Going WAAAY Old School...All Wood, Direct Drive!

[Dave Sammons]

I know it's not a v-drive, but, I think we all consider Crackerboxes to be part of the Family! My partner(Dick "Smooth" Waldrip) and I just purchased Bill Simpson's P550 "Fools Box". Before I get into the details, I thought, during this week where alot of us are thinking about our friend, Ron Bolton, I'd relay a quick story that ties into this whole purchase.
For the last few years, Ron and his Mom would sit with us, under our ez-up at the Sprint Nationals in Long Beach. It was so enjoyable to just sit and talk with the 2 of them. During one of the Crackerbox heats, we got to discussing how much fun it would be to run the class and how much horspower it would take if Ron and I went in on one and were to share the driving/riding duties. Now we're both pretty good sized fellas and we figured since our combined weight would be a little bit north of 600lbs :D , we would need to get a couple breaks in the rules just to be competitive. To make an all-day comedy routine story short, we decided that we would have to build the first Widebody, T-deck, Blown Alcohol Crackerbox! MAN!!, that thing would have been some FUN! Great Memories of a GREAT GUY!! :D
Anyway, Dick used to run a Cracker in the 60's and he has always said that if the oppotunity ever came up, it would be great to find one and get back into the class. Well, the one we found is a GREAT boat. A 1965 all-wood Patterson with a fresh Pfaff 312 ready to go in. The wood in the boat has just been completely upgraded and resealed. We have to put all the hardware back in to make it raceready. The plan for now is to put it back together, with a couple upgrades and go have some fun at the races! Hope to make Parker in April, but if not...we may make the pull to Burley. Should be some fun!! :cool: :cool:
http://www.hotboatpics.com/pics/data/500/5187fb6.jpg

[Dave Sammons]

http://www.hotboatpics.com/pics/data/500/5187fb7.jpg http://www.hotboatpics.com/pics/data/500/5187fb8.jpg http://www.hotboatpics.com/pics/data/500/5187fb9.jpg http://www.hotboatpics.com/pics/data/500/5187fb1.jpg
Above is a shot of Mike Leach driving the boat when it was last run in 1996. He's going to help us get the thing "dialed in".

[Dave Sammons]

One of the really cool things about this class is it's history. It is the oldest, on-going class in the APBA. This boat has been around 40+ years. Here's a few shots that are kinda neat. The first one is from the Memorial Weekend race program at Long Beach in 1967. The boat out front is my partner Dick in his Wickens "Abagaba", the next boat, 76P, "The Broker", which is the boat we just BOUGHT, being driven by it's original owner, Dick Maxwell. The 51P was driven by Bob Clune...A name some of you might remember.
http://www.hotboatpics.com/pics/data/500/5187cb1.jpg
The next shot is from Parker later that year when Maxwell set the Kilo record at 91.30mph
http://www.hotboatpics.com/pics/data/500/5187fb5.jpg
Then the boat get's sold to Clune, who puts his Ford in it(with son Jeff driving) and becomes the first Cracker to run over 100mph in the kilo and sets the record at 99.86mph. As I remember, he was tough to beat in the circles as well. Here's a shot from the Stadium.
http://www.hotboatpics.com/pics/data/500/5187z1.jpg
So she has some great history! We are looking forward to running this boat for a long time...Mighty big shoes to fill though!!! :D

[dmontzsta]

That is super cool, you always have all the good toys. :)

[johnny2slick]

Ask your crackerbox buddies if they remember a guy named Bunny Jeboult. He raced those things back then and probably raced those guys.
He has some very cool old photos of those days and it looked like they were having nothing but fun. Very cool old boat you got there.

[BILLY.B]

Then the boat get's sold to Clune, who puts his FORD in it(with son Jeff driving) and becomes the first Cracker to run over 100mph in the kilo and sets the record at 99.86mph. As I remember, he was tough to beat in the circles as well. Here's a shot from the Stadium.
http://www.hotboatpics.com/pics/data/500/5187z1.jpg
So she has some great history! Figures they'd have to put a FORD in it to run those ##################'S...COOL RIDE CHIEF!!!

[ColeTR2]

Wow Dave I didn't know it was that nice. You guys are going to have a lot of fun!

[MAXIMUS]

Man now that is a nice score. I was checking out the GN "TUB OF FOOLS" which Rudy owns now. It was the sister boat to this cracker & is one of the nicest rigged boats I have had the pleasure to rub up against. Very cool color scheme...

[superdave013]

bad azz!!
Dave, If you are going to scare the crap out of friends put me on the list! I've always wanted to go for a spin in one of those.

[Rattle Can Lou]

I had a guy call me today and say he has a Patterson wood cracker for sale. It's in a barn here in Boise.....Just Jokin Ya...I am so happy for you and Smoooooth. I know how bad he wanted this boat. We will see you in Burley...RCL

[vdriver4ever]

that's really cool Dave and Dick... I can't wait to ride in it.
I may have to fly out for a little sneak view soon...

[Dave Sammons]

I can't wait to ride in it
The reason we got the boat was to go have some FUN! We plan on taking the boat to the races and outings. :D :D As of right now you're number 5 on the confirmed "guest" rider list! :crossx: :crossx: Anyone else???
1 Eric Sammons R (Might get distacted by girls on the beach! :rolleyes: )
2 Darcy Farner R (She's the lightest of the group...Should be #1! :D )
3 Tom Farner N/R
4 SuperDave N/R (A couple laps might be worth 2 -8 fittings?)
5 Patrick R. Minegar N/R (Gonna take a greased shoehorn to get us both in!)
6 V Drive Video N/R (Can't race AND hold camera)
7 Julie Newell N/R
8 UCLA Hater R
9 SSMike N/R (Might ask to ride at Races, Do they allow Lawyers? :argue: )
14 ColeTR2 N/R (Goes to one race...Now he thinks he can drive anything! :rolleyes: )
15 Rolf Sammons N/R (Needs to learn 1st rule of Circle Racing..Don't Piss off Jerry!)
R=Race N/R=Non-Race
Really the only reason for going to the races is to get a spot in the pits next to Guru, so I can sneek 'shrooms off Hud's Grill! If they'll let an ol' wood boat near the K's! :confused: :confused:

[V-DRIVE VIDEO]

The reason we got the boat was to go have some FUN! We plan on taking the boat to the races and outings. :D :D As of right now you're number 5 on the confirmed "guest" rider list! :crossx: :crossx: Anyone else???
1 Eric Sammons R (Might get distacted by girls on the beach! :rolleyes: )
2 Darcy Farner R (She's the lightest of the group...Should be #1! :D )
3 Tom Farner N/R
4 SuperDave N/R (A couple laps might be worth 2 -8 fittings?)
5 Patrick R. Minegar N/R (Gonna take a greased shoehorn to get us both in!)
6 Rolf Sammons N/R (Drag Racer...'Nuff Said)
7 Julie Newell N/R
8 UCLA Hater R
R=Race N/R=Non-Race
Really the only reason for going to the races is to get a spot in the pits next to Guru, so I can sneek 'shrooms off Hud's Grill! If they'll let an ol' wood boat near the K's! :confused: :confused:
Oh this is bullshit!!!!....Rolf was promising me a ride weeks ago! :lightsabe :boxed:

[ColeTR2]

#9 Mike Collins Driver Dave Sammons Passenger / Non Race :D

[VD CRUISER]

Man that is one neat little boat, looks like a lot of fun.

[ssmike]

Pick me! Pick me! Pick me! Pick me!

[Dave Sammons]

Oh this is bullshit!!!!....Rolf was promising me a ride weeks ago! :lightsabe :boxed:
Jerry, Mike and Mike...Please note amended list. :D :D :D

[olbiezer]

looks like a easy way to get wet down real good (as in tosed out) lol good luck dudes.......

[haulina29]

This should be good :rolleyes:

[V-DRIVE VIDEO]

Jerry, Mike and Mike...Please note amended list. :D :D :D
Non Race!!??? Not only do I want to be in a race, I want to drive!!! I know I'll be faster than some of those "drag fags" you have on that list! :lightsabe :)

[Sanger D]

I remember seeing that ZAP cracker stand streight up on its transom, almost completely vertical!!!!!!!!!!!! man , it was narly. It used to run real close with the Wile E ceyote! they used to battle it out pretty hard. then as an adult ,I have had the privalidge of running side by side with the fools box in the heat of compitition,that is a very nice piece and would love to see that boat again running , in comp. or pleasure!!................The seventies boat racing days where BITCHIN!!!!

[ColeTR2]

I'll be faster than some of those "drag fags" you have on that list!
OUCH!! that hurt!! :skull:

[steelcomp]

When I was a kid, our across-the-street neighbors were Phil and Patty Shipley. Phil Shipley was an icon in Crackerbox with his boat Mr. Magoo. I remember going over and watching him work on his boat, and I know he and my dad were good friends. Guess everyone went their seperate ways...haven't seen them for years. I know Phil was into racing anything from boats to motorcycles to off road. Cool guy.

[Stab-n-Steer]

Dave,
That is awesome news! It's great to get such a good boat back on the water. The Cracker folks are very excited to have You and Smooth in the group. I can't wait to see that shit eating grin the first time you drive her!
Dick's Abba Gabba (now "Black & Blue" 99P) is almost back on the water after a two year break...
See you in Parker!
S&S

[Stab-n-Steer]

When I was a kid, our across-the-street neighbors were Phil and Patty Shipley. Phil Shipley was an icon in Crackerbox with his boat Mr. Magoo. I remember going over and watching him work on his boat, and I know he and my dad were good friends. Guess everyone went their seperate ways...haven't seen them for years. I know Phil was into racing anything from boats to motorcycles to off road. Cool guy.
SC,
Here's Mr. Magoo today, It's one of the most beautiful wooden boats you will see anywhere. Not only is she beautiful, she's fast! Oh, and she's got the four letter "F" word for power...
http://www.hotboatpics.com/pics/data/500/549966P_800x600.jpg

[Stab-n-Steer]

Hey Dave,
Now that you're offically a Cracker Ass, here's my first driving tip... If you ever get this close to the back of the P-5 that means, SLOW DOWN! YOU'RE GOING TOO FAST!!!! :wink:
http://www.hotboatpics.com/pics/data/500/5499P5_Holding_800x600.jpg

[Dave Sammons]

Hey Dave,
Now that you're offically a Cracker Ass, here's my first driving tip... If you ever get this close to the back of the P-5 that means, SLOW DOWN! YOU'RE GOING TOO FAST!!!! :wink:
We figured we might need a LITTLE more horsepower! :crossx: Didn't know if you heard or not but, but, I'm lobbying for a new class. New number will be PK-550! :D :D
http://www.hotboatpics.com/pics/data/500/5187fb3.jpg

[Stab-n-Steer]

ROTFLMAO!!!

[BILLY.B]

We figured we might need a LITTLE more horsepower! :crossx: Didn't know if you heard or not but, but, I'm lobbying for a new class. New number will be PK-550! :D :D
http://www.hotboatpics.com/pics/data/500/5187fb3.jpgNow your talking Chief!!!. At least with the injector turned towards you it might just give the rider alittle bit of a tip that he could be in trouble real quick like!!!. I say you put Rattle Can Lou in the passenger seat. That way when you need to prime the engine you can just open the hat and he can throw his latest cocktail in there to lite it with. No need for a squirt bottle!.

[buzzaro]

looks like a easy way to get wet down real good (as in tosed out) lol good luck dudes.......
You're not kidding. My father-in-law was tossed out of one a couple years ago and broke a few ribs, out of work for a month or so :messedup:

[Dave Sammons]

Fired the motor off on yesterday...Lookin' forward to seein' a few of you fellas out there! MAYBE have a couple cocktails together on Saturday night! Should be some FUNNN :D :D :D
http://www.hotboatpics.com/pics/data/500/5187cbd1.jpg
http://www.hotboatpics.com/pics/data/500/5187cbd2.jpg
http://www.hotboatpics.com/pics/data/500/5187cbd3.jpg
http://www.hotboatpics.com/pics/data/500/5187cbd5.jpg

[Stab-n-Steer]

Dave,
Looks great! I am totally bummed, however. We had a last minute "issue" with the P-5 motor so the Canfield/Kirkham crew won't be in Parker. :mad:
Basically a lingering result of running in the Salt in Long Beach...
Good luck... Who's riding?
S&S

[old rigger]

Basically a lingering result of running in the Salt in Long Beach...
And what's wrong with our salt?
Other than being the toilet for every town North of us for 60 miles, there's nothing wrong with our water what-so-ever. :)

[Stab-n-Steer]

And what's wrong with our salt?
Oh nothing Rich, except it likes to eat aluminum, especially heads! :mad:
S&S

[Dave Sammons]

Good luck... Who's riding?
S&S
Sorry to hear you won't be making it. :frown: :frown: That's a real bummer!
Who's riding with me???
http://www.***boat.com/image_center/data/524/762FlatTom.jpg
The good looking one in the passenger seat! :D :D FlatBitchin Tom's daughter Darcy

[Jim W]

The guy who does glass and gel coat work for me just finshed painting a cracker box.
I will try and get pics and history tomorrow.
Be good, Jim