Legends
of Thunder
New
book details prominent
figures in hydroplane history
Local
people played valuable role
in sports development
By
Konnie McCollum
Staff Writer
(August 2009) Names such as Jim McCormick,
Phil Cole and Bob Hughes are legendary to fans that follow Unlimited
Hydroplane racing. Their accomplishments and dedication to the sport
have been chronicled in a new book about the history of Unlimited
|
Photo
by Darrel Taylor
Fred
Farley, official
historian for Unlimited Hydroplane racing,
has co-authored the
fourth in a series of
books about the sport.
|
Racing. Legends of Thunder, co-authored by
Madison area residents Fred Farley and Ron Harsin, profiles 106 individuals
who have played a vital role in the sports history. The 263-page
book has black-and-white pictures on every single page. Many of the
names will be familiar to residents of Madison, Ind., home to the prestigious
Madison Regatta-Indiana Governors Cup Unlimited Hydroplane race.
Ive personally met and talked with more than 80 of the people
we decided to include in the book, said Farley, the official historian
for Unlimited Hydroplanes. I think this gives people the opportunity
to really get to know who they were.
For the rest of the people he included, he interviewed and talked with
their close friends and family members.
This is the fourth book in a series of Unlimited Hydroplane books written
by the authors. Farley said readers who arent necessarily race
fans will also find the book intriguing because its about the
success and hard work of people who helped develop the industry.
Many of the crew of the Oh Boy! Oberto-Miss Madison, including crew
chief Mike Hanson and driver Steve David, are in the narrative. Oh Boy!
Oberto Sausage Co. sponsors Art and Larry Oberto are also profiled in
the book.
This book is unique in its own way, said Harsin, whose company,
Deer Trail Publishing, is releasing the book. The individual stories
are really interesting all by themselves.
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Harsin said he took five cases of the books to the July
Gold Cup race in Detroit, and they ended up being extremely popular
with the crowds.
Farley said the authors have been in talks about updating
their previous Century of Gold Cup Racing, book, which details
the winners of that event through 2003.
For more information about Legends
of Thunder, call Ron Harsin at (812) 866-5504.
Back to August 2009 Articles.