Garfield "Gar" Wood is considered the most important figure of the 20th century in power boat racing. With his Miss Minneapolis he swept to the fore, then maintained his dominance with a series of great boats.
"The most satisfying victory I ever had," Wood said, "was winning the Harmsworth trophy in England in 1920 with my Miss America. It was the first time we ever brought that trophy back from England."
He won the Harmsworth trophy nine times, and in 1931 set a world record of 124.95 miles per hour on the Detroit river, a record which stood for 15 years.
GARFIELD (GAR) WOOD
Class: 1959.
Sport: Powerboat racing.
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More From Star Tribune
More From Star Tribune
Variety

A Minnesota field guide to snow shovels: Which one's best?
Here's how to pick the right shovel, from the classic to the crack-jumper, back-saver or the plow.
Sign up for Star Tribune newsletters
Subscribe to Star Tribune newsletters, including Essential Minnesota, breaking news and Hot Dish.

Sandhill cranes coming to roost
Sandhill cranes coming in to roost for the night at Crex Meadows near Grantsburg, Wis. in late October, 2021.
Oscar-winning actor Maggie Smith dies at 89
Maggie Smith won new fans as the dowager Countess of Grantham in "Downton Abbey" and Professor Minerva McGonagall in the "Harry Potter" films.