Big Chief A-11
owner & driver Dave Richardson
location Wellesley Island, New York
hull info / class original 150 cu in hull built in 1972 by Henry Lauterbach
length / beam 16' 6"  /  7' 10"
launch crane
motor 1962 Chevy II - modified - 153 cu in - 4 cylinder - approx 225 hp
Hilborn fuel injection, Isky 565 cam, solid lifters, Diamond flat top pistons, Carillo rods
gearbox Casale 1:04
propeller Record narrow blade 275-6
years raced 1972 - 1997
1980 82 83 87 OVMBRA High Point Champion
1982 North American Champion
1982 - clocked 128.9 mph by APBA - Kankakee, IL
Region 6 Champion (few times) & Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan - State Champion.
1972-1977    Bud Wiget
1978-1991    Hugh M. Long
1991-1997    Philip Sharples
1997-2002    Floyd Waterson
2002-2007    Bill Gmeiner
2007-Current Dave Richardson
This boat was built for "Bud" Wiget, the world famous outboard racer in 1972. It was named by his wife to reflect his partial Native American heritage. This boat was later sold to Hugh Long of Danville , KY who campaigned it for many years. Some notable race victories were at the 1980 Madison Gold Cup, 1982 Governor Cup in Illinois, 1st Annual New Richmond Regatta in 1982. The hull has recently undergone extensive restoration by Larry Lauterbach while the owner keeps a workshop with several original engines.