From the Desk of John Hipwell,
Triple Digit Racing - Special Thanks
May '98
Over the last 13 years, I've become addicted to drag boat racing and now
it is my way of life. I owe a lifetime worth of thanks to my wife Jo-Ann for her
patience and support. I also owe a great deal of thanks to my sponsors who have
stood by me, and to Rocky who was there to see me through all the times both good and
bad. But most importantly, I have to thank my crew for helping me take my never
ending need for speed, and turn it into a top fuel reality!
In 1997 when I went from blown alcohol to running fuel, I came to realize
none too easily who my true friends were. Here I was in the top fuel pits, and
facing 7 other boats in the class. Doug and Sharon McManus (original owners of Money
to Burn), were at my side after making their own graceful exit from the drag boat
arena. And on my other side stood drag boat bracket racers Richie Seibert and
Richard Martin. Plus I had something even better then a second set of hands, I had
Mike Miskovits spending almost as much time caring for my engine as I did. Also, I
can't forget to mention that Roger Wray was there for me too whenever I needed
anything.
But I have to say this, I put together a crew where none of us ever worked
on a fuel deal before. We got together and everything just clicked as if we had been
doing it for years. I think after the 2nd Run out on the boat we were able to pull
the engine, replace all exhaust valves, replace 8 pistons and rods, remove all the
underwater hardware and check for cracks, put her all back together, and we did it in
Under 2 Hours!!! By the time we hit Highpoint for my second race running fuel, the
crew always had Triple Digit first in line when our class was called, and sometimes even
without me being suited up. We now have the between rounds work down to under a hour
and a half, and I couldn't possible ask for a better crew. Thanks guys, without you
I don't know what I'd do!
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