Owner/driver Bill Fisk and his first exciting drive (130+ mph) in a Grand Prix hydroplane at Valleyfield in July of 1998.

Steve Kuhr successfully raced this conventional hull in the early 80's in both the 7-litre and Grand Prix class. Today, Steve and his family still run up front in the Grand National class in their newer cabover Irishman GNH-317. This photo was taken by Phil Kunz at the Dayton Hydro Bowl in Ohio. Steve Kuhr, driving the new cabover Irishman GNH-317, flying side by side with me driving my vintage Irishman GP-317.
 
 
 

Getting ready to take Irishman out for some fun! Photo by Christian Bergeron at Valleyfield in 1998.

My wife, Judy, took this photo of me flying down the back straight on Crystal Lake. For not being a displacement hull, it sure displaces a hell of alot of water!

Coming back into the pits after a few laps out on the course. The Irishman lost a piston/rod in Sept. 1999 in Toronto during an exhibition run. But all was not lost as that's how my vintage hydroplane ended up being used as a pit prop in the Miss Madison movie. I was then able to spend time working as a crew member on the movie, helping out with the unlimited vintage hydroplanes featured in the movie. In the off season, we rebuilt a 427 Chevrolet motor for the hull. The engine block started out as a stock bore Tall Deck that a local drag racer was going to build into a blower motor. The block was overbored .030",  Oliver billet rods, Ross forged pistons, full roller Isky cam kit, and lots of dollars. The engine ended up at around 625 hp which really keeps my reflexes sharp when I hit the GO pedal.

Throughout the summers of 1998-2000, my crew chief Judy and I had a blast traveling and running the hydroplane at: Detroit Gold Cup -  Detroit, Michigan Hydro Bowl - Dayton, Ohio Antique Raceboat Regatta - Clayton, New York Madison Governor's Cup - Madison, Indiana Crystal Lake and Buffalo Classic Boat shows in  New York GP America - Tonawanda, New York Wine Country Antique Boat Show National Offshore Race - Toronto, Ontario Regates de Valleyfield - Valleyfield, Quebec

There is also a radio-controlled model replica made of this hydroplane.  Please visit the building of The Irishman R/C model. For display & promotional information contact: Bill Fisk - Williamson, New York phone (315) 589-8242 See you at the next Raceboat Regatta! ©2000-2006 Bill Fisk