The next pair again found teammates facing off, and Rex Childers took the win in “Whiskey River II” over Glen Wilson’s San Francisco-based “Toxic Rocket.” Wilson did a masterful driving job as the “Rocket” was way out of shape and ended up changing lanes.
Haas then received a scare from multi-time World Champion Gred Tedesco and his Reno-based “Blo Me Gear Loose Cannon.” The two engaged in the best race of the weekend with Haas narrowly defeating Tedesco, 4.79 at 255 mph to a close 4.87 for Tedesco.
Ishimaru finished the round with a great 4.84/241 win over Walt Ott’s beautiful “Performance Plus.”
As the call went out for round two everyone was ready except the World Champion “Speed Sport Special.” The crew attempted to fire, but there was no spark, and they attempted to track down the problem as everyone else pulled to the lanes. Several crew chiefs from other teams jumped in the fray, and the IHBA officials waited as long as possible, but to no avail as the problem could not be found. The “SSS” group put the boat
in the water hoping for a mistake from Ehrlich, but it wasn’t to be as Ehrlich blasted to a great 4.99 effort. The disappointment was evident, but the Osmon gang knew that if Ishimaru or Childers did not better their 258+ mph pass the NAPA $50,000 would be theirs. Just 4.90 seconds later Ishimaru answered that question as his 232-mph speed fell far short of the record, and Haas snatched the bounty.
The final round looked to be a great match as the rejuvenated Dennis Gibson-led “Berryman Bullet” was ready to face off with the potent “Problem Child.” As the tree came down both boats launched hard, but at 300 feet Ishimaru’s engine let go and Ehrlich roared to a career best 4.83/227 triumph.
