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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.
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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. |
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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
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