Herb Mendelson entered big-time boat racing in 1935 and achieved almost instant success. The first craft to carry the Notre Dame handle into competition scored a victory in the 1935 President’s Cup at Washington D.C., with Clell Perry driving. Mendelson was already an experienced racer in …

After racing the first boat in 1935 and 1936, Herb Mendelson announced that a new Notre Dame would debut in 1937. But as things developed, the new boat wasn't ready in time. So, the old boat was recalled to active duty.

This hull went through a major restoration at the Hydroplane and Raceboat Museum. Since the restoration, the boat has made several appearances. Most...

Mar 9, 2013 · In 1940 on the Detroit River, the W-24 powered the Notre Dame to a new class speed record of 100.987 mph (162.523 km/h). The boat was placed in storage during World War II but was taken out in 1947 and won the Silver Cup race on the Detroit River and finished second in the President’s Cup race.

Aug 17, 1993 · From 1962 to 1973, Mrs. McDonald privately financed six different hulls called "The Notre Dame" in unlimited hydroplane races around the country. She was carrying on the tradition started...

The Notre Dame debuted in 1969 and raced until 1971, when it was destroyed at Seattle with Billy Sterret Jr. driving. Leif Borgesen drove the boat for its first two years on the circuit. It never won a race, but did finish 2nd four times.

After racing the first boat in 1935 and 1936, Herb Mendelson announced that a new Notre Dame would debut in 1937. But as things developed, the new boat wasn't ready in time. So, the old boat was recalled to active duty.

We are talking about boats like Miss Wahoo, Miss Budweiser, Miss Burien, Miss Thriftway, Atlas Van Lines, Pay 'n Pak and the newly restored Notre Dame! These same raceboats, now beautifully restored and preserved, will return to Lake Chelan next October.

Despite not being able to finish at the Gold Cup, Arena steered the new Notre Dame to victory in the President’s Cup at Washington, D.C., and set a supercharged Gold Cup Class mile straightaway record of 100.987. The record stood for six years.

The real boat: This is the eighth Notre Dame boat and was built by Ed Karelsen. It was immediately competitive, but a bit inconsistent. It was driven by Leif Borgersen, the boat was certainly capable of winning, but couldn't seem to avoid mistakes that cost them victories.