Harmsworth Trophy

Many a race between shadowy contraband-carrying rumrunners and swift, searchlight playing patrol boats has been run on the narrow Detroit river. Last week 400,000 persons lined the river’s edge to watch millionaires race millionaires.

Most important of the contests was the race for the Harmsworth (British International) trophy, held since 1920 by wiry, grey-haired Garfield (“Gar”) Wood, “The Silver Fox.” Piloting his new Miss America VIII he won the first heat, established a non-straightaway record of 67.932 m. p. h.

Close behind, averaging only .001 m. p. h. less, was brother George Wood in Miss America VII, last year’s winning boat. Both other contestants were eliminated by engine trouble. In the second (and final) heat Champion Wood sent Miss America VIII roaring at the new record time of over 75 m. p. h., strengthened the tradition that he is unbeatable on water.