https://peertube.dngr.us/videos/watch/8560b4c4-dee8-4e2e-aa91-c48dabf9cea7 Help us preserve, scan and post more rare and endangered films on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/PeriscopeFilm Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCddem5RlB3bQe99wyY49g0g/join Website: www.PeriscopeFilm.com This documentary, "Speed of Lightning, Sound of Thunder" (1986) was produced and directed by Rodney Jacobs and Freewheelin' Films for Budweiser. It highlights the life, passion, and success of Bernie Little, a legendary figure in Unlimited Hydroplane Racing. Known for his deep love of water and relentless drive to win, Bernie led Hydroplanes Unlimited to over 50 victories and 8 world championships. His leadership style was hands-on, inspiring intense dedication from his team, including driver Jim Cropfeld. Bernie was also an innovator, introducing safety measures like enclosed cockpits. A self-made man who worked tirelessly from a young age, his commitment to excellence shaped every aspect of his career. The story follows his team's challenges and triumphs throughout a competitive season, culminating in a dramatic championship victory against tough rivals. Through struggle, innovation, and teamwork, Bernie Little's legacy is one of perseverance, passion, and championship spirit. 0:00 – Introduction to Bernie Little, a passionate lover of water and hydroplane racing. 0:56 – Bernie Little’s achievements: over 50 race wins and 8 world championships in 20 years. 1:13 – Bernie’s hands-on involvement with his team and boat, communicating directly with driver Jim Cropfield. 1:38 – Testimony from driver Jim Cropfield about Bernie’s energetic and competitive nature. 2:16 – Bernie demands dedication and respect from his team and rivals alike. 2:42 – Bernie’s goal is to beat records and improve safety, introducing innovations like enclosed cockpits. 3:07 – Bernie’s background as a WWII Navy pilot and stunt pilot, understanding risks. 3:23 – Bernie made his wealth through hard work starting during the Great Depression. 4:06 – The racing season starts in Miami, where the team faces technical challenges but qualifies fast. 5:00 – Season finale at Lake Me near Hoover Dam: tough conditions and high stakes against rivals. 5:49 – Heat 1: Cropfield pushes the boat near danger but wins the heat. 6:39 – Weather postpones remaining heats to Monday. 6:54 – Heat 2: Cropfield leads strongly, understanding the importance of finishing well for the championship. 7:38 – Heat 3: Collision with rival boat 7-Eleven causes damage but no serious harm. 8:26 – Cropfield maintains lead and wins final heat; team’s effort culminates in championship victory. 8:52 – Bernie celebrates winning the national championship, highlighting perseverance and teamwork. Bernie Little was the most successful owner in Unlimited Hydroplane racing history. His Miss Budweiser team won 134 of the 354 hydroplane races they entered. They won the high points championship 22 years in 40 years of competition, and the Gold Cup 14 times. His first victory came on the Columbia River near Kennewick, Washington in 1966 for the Columbia Cup. The winning driver, Bill Brow, won in the Miss Budweiser with a winning speed greater than 98 mph. Motion picture films don't last forever; many have already been lost or destroyed. For almost two decades, we've worked to collect, scan and preserve the world as it was captured on 35mm, 16mm and 8mm movies -- including home movies, industrial films, and other non-fiction. If you have endangered films you'd like to have scanned, or wish to donate celluloid to Periscope Film so that we can share them with the world, we'd love to hear from you. Contact us via the weblink below. This film is part of the Periscope Film LLC archive, one of the largest historic military, transportation, and aviation stock footage collections in the USA. Entirely film backed, this material is available for licensing in 24p HD, 2k and 4k. For more information visit http://www.PeriscopeFilm.com Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fHD9qUyvx8w Mirrored from Periscope Film (https://www.youtube.com/@PeriscopeFilm) Sat, 13 Jun 2026 13:11:46 GMT https://validator.w3.org/feed/docs/rss2.html PeerTube - https://peertube.dngr.us https://peertube.dngr.us/lazy-static/avatars/41a6fee9-7f57-42d0-a5fc-5db4f1af2e31.png https://peertube.dngr.us/videos/watch/8560b4c4-dee8-4e2e-aa91-c48dabf9cea7 All rights reserved, unless otherwise specified in the terms specified at https://peertube.dngr.us/about and potential licenses granted by each content's rightholder.