The driver sought $10,000 for libelous and defamatory statements he said Sayres has made about him and $2,000 for expenses incurred while preparing to drive the craft in Sunday's Gold Cup races on Lake Washington.

He was notified Tuesday by a Seattle newsman sent by Sayres that his services no longer were required. Sayres subsequently said he let Sawyer go because the driver could not get along with pit crews working on Slo-mo-shun IV.

Sayres replaced Sawyer with Joe Taggart, Detroit, who yesterday set a gold Cup qualifying mark of 107.5 miles per hour.

Sawyer said the suit was necessary "to vindicate my reputation as a motorboat driver and my conduct as a gentleman." He said he would donate any damages he received to charity and he waived any claim to wages.

(Associated Press, August 7, 1953)