U-64 Miss Vernors Unlimited Hydroplane

Bio from Leslie Field a number of years ago. http://thunderboats.ning.com/page/the-fred-alter-story

Hard to report the passing of Unlimited owner/driver Fred Alter. Fred passed away Saturday night in N. Palm Beach, Florida after being hospitalized following a ...fall on Wednesday. He was 94. His dear friend and partner Peggy Kennard said that there will be a celebration of Fred's life sometime in the Spring. All of UD sends it's heartfelt condolences to Peggy and Fred's family. See more

"Fearless" Fred Alter passed away Saturday evening at the age of 94 in Florida. The sport of Unlimited Hydroplane racing recognizes Alter as an all-time great, ...despite having only 4 race wins in his 20 year career. Fearless Fred drove in his first Unlimited race in Bill Stroh's Miss Detroit, the former Such Crust V, at the 1955 Detroit Silver Cup. From there, Alter drove 19 different boats in his career, making him the driver with the most drives in the history of Unlimited Hydroplane Racing. Fearless Freddie's 1st win came in 1956 in the Miss U.S. I, claiming the Indiana Governor's Cup at Madison. His 2nd victory came a year later, driving the Such Crust III at the Detroit Memorial race on the Detroit River. Switching back to the seat of the Miss U.S. I, Fred took the International Cup in Elizabeth City, NC for his third race win in 1958. His 4th and last win as an Unlimited driver came in 1965 aboard the Such Crust IV, winning the South Shore Trophy in Stateline, NV. The list of boats piloted by Fearless Fred is a who's who in names for fans of Unlimited racing: Gale VI, Nitrogen, Mariner Too, Blue Chip, Miss Dixi Cola, Parco's O-Ring Miss, Miss Owensboro, Miss Schweppes, Towne Club, Gale's Roostertail, Miss Bardahl, Miss Budweiser II, Miss Cauffiel and Pizza Pete. He would race the Miss Vernors in 1975 for his last ride on the Unlimited circuit. A permanent fixture at the Detroit races after retiring from active driving, Alter served as the APBA Unlimited Commissioner from 1981-83. Fred would drive in exhibitions, most notably in the vintage Miss Vernors and in the 1999 movie "Madison". He would drive the hull, Atlas Van Lines in a few scenes, for the movie about the 1971 Gold Cup. Fred drove the Towne Club to a 5th place in the real life race. Race in Peace, Fearless Fred, and thanks for all the great memories! Photo from HARM

This is me getting ready to drive my hydro at the Buffalo Launch Club (BLC) Vintage Event in 2002.. Nothing special about the photo...except the photo was taken... by racing legend...my hero and in later years, my friend...Freddy Alter...Fred just passed away...He was 94 ...Rest in Peace...you’ll be missed. See more

Vintage boat racers gathered for a noon get-together Friday, August 23rd, at Sindbad's during the Spirit of Detroit Hydrofest. Present and former racers attende...d, including:Kent Keogh, Kath Shuler, John Bridge, Mario Maraldo, Alec Bogert, Duane Michno, Doug Dossin, Tom D'Eath, Ron Snyder, Jerry Terry, Krystil Girschner, Sandy Ross, Royce Richards, Chuck Thompson, Jr., Fred Alter, Jerry Schoenith, Steve Mahac, Ray Dong, Mike Horvath. Did we miss anybody? Fill them in. See more

Happy Birthday Fred Alter! 94 & many more

Thanks to Jon Osterburg and Randy Roe for their comments on my previous post. . I replied to them. Here is some more photos to aid in figuring things out. See comments on each photo.

I was trying to reply on John Woodwards page regarding his excellent information on the various Vernors hull but for some reason I couldn't comment and pics wouldn't load. I am sure you all read posts from Leslie Fields Hydroplane History so I posted this to his page. Briefly here is a bit of info on the Miss Vernors boats. For more detailed information there are hundreds of photos and a lot of info on my FB page U-64 Miss Vernors Unlimited Hydroplane In 1978 "Fearless" Fre...Continue reading

John Ban Jr collage from the Sandy Ross Collection. Vernors on the Water event.

Collage put together by Sandy Ross. The Sandy Ross Collection