Evening star., 1939-08-13
Crawford Apparently
Cinch 10 Triumph
Al Red Bank
Hyde, Fellow Townsmon,
Will Be Main Rival
Coming Week End
BY MALCOLM LAMBORNE, Jr.


BY MALCOLM LAMBORNE, Jr.
The national crown for 135-cubic-
inch hydroplanes might rest on the
head of a Washington driver next
week.
1t might be the blond head of
Jack Hyde or the sandy head of
Andy Crawford that will carry the
crown for one year following the
National Sweepstakes Regatta next
Saturday and Sunday at boat-lov-
ing Red Bank, N. j.
Both drivers leave the Capital
late this week, Crawford trailing
up his Ednandy " and Hyde his
Gypsy Lass. The two face tough
competition against an estimated
field of eight boats, all top drivers
In their respective regions and in
cluding last years champion,
Sammy Crooks of Rumson, N. Y.
Always one of the most elaborate
shows of the year, the regatta pro-
gram includes the Eastern elimina-
tions for the outboard champion
ship, national title event for the
81 hydroplanes, the race for the
Sweepstakes Trophy and a special
event called the King George vi
Championship" Thirty-one events
in all are carded.
The latter race was the BRAIN
child of city fathers who still are
flushed over that breakfast time
visit of the rulers of Great Britain
last June.
Crawford Has Big Year.
It's been a big year for 1855 In
general and great season for hard
driving Crawford in particular. The
local speedster has just about
cleaned up in every important re-
gatta in the East. There was q
time when Andy drove in company
with jinx, but since taking up the
1855 he has raced with his own
company and then usually away
out in front.
If the jinX will stay away for just
one more week, Crawford and his
Ventnor- built racer are a sure bet.
Well, almost. For there is Hyde to
look out for, and Crawford frankly
admits that his felloW-t -toWnsman
has about the hottest outfit of any
racer in the class.
So between the two. what's to
prevent the Capital from claiming
for the first time the country's top
135 driver?
AS mentioned earlier Red Bank
folk believe in doing things right
Jim Endicott from Washington's
Bureau of Standards will have the
10 watches he will use as chief
timer synchroniZed with Naval OBJ
servatory time. A powerful loud
speaker system will be installed for
the thousands expected to line the
banks of the North Shrewsbury
River and the large feet of specta-
tor yachts anchored on either side
of the course. Announcing will be
done by Red Banks commissioner
OF police, Thomas S. Gopsill.
Course Is Ideal.
To satisfy the demands of local
enthusiasts special race for open
sea skiffs owned by Shrewsburyians
has been added to the program.
It's strictly for amateurs, many of
whom are reported as never having
been in race before.
A smile event has been scheduled
for them just before the final heat
on Sunday for the sweepstakes.
Last year existing records dropped
right and left at Red Bank. and if
the current pace continues this
time there won't be any old marks
left to shoot for. Next to compet-
ing on a mill pond the Shrewsbury
provides the racers dream of
perfect course. It's we'll protected
and shoal enough to withstand a
good breeze. 1t is relatively free of
debris and there is little tide.
Latest reports indicate that the
entry list will exceed last years
record of 135 starters by a good
margin. Jack Rutherfurd, who won
the sweepstakes at that time with
his 12-liter racer Juno. will not de-
fend his title this week, according
to Fred Brown, Race Committee
chairman.