Framed or unframed, desk size to sofa size, printed by us in Arizona and Alabama since 2007. Explore now.
Shorpy is funded by you. Patreon contributors get an ad-free experience.
Learn more.
This is John Griffin in a promotional hydroplane race at Nita Lake in 1960. John was world champion in Class A, Class B and Class C hydroplanes for a number of years in the 1950's. He was teamed with world class mechanic Ray Cother, who built the Konig engines John raced with. These two men were an unbeatable team when they were at their peak. They were based in Tupelo and Grenada, Mississippi.
I am John Griffin Jr and that is my father. The picture brought back many memories. He did win many world championships and went on to win a world championship in the unlimited hydroplane class and had the distinction of being the fastest man on water for years. I would love to locate more pictures. johngriffin722@yahoo.com
[You can try contacting the member who submitted this photo by clicking their name ("mr-ed") above the photo and then the Contact tab on their Profile. -tterrace]
This is my grandfather in this picture. I would love to know how you got it and if you had anymore. Thanks
Really enjoyed seeing the hydroplane boats. My dad ("Wild Man Simmons") built and raced these boats in the 1950s and 60s. He lived in Tupelo Mississippi so he was probably a competitor! HA! Would like to hear from anybody that knew him or that has any more photographs of these boats and racers. cjs555@yahoo.com
On Shorpy:
Today’s Top 5