running on Greenlake again. It is a shame the boats are kept so far away from the viewers nowadays. Thanks Mark

Comment by Phil Lampman on November 12, 2010 at 11:35am

Wonderful stuff. I didn't make the '67 event but was there for the early 70's races. I remember in addition to the crane for the hydros, we recruited the Jeep Club to launch the flatbottoms. What a muddy mess that beach became.

I seem to recall that Green Lake was at one time the venue where the greatest number of World Records were set. Not surprising, given the beautiful course and the lack of pleasure craft.

I remember a remark coming from a California flatbottom driver, probably accustomed to the tight turns on many of the Cal courses. I think Long Beach Marine Stadium even had one buoy turns. He came back after his first time on the Green Lake course looking a bit confused. He thought he was on the straights when he was in the turns.

I can also remember when the organizers would bring a couple of blown fuel Hydros (drag boats) out of California (Mr Ed, Lickety Split, Down and Out..and local shoe Dave Brumpton) for demonstration runs along the "south" side of the lake. Lots of spectators went into the water up to their knees to get a good view of the first run. When the second run was announced, everyone scrambled to get OUT of the water. These boats were scary. Almost made a K racing runabout seem like a decent ski boat by comparison.

Great times. Sadly missed. Thanks for sharing

Comment by Mark Douty on November 12, 2010 at 8:12pm

Yes Philip and I remember some boats ending up on the beach or catching rudders on cables and stuff in the water as well as.

Comment by Patrick McCarter on June 16, 2011 at 3:55pm

Very Cool,I was just a little guy.My dad raced his drag boat at Green lake....He made his own boats.Good times...

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