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RIP-Ronnie McLellan (Oct. 24th 2009)Hello Everyone!
Gee this has been a tough year in the drag-boat racing family!! We have lost so many of our racing greats & Close Freinds :-(
Most of you may have heard that Ron McLellan, passed away on October 21st. as the result of a massive heart attack. Ron had just turned 50 years age.
Ron, was the co-owner and driver of the Top Fuel Hydro "Liquid Quicker"
Ron was well known by many as the Crazy Canuk! ;-)
Ron was from Canada, and co-owner/partner /driver Bob Montgomery which is from Spring City, Tennessee. Both have been racing partners for many years!
Please keep…Ron's wonderful Soul Mate…Dawn Pettit, his daughter Nickie, long time close friend and racing partner Bob Montgomery & Family, Team Wrench Man Roger Way, and the entire Liquid Quicker team in your thoughts and prayers.
Ron will be missed by his family & many of his friends here on earth!! But he is in good company with many of his family & friends that have been looking forward to see him in heaven ;-)
I have posted some photographs that I took this season of Ron & the LQ team, including the last race Ron & the LQ team attended in High Point-North Carolina this past July.
Just click on the Icon/photo of Ron to open the photo-page!
I want to finish by adding that Heaven is a much better place in 2009! God has taken home some of the best this year!!!
RIP Ron ;-)
Ron & Bob's website is... www.liquidquik.com a lot of wonderful photographs & Bob's letter!
Well known photographer Randy Krohn has created some Awesome memorial stickers in Ron's memory!
Please check out Randy's great web-site at... www.dragboats.com
Till The Next One!
Joe "Speedfreak" Dutra |
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NJBA - Bakersfield,Ca. Lake Ming (Oct. 17-18-2009)Hello Everyone!
The races this weekend in Bakersfield, Ca. went very smoothly.
Almost 70 boats made it out for this event including several TAH’s, Pro-Mods, &…1-TAF.
The weather was great all weekend which made it for great side-by-side racing.
What is great about this event is that many of the racers of the past often attend this event to hang out and catch up with what has been taking place in the sport of drag-boat racing over the years.
I had the wonderful opportunity to meet a gentleman by the name of Mr. Bob Bruhn.
Mr. Bruhn raced in Bakersfield on Lake Ming in the 50’s & 60’s…
Many of you may not be aware that the very first drag-boat race was held in Hart Park in 1948 in Bakersfield, Ca.
Hart Park is located near Lake Ming.
In the early 50’s the races had to be relocated to Lake Ming since the boats where approaching the 90-mph mark and there was not enough shut down for the boats to stop!
I spent some time with Mr. Bruhn listening to his stories that he had to share, and again this is just a small part of what makes this sport and the people in it so amazing!!
Bench racing at it best~~~
I will be contacting Mr. Bruhn in the near future to put an article together based on his time in the sport.
There is also another gentleman that I hope to see in Bakersfield again in 3-weeks which he was at the very first race in 1948 at Hart Park & has been a member of NJBA on & off till this day.
Even though NJBA is a club it is very rich in history and the foundation/roots of our sport of Drag-Boat Racing.
This course has had a great many events over the years, many of our sport greatest racers have raced at this venue and created history and awesome memories for so many that were blessed to witness these events over the years.
I hope that one day this location will have a placard placed which will say…The Birth Place of Drag-Boat Racing!
Now that would be very Cool ;-)
This course deserves to be preserved since it is…History!!
On Sat. after the races was done for the day...I spent time with Jeff Martin-Cole Thurston & Shane Westerfield, While the four of us had a couple cold one's we chatted for some time about drag-boat racing past & present, and since these 3-have been raised in the sport we all had much to talk about. Jeff is like a Webster Dictionary of dragboat racing, and...Jeff is also living the dream of as of the best drivers in PGF ;-)
I encourage you, especially the spectators to take the time after the races are done for the day to go in the pits and visit the racers and experience the excitement of what makes this sport so amazing!!! ;-)
Enjoy the photographs!
If you wish to purchase any photographs please contact me at…speedfreak439@yahoo.com
Till The Next One ;-)
Joe “Speedfreak” Dutra |
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Smokin In The Cove - Malvern, Arkansas (Sept. 25-27-2009)How you doing folks~?
In a word…Amazing!! That is the word that comes to mind after experiencing my first Smokin In The Cove event. What has been wrong with me waiting so long to attend this great event~?
In the top class…the 6-second, If your boat cannot run a 6.08 to the thousand foot… you better leave it home! That was the number you needed to be in the top 16.
There was almost 120 boats that attended to fight for the number one spot and the BIG $$$
This event pay-out was…$42.000.00 Here is the break down~~~
1000ft. DASH FOR CASH
6 - 9 SECOND BRACKET
Top Qualifier: 6sec. $1,000 - 7sec. $600 - 8sec. $500 - 9sec. $400
QUALIFYING FRIDAY & SATURDAY A.S.A.P. AFTER 8:00AM
PAYOUTS
6sec...1st $10,000...2nd $2,500...3rd $1,000...4th $500
7sec...1st $5,000...2nd $1,500...3rd $850.....4th $500
8sec...1st $4,000...2nd $1,250...3rd $750.....4th $400
9sec...1st $3,000...2nd $1,000...3rd $650.....4th $350
2nd CHANCE -- if time allows
6sec...1st $1,000...2nd $500
7sec...1st $850...2nd $500
8sec...1st $750...2nd $450
9sec...1st $650...2nd $350
2009 entry Fee $350
Other associations take notice!!!
You better learn from this club…they are doing something right!!
Many feel that this is the best event in all of drag boat racing…I would not go as far to say that!
But…you have to give credit where credit is due!
I will say that Smokin In The Cove is no dought one of the crown jewels of drag boat racing for sure.
Mr. Glen Brashears and staff are friendly and will go out of their way to make the racers feel at home, just like SDBA. The entire race was very well planned out with evening BBQ’s & Awesome music by Ryan Couron. which in the future will be a house hold name for those of us that love country music. The food stands as for flavor…are some of the best of all of drag boat racing!! I have NEVER had a burger with such great flavor that made your mouth water more with every bite, and their corn dogs were as big as an large ear of corn. Yes…I am turning drag-boat racing into a family food review ;-)
Sorry Rex~~~The Nitro Burger is still the bomb though, At least I have the best of both worlds…Rex‘s NJBA Nitro burgers on the west coast & The Smokin Burgers in the mid-west ;-)
The sight is Outstanding!! Nestled in the Hills of…REMMEL DAM LANDING ON BEAUTIFUL LAKE CATHERINE... BETWEEN MALVERN AND HOT SPRINGS, ARKANSAS ON Hwy. 270 …I was taken by the natural beauty of the entire course and surrounding area. No wonder people look forward to this event every year with so much anticipation. By the time the event came to an end I felt the same way…Excited to return next year for the 25th annual event.
My fellow photographer partner Jon Lemoine and I had a blast taking photographs at this event, Jon & I stood on the finger pier at half track! the boats were going past us at full speed in the left lane less than two feet or times even less. Yeah…a bit crazy if something was to happen…but what a rush!! this gave us great close up photos which I was using my 19mm super-wide angle lens which at times I could not fit the entire boat in the frame it was so close to the pier at times.
Of course I got wet…Actually a Shower!
Being this close took me back to 1983-84-85 races in Chowchilla, Ca. where I use to stand out in the right lane in knee to waist high in the water when the Blown Fuel Hydro’s went by me…WILD!!!
This event had no capsule boats, It is all non-capsule boats running 6-9 second classes to the 1000 ft.
Many say that the shut down is to short…But not true!! NJBA Bakersfield is shorter but not by much!
You have to be on the toes and pay attention to your driving chores, if you are a racer racing at this event for the very first time, make sure and speak to your fellow racers! Also…get rescue to take you out to the finish & shut down area to get a better feel so that you will feel ready to go have an Awesome fun filled weekend :-)
For those of you racers that have held back to come to this event because of a short shut down, Pack your boat & bags and come experience what I would call the World Finals of open boat racing.
There are another 6-8 Pro-Eliminators that I would love to see come to this event that would make it by far a race in a class all by it self.
The only race that has a better turn out of open boats is the IHBA World Finals in Phx. Az. The reason being that everyone from all over the country wants to win the world finals, which gives you bragging rights during the overly too long off season.
The 4-5 month off season needs to disappear!
Here is another event that I hope that Lucas Oil will seriously consider adding to there list.
My only disappointment was that I did not have the opportunity to get in the drivers seat of my P/E at this FANTASTIC event :-( But…I had Mr. Chip Hughes the past owner of my boat drive for me.
At least I got to photograph my boat going down the course.
I would like to thank all the racers that purchased photographs over the weekend that Jon & I took, which Jon & I truly enjoy providing this service for you All! ;-) I want to share with you all that…Jon & I have a great passion toward the sport of drag boat racing, and the people that make it such an incredible sport.
Jon Peggy Sue “The Peddler” & I…feel very blessed to be a part of this sports history, and to help capture it’s history with each passing year! We also look forward to many more years as the future of this sport strides forward.
Photo Phinishes Ink. Is now…Jon Lemoine-Peggy Sue“ The Peddler” Sparks & I...Joe “Speedfreak” Dutra have teamed up since San Diego to go to selected races to provide the best photographic memorable product possible to You! The Racers-Sponsors & Racing Organization’s Etc. We will be providing all of the pit shots as well that you have been seeing me take over the years.
If you see any photo’s that you would like to purchase please contact…Peggy Sue at… photophinishesink@gmail.com For available sizes & prices & we do custom lay outs! ;-)
Keep in mind that the photos that are posted are only a few of many that I take over the weekend, Jon & I average 4-5 thousand photos over the weekend. So…ask Peggy Sue to provide you with photo samples of your hotrod.
To be added to my Drag-boat Racing e-mail list, send me your e-mail address at…speedfreak439@yahoo.com
Jon Lemoine site is at... www.sportsshooter.com/lemoine
TO INTER RACING PAGE TO VIEW PHOTOGRAPH'S...CLICK ON THE SMALL ICON/THUMBNAIL PHOTO ;-)
Till The Next One!!! ;-)
Joe “Speedfreak” Dutra |
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IHBA - San Diego,Ca. (Sept. 18-20-2009)WOW~~~
Can you say 265+ and Daryl shut it off wayyy early!!!
That is the number that TFH Problem Child ran with a 4.56 A leg on both MPH & ET...
The run was awesome...with a small exception of the right sponson clipping the timing light :-o which did cause enough damage that the back up run will have to wait till tomorrow (Sunday).
Great to see the return of TFH-Toxic Rocket which the team made several changes to the old sled as Joe & Glen call it. On friday the rocket ran a fine 4.98 @ 230
Today was Wild to say the least...TFH Speed Sports ran a fine 4.72 @ 236+ which John spent more time out of the water than on it! The boat look as if it was going to crash several times...But it hung on to fight another day :-)
Kent Price's...TAH Black Draggin went for a wild ride when the boat kited wayyy up in the air doing a full 360 and then some! Once rescue picked Kent up and got him to shore, Kent got out of the capsule by himself. Kent made it clear that a new boat will be ready by Phx. in Nov. ;-)
A few passes later it was Fred Hart that went for a wild ride which the boat caught air and crashed.
Fred sustained injuries to his arm that needed medical attention.
Sunday was some fine racing!
But...the pro-classes fell off track and racing was not as what everyone had hoped for :-(
The bracket classes really came through and put on a great show as always.
In the TFH Final John in the Speed Sports Red Lite by 800's giving the win to Scotty in the Spirit of Texas, including the Lucas Oil $10,000.00 Bonus Money!
If Speed Sports wins the championship...This will make Amos 20th Top Fuel Championship of his Extraordinary racing career as a Crew Chief ;-)
Then you have the Spirit of Texas AKA Fuel Monkeys just less than two rounds behind. This team have been a story in the making this year with major damage that the boat sustained in Augusta & prevailing through almost impossible odds. With men like Wolf & the entire crew there is almost nothing that this crew cannot over come ;-)
Times like this I wish that both could be winners~~~ On the other hand in Phx. in November there will be a winner crowned & I wish both of these great teams all the best ;-)
A battle it will be!!
Also...there are many other classes that are yet to be decided as well.
SO...With one more race left on the IHBA 2009 calender, The World Finals in Phx. has the making once again of being a great event.
What ever you do~~~Do-Not miss this event!
This is the Grand Daddy of Drag-Boat Racing!!! ;-)
You can order photos by e-mailing me at... speedfreak439@yahoo.com
If you wish to be added to my e-mail list e-mail as well...
Till The Next One~~~
S/F ;-) |
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Don Paul Ermshar (Sept. 2009)Hello Everyone!
Pictured is Don & his wonderful wife Phyllis at the IHBA Awards Banquet this past Jan. in Las Vegas.
Mr. Donald Paul Ermshar-(Feb. 16, 1943 - August 27, 2009)
Here is information on Don's upcoming Service...
On...Monday-Sept. 14th 2009
Don service is at Crestlawn Memorial Park, 11500 Arlington Ave, Riverside, Ca 92505. Crestlawn's phone # 951-689-1441
I will be uploading photo's of the past & presant of Don, Family & Friends over the next several weeks with assistance of Dons close friend & mine Mr. Ken Close, and your folks that want to get involved ;-)
So...please check in since their will many photos dating back to Don & brother Jim's yester years ;-)
I will have special sized enlargements ready for the auction in Phx. of Don & others ;-)
Here is a story By Jim Jack "Team RFC"
By Jim Jack
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing,” (2 Timothy 4:7-8 (NIV)
Yes my dear friends, today it’s true;
Don left this green earth for the skies so blue.
Though he was with us for only 66 years;
He’d tell you now he’s in a place with no more tears.
He made us laugh, and he made us cry;
So with his work now completed, don’t ask why.
He won so many races and so many cases;
It’s like Don hit home runs every day as he rounded the bases.
This man had a smile that could knock out a heavyweight;
Don’s gentle character was just this man’s normal trait.
Don was the real king of the alky flats;
He took home so many trophies Phyllis had to turn them into vats.
God chose this man to serve with truth and justice;
We all believed it, because the “Mako Force” would simply dust us.
His name is forever etched reaching for the highest tops;
On the race track or in court room, he could bust your chops.
Don wasn’t too big to do something small;
And what was so cool was that he loved us all.
Don would have gladly raced anywhere for a quarter;
And thankfully he preferred drafts of God’s living water.
With credentials rivaling the greatest box office feature;
Don chose a God who gave him a bright future.
We’ll miss this man whom we all grew to love and adore;
But only time will tell who will follow him through heavens door.
So you are fortunate to have learned about Don’s eternal plan;
Today, please allow God to introduce you to His “Son of Man.”
Last but not least, please allow me to close this case with the following argument…
“Ladies and gentlemen; yes, Don Ermshar has been found guilty on three counts…yes three counts…the 1st count of loving God, the 2nd count of loving his wife, and the 3rd count of loving racing.
Now the jury has come to the decision on Don’s sentencing. He gets life…yes eternal life…with his God…and eventually with his wife Phyllis too, and with all of his friends that have also been found guilty of believing in Jesus Christ.
The evidence was clearly overwhelming having been precisely presented, and it only took the jury a “twinkling of an eye” to reach their verdict…and it was a unanimous verdict.
The jury has excused all of us from this case and Phyllis and Don would like to thank each and every one of you very much for being here in this room and agreeing with this decision. This court is now adjourned.”
Amazing!!! ;-) |
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IHBA - Marble Falls,Tx. (Aug. 7-9-2009)Pictured is Your TAF-Winner!
Don "Diamond" Bausher sadly crossing the finish-line for the win...Not in the way anyone would like to win :-(
Don had a few bumps! But he was OK! ;-)
Your TFH winner...Spirit of Texas
TAH-Black Draggin
TAF-Habit Forming-(Crashed in Final)
Rescue had their hands full this weekend to say the least! But as always they did an Awesome job!! ;-)
The wind was challenging at times, But again rescue did a great job of monitoring the conditions.
The Show & Shine was packed again and a great event as always with everyone having a wonderful time.
The next IHBA race will be in San Diego, Ca. were the conditions should be ideal for record setting passes. Speaking of which Do-Not be surprised if we see legs in the ET & MPH records in Top Fuel ;-)
My thoughts are that all goes well...I see Speed Sports running in the high 4.40's, and maybe a low 260...Problem Child in the low to mid-260's...also with the Spirit of Texas in town this guys can or will lay down some great numbers that may even be record setting...If they get the launch issues fixed ;-)
We should witness the fastest & quickest side-bye-side pending on pairings ;-)
The Toxic Rocket is scheduled to be at this event and these guys are just WILD..who knows what they will bring? but they are Always Exciting!! and rumors maybe even the Whiskey River?
The boat that should be at this event...Liquid Quicker, I would love to see this boat here in San Diego conditions!!
This is a race that should not be missed even though selected boats from each class will be in attendance.
I want to ad our...Heart felt love & prayers go out to the Irmshar family & friends with Don's passing.
Phyllis...We Love You!!
S/F ;-) |
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SDBA - Chouteau, OK. (Aug. 1 & 2-2009)Pictured is Don "Diamond" Bausher a man on a terror for the points championship in both SDBA & IHBA in TAF.
In TFH...Robert Mills Disorderly Conduct took the win! John White shoeing the beast! The Problem Child TFH went dead in the water as soon as Daryl hit the throttle.
TAH-Final Notice took the win on bye!
Pro-Mod...It was...Just One More taking the win in the Pro-MOD $10,000.00 shoot-out!
It was great to finally return to Chouteau, long over due! After spending just a few minutes over looking the lake, I began to realized why I personally think that this is one of the best overall courses in the sport!
The only thing from making this venue perfect is, the main pit area. If it was paved instead of dirt...But this is a minor detail.
The Show & Shine was a blast! And everyone had a great time! ;-)
Let me start off by mentioning major thanks to Mr. Tommy Thompson & his entire group & SDBA for putting on an awesome event that was very well planned, including the festivities & BBQ...Nothing But Class!!
In the past several years SDBA have made their presence known by the way the conduct themselves with the racers, media/photographers, including the spectators!
Professionalism & Marketing at it's...Best!
I hope that sponsors, racers & spectators will take notice of this organization and the manner that they conduct themselves with open arms...AND~May I ad that A...Smile and Thank You...is something these people have perfected, including most of their other promoters! Special mention to Jenni & her gang in San Angelo!
I have to mention that SDBA announcer Roger Monroe is a class act at what he does! The man knows how to entertain everyone, and fill in down time when it is needed. Being an entertainer is something that most announcers fail at. Announcing is an art & having a connection with the spectators & racers is an extremely important part of promoting the sport. SDBA has a gold mine of an announcer Mr. Roger Monroe. The man...is a fine gentleman as well away from the Microphone ;-)
I am not saying SDBA is perfect!
But..Damn they are great at what they do!! and I do not want to take anything away from the other fine organization's in our Awesome sport! But...I will call it as I see it!! especially since I have been heavily involved in marketing & guest service industry for many years myself, and since this is my 26th year in the sport I have a pretty good idea of what is a class act! & what $ucks!! ;-)
But...there again~most of you out there can easily judge for yourselves! It is not rocket science ;-)
I have become a HUGE fan of SDBA and what I say on this page may be of no value for some of you ? But...I will say go to one of SDBA's events then you will understand what I am talking about! If not...Then Good Luck ;-)
When racing had ended, The fans were leaving the track excited and itching for the return in 2010.
I have no idea what next years schedule will bring? But...Chouteau is a race that everyone should attend racer & spectator...once you do~You will be hooked ;-)
Speaking of next year...I hope that next year the main players IHBA & SDBA will work together to not have to many races scheduled in a row, since it does hurt racer attendance, especially taking the current economy.
The exception being...Augusta & High Point!
A total of 113 race teams attend this great event.
Tommy Thompson & Crew-SDBA "NOTHING BUT CLASS" !!
I will begin posting Marble Falls on Sunday!
Joe "Speedfreak" Dutra
speedfreak439@yahoo.com
If you want to be added to my racing photo page, e-mail me your personal or work e-mail.
Till the next one! ;-) |
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IHBA - HIGH POINT, N.C. (July 24-26-2009)Hello Everyone!
I tell you it was wonderful to be back in High Point, North Carolina!
It was about time...
I look forward to see this event continue which was needed for the east coast swing.
With Lucas Oil at the fore-front and making it a mission to take this sport to the next level, the future of our sport looks much brighter, Which has been long over due.
Pictured is Fast-Eddie Knox's TFH-Problem Child with MAD-MAXX Daryl Ehrlich at the helm running the second fastest pass in the history of the sport at...258.52 and Daryl got off the throttle at the first MPH light...WOW!
Odds are that the Bullet Hydro was going 260...when Daryl got off the throttle.
This weekend marks the fastest MPH runs for both the Bullet & Ellison hulls.
Every time the Liquid Quicker is on a BIG run the boat looks as if it is on rails.
In Top Fuel Hydro (TFH) was the weekend of major MPH and quick ET's and some major hitters in TFH...got the dreaded Snake Bite!
The surprise of the weekend was not seeing Speed Sports in the final after such an Awesome performance the week prior in Augusta, GA. the Speed Sports was plagued with a broken blower snout in there bye in round-1, then while warming in the pits a loud pop causing some engine damage prior going into the water for there semi-final.
Your winner in TFH-was the Liquid Quicker...the boat ran most of the weekend in the 4.80's & High 240's to mid 250's like a bracket boat! Man...if these guys ever gets serious about doing a full tour they would be in major hunt for the point championship, as would Eddie Knox's Problem Child, now that Eddie & Daryl have the boat dialed in...these guys are a force to be dealt with as well...for the most part they were in the 4.70's & 250's most of the weekend.
The Fuel Monkeys...Spirit of Texas did put out some very impressive MPH numbers in the 240's but the boat has some major starting handling problem yet to be ironed out! Once they get the starting line figured out...All I can say is here...Comes Scotty!
Hot Licks...are still having some issues getting down the track...but did make a few very nice passes...These guys are so close!!
Bob...Dude were was your Hot-rod buddy~?
Man I was so looking forward to seeing the Dragonator out to play! Hopefully soon...In the new boat I hope!! ;-) Say hi to Mindy~
In TAH...who else boat your reining champion Kent Price in his Black Draggin.
Andy Rynolds did put a leg on the MPH record with a fine 225+
TAH's Mean Streak is one bad hot-rod but wild on the red-lights..has cost him the last 2-races!
Jeff...In his Castrol GTX is getting better every time he comes out.
Speaking of Snake Bit...In TAF Don in his Habit Forming has some V-Drive damage that took him out of the running...which gave the win to Andy DeMent in his beautiful Red Alert.
Steve in his All Lite Up had some parts breakage that side-lined him as well.
Jerry Davis...continues to get out there and go rounds with his beautiful machine!
Our blessing are with you Jerry on a daily basis...keep going rounds at home as well my friend ;-)
IHBA & Lucas Oil did a fine job on this event and the spectator where glad to see drag-boat racing return to there area. Hopefully we will see IHBA/Lucas Oil return to High Point, N.C.
The boat count in High Point was...67
S/F ;-) |
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IHBA - Augusta, Ga. Southern Nationals (July 17-19-2009)Hello Everyone!
Pictured is my new Pro-Eliminator Speedfreak's "BLOWN MONEY"
Taking the win in the P/E final-8.22 @ 140+
Augusta had 77 race teams attend and 5-TFH's and a-lot of action all weekend.
I want to thank Chip Huhges and his wife Kim for selling me there boat! P/E-Blown Money!! I bought Chips Pro-Eliminator a month ago and I decided that I would have Chip wrench and drive for me in Augusta... while I work on my P/E Lic. which I did get on Sunday :-)
What a great weekend for Chip & I...We won Pro-Eliminator, Chip's first win as a driver , and mine as an owner...at my first race event!! also...on Sunday morning round-1 Chip cut a Perect Light...000 as did Andy Rynolds in his TAH Deju Vu.
Chip & Kim thanks! ;-)
In TFH...Speed Sports won with a great~4.53 @ 256+ to record the quickest ET in the history of the sport. Liquid Quicker Red-Lighted and broke at half track.
I will say that if...the Liquid Quicker would of ran a full pass and not red-lighted they would of ran in the 4.50's as well.
TAH-Kent Prices Black Draggin won...as Mike Fry red-lite!
TAF-Don's Habit Forming took yet another win! Don has been on a terror in IHBA & SDBA.
S/F ;-) |
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SDBA - Ft. Worth,Tx. Race-3 (July 11-12-2009)WOW~~~
What a weekend of great racing action!
Even though there was only one pass of TFH on Sat. and Sunday...the ET's & MPH were Awesome from both boats!
There was 130-race teams on hand to make Ft. Worth a fine race.
Pictured is Jimmy Parson's in his awesome looking Pro-Mod B-N-Blown...Winner of the PM-Shoot Out.
Once again SDBA did a Fantastic job on putting on a great weekend of racing!
In the final pass of the day was TAF...the Titans of the two Don's...Don in Habit Forming & Don Ernshar in Lucas Oil sponsored...Mako Force
Just past the finish line Don's Mako Force chimmed 6-times then went air bound in a barrel roll.
Don Ermshar's accident was very serious!
It was one that had many holding there breath especially as the minutes ticked bye. After 10-minutes had passed...I was looking around at the crowd through my camera lens...All I saw was Fear on everyone's face, many were in groups in prayer & many with shocked look on there faces.
I could not help but watch Phyllis (Don's Wife)...I thought to myself that there was No-Better place she could be at this time...than with the people that Love & Support her.
Even with all the support & love around her...The eyes always tell the truth...And it was evident by looking at Phyllis's face that all she wanted was one thing! Her Soul-Mate returned to her !!
Even though Phyllis looked very composed...It was clear that her heart had stopped...Soul-Mates are connected beyond words...Lets just say it is a Godly gift ;-)
After 15-minutes...Rescue brought Don to the surface!
All this time Don was laying on the bottom of the lake in his capsule...35-60 ft.
When rescue was returning with Don to the emergency area...no-one knew of Don's condition...Everyone was holding there breath~~~everything was so still.
When Rescue was 20-ft. from the shore-line many of us could see Don moving just a bit while he laid in the gurney!
As the ol saying goes...The crowd went Wild~~~
Again...I looked at Phyllis and the look of Peace was in her eyes & face! needless to say her Man was back & it was OK...for her heart to beat again... ;-)
Even though I am writing this story on how I experienced what I witnessed...There are no words really that can explain better than looking at the photo's that I have added at the bottom of the photo page...which do a much better job on telling the story.
I for one believe in prayer...I feel it is the best gift that God has given us all to use, and share to help one another in this journey called life ;-)
I want to ad that Rescue did an amazing job!!
This was a Very Challenging Rescue...and the depth of the rescue made it even more challenging. I for one, and many others say...Thank You & We Tip Our Hats and especially our Hearts off to a wonderful job well done ;-)
SDBA has a saying..."Nothing But Class" And may I ad...Nothing But Heart" !!! ;-)
I am honored and proud to be a part of this Family...Drag-boat Racing and the people that make and are a part of this AMAZING SPORT...Racers, there families, Associations and there support people have created something more than just a sport!
In this great sport we all are there for one another even outside away from racing...In a word Family...with that comes...Love-Respect-Friendship and a host of many other words.
This again is evident as an example of what has taken place with Don & Phyllis...So Many friends have come to there aid and have opened not just there Heart, But there homes, and so much more.
After speaking with Phyllis a few days ago...I am taken by what people have done to help!
But...there again~~~maybe not...since this is what FAMILY is all about !!!
I hope once Don is back home...Phyllis will take the time to share her story about this journey! I can help if needed Phyllis~? ;-)
I want to end by sharing this thought that is WAYYY over due~~~Shame on those companies, businesses or sponsors that DO-NOT want to get involved in our sport or think we are not worth there time or dollars!!!
Our sport may not have the BIG bucks in it like many others...But one thing we have more than the rest is...HEART - LOVE & TEAM WORK...that no major sponsor can buy or have enough money for ;-)
But...we are willing to share and teach them~~~
A Thought~???
Instead of hiding the scary incidents when they happen...share them in a positive manner...so that people (fans & Sponsors) can see the love and support that this sport has in tough & challenging times!
I know we would win the heart of the fans in showing that our sport goes way beyond than just racing...A complete package is what we have to offer ;-)
Hopefully sponsors one day can get past just the all-mighty dollar...and learn to spin & support, become a part of the racing family & back it up with simple & creative marketing...then everyone wins!! $$$
My hope is that all or most of you folks will see and appreciate one mans thoughts & direction :-)
Don has a very long road of recovery ahead of him...But he has his Soul-Mate at his side...Loving Family, Friends, and GOD ;-) it does not get any sweeter than that~!
Our prayers are with the Ermshar family & friends ;-)
Till the Next One!
Joe "Speedfreak" Dutra
speedfreak439@yahoo.com |
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SDBA - San Angelo, Tx. Race # 2 (June 26-28-2009)Pictured is your TFH-Winner Speed Sports!
Runner up was...TFH Hot Licks
#1 qualifier in TFH Problem Child 4.89 @ 233 and Daryl had to click it off just before the 1000ft.
Top Speed goes to TFH Liquid Quicker with a fine 239 & Change!
Friday's Show & Shine was Awesome! & when all the boat's started up at the same time...Very Cool !!! Major S/F Thumbs Up~
Racing on Sat. & Sunday was great but...Very HOT! But...it is summer in Texas!
Man...Both sides of the shore-line was jammed with on lookers, even from the houses a-long the shore-line~ It looked as if all of Texas came out to watch this event. 120 race teams showed up to do there part on putting on a fine race! I have to agree~~~Nothing But Class!! is what took place this weekend between SDBA & the fine city of San Angelo. This is one of the racing events that needs to be on everyones calender...Racer,Spectator Sponssors Etc. ;-)
As you will see as you look through my photos there was a ton of action and fine racing all weekend...Best of all~~~Was the only time Rescue went into the water was to cool themselves off from the heat and maybe a little relief :-)))
I spent all day on Sunday on a lift about 70-80ft. in the air with my partner John capturing some Very Awesome shots! that I hope many of you will enjoy especially the racers since this angle does not come around often! The right lane boat often came under me, which made for awesome photography...and did~I Loved It ;-)
That is the reason I have decided to add many more photo's than normal...keep in mind I have over 1300 photos left in my file.
With that said you driver's, owners, team-members & fans can order much more than what you see that is on this photo page! ;-)
Please keep in mind the photo's that you are looking at are in Very Low Res. cut down 95%...At full res. they are perfectly clear & can be blown up to poster sizes!
You can click on the photo's to in-large and leave comments too! Have fun with them, All I ask is keep it respectful ;-)
Special thanks to Jenni for supplying the crane on the top-end which supplied the opportunity to take this rare angle and out-standing photographs ;-)
There was also 4 or 5 women drivers this weekend...which just may be a Record~?
2-of which are in there teens~~~
Since...I was up on the crane all day Sunday I was not able to hear the ET & MPH's..So check in on SDBA, Dragboat Racing.com & The Alley for round by round action results ;-)
Once again my hat goes off to SDBA & San Angelo for a great event...I hope that next year more of the top guns in many of the pro-classes can make it out...example 2-TAH's is a sad effort.
I want to add what a great effort by Eddie Knox to make it all the way out to Texas with his Hotrod on such a low budget & pulling off a great show with 3-in a row amazing passes! and the rest of the TFH's as well for putting on a great show with some of the best ET's & MPH of the season thus far, including the rest of the Pro-Classes & Sportsman~~~
Pro-Mods...You guys are awesome with 20 of you that showed up again! ;-)
I got the corny idea to do a short story of my buddy Scotty...on one of his passes in the TFH Spirit of Texas, Photos...#146-168 It was a never ending Wild ride which Scotty...Danced, Harponed, Shreaded, and almost mowed the lawn all in one pass! Well-Scotty after looking at the series of photo's I could not help it...Man I tell you this could very easy turn into a comic strip scean which is not a bad idea for Bev.s paper~? what do you all think of that idea~?
Start off as a half page~?
It would be Fresh & Humorus :-)
I hope that in the near future...Lucas Oil will consider taking a serious look at SDBA & have there event's filmed for TV.
I can tell you once you attend a SDBA event you WILL come back for more!! ;-)
NOTHING BUT CLASS!!!!!
If anyone wants to contact me you can do so at... speedfreak439@yahoo.com or captainjtd1960@yahoo.com
I am sorry to say that my card reader with all of the show & Shine failed me & the pics are gone! :-(
I am very Sorry about that!!
See you in Ft. Worth, Tx~~~
S/F ;-) |
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Lose of a dear friend to us all... (June 20-21-2009 SLDBA)Pictured is Jim Tucker a few weeks ago in Oklahoma City Race.
Jim passed away in a incident in his awesome looking~P/E Say When...while racing in St. Louis, MO. SLDBA event on Creve Coeur Lake.
Here is an artical from the local paper...
Drag Boat Drivers Remember Friend Killed In Weekend Race
June 22, 2009
St. Louis Drag Boat Association...
A Texas man died after crashing his boat at the St. Louis Drag Boat races at Creve Coeur Lake in Maryland Heights this weekend. It happened about 4:30 Saturday afternoon. The races went on as scheduled Sunday, minus one of the circuit's best drivers, Jim Tucker, 52, of Kingsbury, Texas.
"He was one of my best friends," said drag boat driver, Greg Carr, choking back tears. Carr said he and Tucker became very close, racing and traveling together for events across the country.
"We all got together and went out to eat Friday. He said, 'man I'm ready to go Red Lobster'. I did get to buy him his last meal. Yeah, we're going to miss him," Carr said.
Tucker won the World Championships in his class in Arizona last year. His wife, Yvonne, told Fox 2, he'd been racing boats since 2003.
Investigators weren't sure what went wrong Saturday.
Witnesses said Tucker's boat teetered or "chime walked", then went into the water nose-first, ejecting Tucker, who died after suffering multiple broken bones and head trauma.
Police said accidents this severe were rare in boat racing, even with drivers typically reacing speeds near 150 mph.
"It is uncommon to actually have accidents out there," said Maryland Heights police lieutenant, Mike Klos. "The majority of the time when they do, they're not overly serious ones."
"He died doing what they loved," his wife told Fox 2.
She was there when rescuers brought him out of the water. He was bleeding, so badly he couldn't communicate. Someone said he was struggling to breathe, she said no, he was trying to talk to her. She seemed pretty certain about that.
Before Sunday's races, the other drivers prayed for Tucker's family and the safety of everyone involved in drag boat racings.
They took up a collection for Tucker's wife.
The two had no children. "Just 10 dogs," she laughed.
"We're all like family here," said Raffael Saleca, a driver and Vice-President of the St. Louis Drag Boat Association which sponsored the event.
He said the races went on as scheduled Sunday partly in tribute to Tucker.
"That's the way Jimmy would have wanted it. Make no mistake. That's the way Jimmy would have wanted it," he said.
"We're all going to miss him," Carr said, crying. "I know he's up in heaven somewhere looking down on us, saying, 'go'."
An organization called RESP, Racers Emergency Response Program, donated $5000 toward funeral expenses.
Copyright © 2009, KTVI-TV
All of...US wish the intire Tucker family & friends our heart felt prayers~~~
REST IN PICE JIM! You are in good company in Gods hands and the rest of the racing fella's up there ;-)
Special Thanks to DRAGBOATRACING.COM for a copy of this artical.
Joe S/F Dutra |
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SDBA - Oklahoma City Race # 1 (June 5-7-2009)Pictured is Daryl Ehrlich taking the win in Robert Mills TFH-Disorderly Conduct.
It was great to see Daryl back driving again where he belongs! The man is one of the best drivers in the sport.
Rumor has it that Daryl may be driving The TFH Problem Child in San Angelo,Tx. in a few weeks~~~
In TAH Mike Robbins in his awesome looking "BLOWN To The BONE" took the win!
In TAF...All Lite Up took the win over Don's Habit Forming...Don Red Lite!
Don in his HABIT FORMING made three straight passes showing that a TAF can fly with-out crashing!
On Sat. SDBA did a fine job of keeping the race going with the eliminator classes due to the wind blowing most of the day.
By 5pm on Sat. the call went out for the pro-classes which one pro class round was completed.
The TFH show was all Disorderly Conduct! The remainder of the TFH's found themselves dealing with minor issues that kept them from making passes down the track.
The new race course location was great for spectator viewing...the Sat. crowd was large numbers that filled the bank for a mile ;-)
Sunday mother nature was still blowing but not as bad that took place on sat.
In all SDBA pulled off the race in fine style, and with the wind acting up often...Team Recue enjoyed watching three days of racing without no racing incident's, which made for a perfect safe weekend of racing ;-)
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NJBA - Lake Elsinore,Ca. Race # 2 (May 30-31-2009)Hello Everyone,
Well...I have to say that NJBA put on a great event again this weekend, with a great boat turn out! and the spectators came out in large numbers!
I am sure that when all is said & done and the final tally is in...NJBA will be very satisfied with the out-come!! ;-)
I would have to say that the town of Lake Elsinore should be very glad with the addition of having drag-boat racing and the amount of money that is spent by the racers and visiting fans!! Which in todays economy should be welcomed with open arms by many of the towns business owners.
There were 2-TAH's that showed up to play...Mike Fry's Mean Streak & World Champ Kent Prices Black Draggin.
These two are fast becoming the sports Ted Faggart & Tim Stokes rivalry of past years!
There was also a few TAF's & Pro-Mods as well...The sportsman classes came out in full force which provided great racing all weekend.
On Sunday the event went off like a fine tuned watch~~~Between NJBA & the racers the fans were treated to a great event!! :-)
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IHBA-LUCAS OIL Phx. Az. Race-1 (April 24-26-2009)Hello Everyone!
Well here we are Finally!! the first IHBA/LUCAS OIL Series event race of 2009!
There are 6-TFH's in attendance
SPEED-SPORTS, HOT LICKS, TOXIC ROCKET with there New Carbon Fiber Lite-Wieght Hull, then...SPIRIT of TEXAS, DRAGONATOR,& PROBLEM CHILD.
At this time there are also 6-TAF'S & 6-TAH's...more may show up tomorrow on Sat. ?
The Hot topic for the day was TFH...TOXIC ROCKET's first pass with there brand new carbon-fiber super lite wieght hull...
The boat launched Awesomely! then the trouble began~~~As you will see in some of the photo's I captured that the front end began to skate to the left & right and hop/bounce like a wild horse! coming down track Glen peddled but basicly kept his foot in it, all a-while the boat had blown out the back of both sponsons, which the splash plates ended up in the sponsons including the left rear, & On top of that a major break in the hull on the right side just below the capsule lid...WOW!!!
After all this the boat ran a great 5.10 @ 217...AMAZING!
With this said...My take is that the boat even though there was major damage during the pass...she stayed together & Glen was safe ;-)
In my 27 years in this sport this was an amazing sight to see a boat not just coming apart without anyone realizing it including the driver, But...also a wild hair raising ride!! & On top of all this...The boat stayed in it's own lane and hauled azz down the track!!
This may of been the New Toxic Rockets first & last pass...But she fought and stayed together...Like a soldier.
I am sure that Glen/Joe and the rest of the crew will re-group and be ready for the next race in Chowchilla :-)
You have to give Major credit to the Toxic Rocket crew & the boat builder for stepping up to try a Lite wieght hull in carbon-fiber! Personally...I would like to see stringers,ribbing and strong-backs added.
In the Marine Industry we had this same problem with the 35-65ft. seal boats twin 1500 HP Turbo Diesels!
Long story short...Ribbibg every 3 ft. with strong-backs added in certain area's greatly improved the situation!
In drag-boats ribbing every 12-18 inches, espeacially in the sponsons & with stringers for a chassis for the engine and capsule would be huge! and strong-back's in certain area's would help greatly ;-)
What do you think Dan...?
If anyone can make this work it would be Dan & a few others I know out there ;-)
Anyway..I hope that they will not give up just yet!
It may not be cheap!!! But this carbon-fiber hull will work just needs more work!
Remember not all that long ago many said twin props...Yeah Right!! and longer hulls No way!!
Look at them now!!!
Give major credit to men like Wolf! for years he has tried to get the Big Hull on the water but you cannot blame people not wanting to change...then again were would we be today if not for those that have pushed and stepped outside the limits!!
There still is much more to learn and improve...But we are heading in the right direction ;-)
As we all know everything in our sport has been by personal trial & error!
With that said~~~
Sat. The day started off ok till 11am when TFH was just starting to get ready to make it's first pass the wind came up~~~The remainder of the day belonged to the Sprint Boats & Hydro Lites!
I have to admit that the Sprint Boats are a blast to watch, I for one hope that they will return!
Don Ermshire & his wife went for a ride in these little But...Wild Machines ;-)
All effort's were made to get the Pro-Classes in at the end of the day...which at one time all pro-classes were called and TFH warmed up again! Unfortunantly 2-TAH passes is all that got done before the day was called.
Needless to say that Sunday was a perfect day for racing, and everything went smoothly.
The final in TFH ended in a side-by-side Blazzz for both Hotlicks and Speed Sports...with John Haas in his Famous Amos tuned hotrod taking the win with a great~4.68 @ 250.32 vs Hot Licks 5.07 @ 198.32...Hot Licks was right there with John till the motor went away about a 1000-ft.
TAH-Final was a great race as well with Mike Fry's Mean Streak vs. Andy Reynolds Daju Vu, with Andy taking the win with a 5.63 @ 212.30 vs Mike's great...5.49 @ 216.16
If you would like to be included in my racing page updated e-mail...Please e-mail me at... speedfreak439@yahoo.com or captainjtd1960@yahoo.com and I will add you to my list.
Feel free to make comments to the photo's all I ask is to keep it respectful ;-)
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