Looking for old racer

[fastjohn]

My friend is restoring a 1949 Neal step hydro. Underneath the steering hub, in the wood, are the initials "PW". On the underside of the hub itself is the name P. Wearly. I am not sure of the spelling of the last name, but I am sure of the "PW". Does anyone know of an old racer with this name? We would like to learn the history of this boat. Thanks

[G Stillwill]

Pretty sure that was Pop Wearly John Scheubert would know more he come on this site.

[94H]

That would be the great Paul Wearly. I still have contact with his nephew John Wearly and can connnect you to him. PM your contact info to me, I'll see John at the June 9 & 10 at the Huntington race (2nd Annual Harry Brinkman Memorial Regatta).

John quit racing years ago but enjoys being a tow boat driver for the event. Thanks John!

Bob Koschka
Indianapolis. Indiana

[treadguy]

Bob is right. Paul Wearly was a great driver and a good friend of my Dad's. Had nothing but the best to say when speaking of him............other than 'That SOB is hard to turn inside of" every now and then. Treasure it. History.............

[B1PRORACER]

Paul Wearly

Several years ago I found a great 30's era driver by the name of Clint Ferguson. He told me that he thought Paul Wearly was the best race drive that he ever saw!

[94H]

John,
The book "The Vintage Culture of Outboard Racing" by Peter Hunn has some info and a picture of Paul Wearly. Page 36 and 37.

[Ron Hill]

In 1952

In may, 1952, my dad and mom took me to the Indy 500. While in Indianapolis we met up with Orlando Torganti (A five time NOA in a row and five time in a row APBA A Hydro National Champion. My dad had made all of Orlando's lower units). Orlando was from Bakersfield, California (His 5 Straight winning KR A motor is stil lin Bakersfield, California), My dad and Orlando wanted to meet the Gret Paul Wearly of Muncie, Indiana. The family was in the tombstone business but Paul was a great racer that my dad and Orlando wanted to meet.

I was in awe that there was a boat shop with Race Boats in it. They even had "Hydro" size paddles. There were Neal Hydros standing on their transoms in Paul's Shop.

Paul Wearly was considered bigger than life to Californians, 1952.

I later, met John Wearly at a boat race at Weist lake, Brawley, California, 1976.

[fastjohn]

Thanks to all who replied. I just got off the phone after talking to Paul Wearly, he is 96 years old. We had a good conversation. He could not give me any info on this boat, because he bought new Neal boats every year and could not know which one it was. He did tell me how his boats were painted and gave me permission to put his number on the boat. I will try to post pictures here when it is completed. I plan to run it this year at Tomahawk with a KG-4.