1948 Webb Trophy
Fageol to Defend Webb Trophy Crown In "State of Scott" Regatta Sunday
Faster, faster and faster! This year's speed boat entries in the Sunday regatta promise the fastest boats ever to race against each other. Racers from all parts of the country will vie their speed kings against each other Sunday at 1 p. m. at Lake Davenport.
It is reported that Leo Fageol's new boat named after his last year's entry, So Long, Junior, can do better than 100 miles an hour while "Pops" Cooper's boat, Blue Blazes can almost equal that mark. His other boat, Tommy Hill, a California boat and winner of many of its recent contests, is as fast as Leo Fageol's speed king. "Pops" boat, Tommy Hill is so fast that it cannot be used unless the waters are perfectly smooth. The tiniest ripple and the boat will not be able to enter the competition.
Al Brinkman's Seabiscuit, a consistent winner in past M.V.P.B.A. events, is also the Canadian championship winner for the past three years in Division I. Last year Brinkman and Fageol fought it out for the Webb trophy and it is expected this year's competition will not be any easier on either contestant.
Leo Fageol's new Ventor boat, So Long, Junior, has raced in California and Florida and has been one of the outstanding winners in these winter contests.
Loren Pennington of Santa Monica, Calif., will be on hand with his new boat, Guess Who? His last year's racers, Copperhead, has been sold but will be on hand to enter the races against the new ship. Guess Who? has recently been featured in several magazine articles, and the thrills that are expected to come from its speed promise a galla part of Sunday's entertainment.
Ray Erickson's The Warrior will be here again as will Johnny Logan and his Flamo. Logan has been popular with local fans because of his good sportsmanship despite the fact that in all of his races he has never placed a first.
The Ballyhoo, owned by Bob Ballinger of Cincinnati, which has appeared here often and which has entered almost every regatta in the M.V.P.B.A. races, promises to add to the excitement of the contests.
A Riverside, Ill., entry, Ethel I, owned by Sammy Owen, won the the race at Clear Lake and is expected to place her.
Advance sale of tickets for the Sunday regatta are on sale at Hickey's, Second and Brady, Martin's, the Smoke Ring and the Lindsay Boat club. These tickets are for the bleacher seats and are limited to 2,000. Those desiring seats should purchase their tickets the early days of this week in order to assure seats for the Regatta. Standing space is free and will be available along the sea wall, in the park and every other free spot along the racing area.
Co-chairmen of this year's regatta are Dr Dave Palmer and Arnold Yates.
(The Daily Times, Mon. June 28, 1948)