Notre Dame U7 Racing Team

Image of boat and gold text on green shamrock surrounded by gold text on white background.

The Notre Dame racing team competed in the APBA association and raced hydroplanes. The team is named after the popular university, with team owner, Herb Mendelson, receiving permission from the school. Herb started the team in 1935 and was in charge until 1947. The team then passed down to his daughter, Shirley Mendelson, who also competed as a pilot for the team. 

The team competed in various events and tournaments over the decades, even winning the league’s ultimate prize in the gold cup in 1937. Due to failing health from Shirley and no successor within the family, she disbanded the Notre Dame team and sold their equipment. 1973 was the last year the Notre Dame competed as a team, although the hydroplanes associated with them would go on to compete in other leagues until 1982.