1974 Gar Wood Trophy

Miss Budweiser, Benns Driving, Captures Trophy

DETROIT, June 30 (AP) -- Howie Benns driving Miss Budweiser, left George Henley in Pay 'N Pak in his wake in the second lap and hung on to win by three-tenths of a second today and take the Gar Wood Trophy for unlimited hydroplanes.

Benns and Henley had been battling for first on the opening lap of the title heat. Henley appeared ready to take the lead when he took his boat to the inside on the fourth turn.

Benns, on the outside didn't see the move and cut over forcing Henley to slow down and lose a chance for the lead.

Miss Budweiser, a winner at Miami earlier this season then held a hefty lead until the closing moments, when Henley almost passed Benns, a 35-year-old rookie.

Miss Budweiser's speed on the choppy Detroit River course was 109.8 miles an hour, while Pay 'N Pak was clocked at 109.511 over the 2½ mile, five-lap course.

Benns, from Grand Island, N.Y., earned $6,930 for his efforts. Henley collected $4,950. Probe driven by Bob Miller, was third and collected $3,330.

(Associated Press, June 30, 1974)