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 Joe Dutra | Home > 
SDBA - Ft. Worth,Tx. Race-3
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
Date(s): July 11-12-2009. Album by Joe "Speedfreak" Dutra. Photos by SPEEDFREAK. 1 - 309 of 309 Total. 6009 Visits.
  Sign the Guestbook. Displaying 5 of 5 entries.
JOE, YOUR INTRODUCTION TO YOUR PHOTOS WAS BEAUTIFUL.  IN THE 4 PHOTOS YOU SHARED WITH US, YOU DEFINATELY CAPTURED THE LOVE AND CARING THAT WAS FELT FROM ONE END OF THE TRACK TO THE OTHER.  I APPRECIATE WHAT YOU SAID MORE THAN I CAN SAY.  YOUR WORDS AND PICTURES REALLY TOUCHED ME AND I CAN'T WAIT TO SHARE THEM WITH DON.  TAKE CARE MY FRIEND, LOVE, PHYLLIS
 - 
PHYLLIS ERMSHAR, Mon, 27 Jul 2009 7:28PM
Joe can you email me
 - 
Chris De La Cruz, Wed, 15 Jul 2009 6:10PM
We had 130 race teams attend the event.  Thanks to each and every one who made the tow to some of the best water in Texas.  It was just a tad warm, but down about 6 degrees from last year.  Special thanks to SDBA rescue for the excellent job they did when Don crashed.  Wasn't quite what we had in mind for the "Grand Finale", but those flats do run pretty don't they.
When the capsule was recovered on Monday, it was in 30' of water.  
Kenda Reedy, SDBA Registration & Membership Services and co-promoter of the Cowtown Dragboat Nationals.
 - 
Kenda Reedy | cowtownlakefest.com, Tue, 14 Jul 2009 7:24PM
Joe you got some great shots for me this weekend, but these here are AWESOME!! Keep up the great work and see you soon Love, Peggy Sue
 - 
Peggy Sue Sparks, Tue, 14 Jul 2009 3:48PM
Hey Joe I just want to say your picture are amazing.  I've been a fan since you started posting them online.  The Ermshar pictures give me chills but I'm glad i was able to see them.  I've learn a lot from them and I thank you for that.  Keep up the great work and I hope to see ya in High Point.
Cole Thurston
 - 
Cole Thurston, Tue, 14 Jul 2009 11:31AM
Start Slideshow 
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PROMOD SHOOTOUT WINNER!

Jimmy Parsons

B-N-Blown


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Sat. Action ~>~>

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Ken taking care of feeding the Rescue Boyz!

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It was one Hot Weekend Again!

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Peddle that baby~

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My side looks good!

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Hang in there Bill~

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Buzzy lost an ear off the prop on this pass and a lot of the shaft gear!

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You can see the back end up and sliding to the left.

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Bottom left you can see some of the shaft gear skipping across the water!

Boat handled it-self very well~


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There was a hole on the bottom of the boat other damage, which caused the boat to quickly take on water & sink!

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TFH-Disorderly Conduct

4.90 @ 235.60


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Well...

Till the next...One! ;-)

"I always love the sunsets!..."
View Comments...

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TFH-Problem Child

5.06 @ 236.09

This is one Very Happy Hotrod~


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SDBA Gang keeping the show running smoothly~

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Some of the Photo Guys were hiding for what little shade there was!

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Roger...Doing a fine job as always!  ;-)

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The repair barge was busy this weekend...

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Looking at the pits from the race track.

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Pro-Mod Shootout Final...

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Don-Steve & The Gang watching the TAF's play!

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Sunday's Action~>~>~>

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The first round ended up as the final due to both boats having hull damage! :-(

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Both put on a great  show!

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John ended up shaving a little glass-work off the lift sponson when the boat hit the timing sensor!  :-0

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And a ball as well...

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TFH's-

Problem Child-Winner!

4.86 @ 236.84

Disorderly Conduct

5.39 @ 173.07


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Rescue cooling off with a water-balloon fight ;-)

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Few pics at the Take-Out Ramp~

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Daryl speeding...

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Police Officer chasing who~?

Ft. Worth/Mansfield P.D.

Some are NOT Cool people!!


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TAH-Final...

Final Notice on a Single!

Bad Moon Rising declaired Broke!


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ALL FINALS...

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TAF Final...

Left-Habit Forming

Right-Mako Force


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The Two Don's are at it again!

When these two go at it...

It is always a battle of The...TITANS!!


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TAF-Habit Forming-Winner!

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Don got a little lose on the top end...

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Let me start by saying Don & Elbe...Thanks!

This will be a race that...I Will Never Forget! :-o

My Life Long Pals :-)))


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Now to the Pit Shots!

:-)


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A Little R & R  ;-)

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Jelly & Eddie ;-)

Jelly...did you jump ship~?

Only Kidding~  :-)))


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This boat is on a Mission!

I bet if Eddie is able to make all the races...IHBA, He may be in the point hunt come the World Finals in Phx.

I feel that with Daryl driving Eddies boat the points chase is ON!

With also Fuel Monkeys thinking of running the remainder of the IHBA season, and the Hot Licks!

This can be an all out war for the point come Nov.  ;-)


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Shane!

This is one Bad Azz Wrench!!

This kid is the tuner on his dads World Champ TAF...All Lite UP


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Dang John...

No wonder you hit the lights!

Your not tall enough Man!

:-)))  Just kidding my friend~  It was hard not to comment after taking a photo of yout hirght requirment ;-)


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See~~~

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Dang It!

Speedfreak is right~

Mills where is the phone book~?

I need it to sit on next time ;-)

And you guys thought it was only for peddle use!!

:-)))


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Drivers Meeting at the end of Sat. racing...

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The Man!

An...ICON!!

HISTORY!!!


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The Hotrod..

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TAH-Bad Moon Rising & Owner

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You can see the damage from the prop & back further more damage!

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Some of the Fuel Monkeys, from Spirit of Texas showed up to help Eddie out! ;-)

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Yup!

There is Wolf working some of his magic ;-)

They do-not come any  better!


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Robert Mills & Crew working on there TFH-Disorderly Conduct!

Robert's Hotrod was every bit of...Disoderly this weekend :-o


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"Matt...Where's this go????"
View Comments...

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This man can Play & Sing! ;-)

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MAD-MAX

And daughter in tow ;-)


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Cannot forget the ladies of the sport!

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Steve making sure his cook does not burn up the food...AGAIN! :-)))

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Shane & Dad Steve are checking out Don's boat~~~

Hmm...What does Don have here~?


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Heah...I can fix this for Don!

I wonder what I can do with this little line~?

:-)))


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Left-Jim Lang & Right-Don

Combined-these two are a Terror to deal with...Almost Unbeatable!


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Sat. Night Mr. Marty Logan got married at the track!

Hear are just a few photos of Marty & his wonderful new bride.

Many of there friends were in attendance to share there wonderful gift to one another.


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Next 5 photos are 360 view of family & friends on hand...

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Pro-Mods...

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This is a very Good Thing! ;-)

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A moment in Prayer!

Is always good for an extra 2/10s!


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John got touched by the light!

The timing light that is!

:-o


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Eddie's boat went into the trailer early as well...a small area of the left rear sponson pealed off.

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Left rear sponson...

Eddie is having the boat repaired before he leaves for Augusta.


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"Hey Joe thanks for the pro..."
"EK, Thanks for keeping i..."
View Comments...

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Your TFH-Winner

Eddie Knox & Daryl "MADMAX" Erhlich

TFH-Problem Child


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Closing Prayer! ;-)

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After Don came to a stop in his TAF Habit Forming machine...He Flew down to the emergency area to be there waiting the return of his friend Don Ermshar and support Phyllis...Jerry and Nancy as well & many others!!

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A moment of prayer!

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Rescue returning Don to the emergency area.

Don was in major pain...

But...A blessing after such a major incident!


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Phyllis was in good hands with loving friends at her side.

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As you came see Don was being attend to with Caution-Love & Care

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Phyllis had a HUGE amount of Love-Support & Prayers by so many!! ;-)

I have to say that I am proud & honored to be part of a sport that truly walks there talk when it comes to taking care of there own on & off the track...drag-boat racing is more than just racing~~~It is Family.


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Relief that Don is...OK!

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A moment of prayer and thanks!

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Yeah~~~

That is me wayyy up there again capturing those very cool looking over-head photographs.


 
   
 
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