With an uncle who still holds the title of the fastest Canadian man on water, Doug Cunnington wanted to write a biography on a man who humbly excelled as a hydroplane boat racer.
“Uncle Art had accomplished a lot during his racing career, but very little about him was known by many,” said Cunnington. “Uncle Art was a well known and respected hydroplane racer, he was also a quiet, unassuming family man who was born in Dwight. Although he enjoyed his racing successes, he was not one to brag about them. He was always one who was willing to support and attend community events and talk racing to anyone interested.”
Art Asbury set the world unlimited hydroplane class record on Nov. 1, 1957 in Picton, one of his 12 championships.
“Although the world record was broken soon after, it still stands as the fastest Canadian speed record on water 63 years later,” said Cunnington. “He raced all across North America, but primarily in Picton, Ontario, Valleyfield, Quebec, as well as in various other locations in Ontario, including Gravenhurst, at the CNE in Toronto, the Huntsville and Dwight areas in the Duke of York races and the William Braden Memorial Race.”
The biography of his uncle is an opportunity for those who read it to “fully appreciate the accomplishments of a local man who became an icon in the hydroplane racing world,” said Cunnington.
Art Asbury (Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame)
“I admired his sense of adventure, his willingness to try something different that most people would never have the opportunity to do,” added Cunnington. “One example was his offer to buy Princess Elizabeth a coke when she was to inspect his air force unit in Scotland during WWII, and when the Queen filled in, when the Princess was unable to attend, he still carried out his promise to his mates and offered her a coke, which she graciously accepted.”
Doug Cunnington’s biography of his uncle Art Asbury is available for $49.
The book can be purchased from the Lake of Bays Garden Centre in Dwight or from Cunnington by email at [email protected] (shipping is extra) or from his sister Joanne Cunnington at 705-635-1466.
“I would like to acknowledge the cooperation of Chuck Boothby in providing me with photos and documents from Uncle Art’s files to make this book as complete as possible,” said Cunnington.
Don’t miss out on Doppler!
Sign up here to receive our email digest with links to our most recent stories.
Local news in your inbox three times per week!
My local hero in the 1950’s and 60’s. An amazing athlete, war vet., this man should have part of Highway 60 named after him. Someone who has earned it!
Hi Doug,
I remember Art as our manager of our juvenile hockey team. One summer he let the team players take Miss Muskoka, his “super hydroplane” for a run on Fairy Lake. I found it to be a very exciting experience!
Best wishes!
Rix Graham, class of 60 HHS
Bravo, Doug! Your book is a fine accomplishent and tribute to the life of a remarkable man.