1953 Imperial Gold Cup
Ohio River, New Martinsville, WV, September 27, 1953

From Slo-mo-shun V Invades the East

Two World Speed-Boat Records Set in One-Mile Time Trials in West Virginia Such Crust V Wins Imperial Gold Cup on Ohio Slo-mo-shun V Invades the East Statistics

Slo-mo-shun V was repaired after its battering on the Potomac and was pronounced in perfect condition for the Imperial Gold Cup at New Martinsville, West Virginia, the following Sunday. Driven by Joe Taggart, Slo-mo roared over the starting line. There the cooling and oil systems failed and that was the end of Slo-mo V's racing for 1953. Bill Cantrell in Such Crust V, Mrs. Jack Schafer's boat, roared on to win the two 12-mile heats at an average speed of 89.048 mph. Gale II, driven by Lee Schoenith, placed second, and Wayne, driven by Frank Seale Jr., also of Detroit, placed third. They were the only finishers on the smooth course provided on the Ohio River.

Next year's unlimited racing should prove tougher than ever. Jack Schafer's Such Crust III went through the mile trials at New Martinsville following the race at a speed reported to be 151.08 mph. Such Crust V was clocked at more than 141 mph. Gale II, trying only one way, hit 139 mph. This proves that the Detroit boats are now operating at sufficient speeds to be competitive on a closed course with the Slo-mos.

Next year should find Stanley Sayres defending the Gold Cup again on Lake Washington. Since Lou Fageol announced his retirement from boat racing following the President's Trophy race, Joe Taggart may be driving Slo-mo V in the big races next year.

(reprinted from Sea and Pacific Motor Boat, Nov. 1953)

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