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Mike Combs' "Smokin" race boat

M

Magicfloat

New member
Trying to find a pic of the 16' Checkmate tunnel hull Mike raced in the early 70's.It was an SJ boat,brown and beige,named "Smokin". Had a painting of Captain Zig-Zag on the cowling. We bought it when Mike went to a faster,lighter boat and "Smokin" was no longer competitive. Blew it over on our lake and never recovered it in 300' of water. Can't find my old pictures.Would really like a pic, I know it's a long shot after over 30 years ,but this is the only site to ask.Anyone remember this boat?
 
That was several years before I was born....

But what a great question, and you're right its not the only site, but there is no better site to ask!
 
I believe this is the boat Mike had after your boat. You should give him a call at the factory and talk to him. Good luck-
 
One thing I remember about that boat,the painting on the side(this was before computer vinyl graphics) was an image of what looked like Jesus with a cigarette in his mouth.I had no idea what it meant,I asked a younger employee,he said that was Captain Zig-Zag.Guess I was a little naive back then. I guess I should call Mike,lots of memories from the old days.
 
Smokin....

Hea.....talked to Mike about this boat. He's going to look for pictures...thinks he has some. I'll get the posted when / if he finds some, KC.
 
illMATTic said:
what years did Checkmate participate in the races?
Click to expand...

Good question,If memory serves,and at my age it is not too reliable,Bill Combs and Bill Downard stated racing in the early 60's,and their sons,Mike Combs,Mike Downard and Gordon Downard,continued until maybe mid-late 70's with much success in many different classes.Both Downards were on Merc Factory teams at one time. And don't forget the great Tom Stickle,raced Checkmates for years , before Merc hired him as a factory driver.Later he was a sales rep for Checkmate,great guy. Man,this site is bringing up lots of memories from the old days. As I try to recover from my CRS(can't remember sh*t) I will try to bring up some old stories.
 
I haven't seen Mike or Gordon for ever. Tom Stickle one hell of a nice guy. I used to see Mike every now and then he used to live down the street from me. I moved then I think he moved.
 
Back in 75 & 76 I was working at Baja and racing my stock car(thats all i had time for).Gary Wade purchased a tunnel boat (from someone at CheckmateI believe). I used to watch him race it when time permitted. I am not sure but it may have been a Checkmate. I know Doug used to come to work and tell me what place I came in, in the stockcar races that weekend. Who would have ever thought that I would be working for him after 32 years.
 
Mike's Tunnel...

That picture is of the original wooden scotti ( italian made boat) .....my dad made mold off it and built a few fiberglass versions. Mike ran a red/white/blue one and the brown one before getting a seebold .....the seebold was the last tunnel he raced. He still hasn't found pictures of the brown one for me to post....keep reminding him maybe someday.
 
Kip Combs said:
That picture is of the original wooden scotti ( italian made boat) .....my dad made mold off it and built a few fiberglass versions. Mike ran a red/white/blue one and the brown one before getting a seebold .....the seebold was the last tunnel he raced. He still hasn't found pictures of the brown one for me to post....keep reminding him maybe someday.
Click to expand...

Kip, did you used to have a boat also named Smokin? I think when you lived over on Penn Ave?
 
Smokin....

Yea.......stole name from bro. It was 24 ' Enforcer I/O. I'll have to see if i can find a picture.
 
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