In between all the other wild action, the Speed Sport Special also managed to catch fire. (Jon LeMoine photo)
The next pair would feature the Lou Osmon-owned, points leading “Speed Sports Special” and the repaired “Loose Cannon.” As the lights flashed to start the engines the “SSS” started in gear (an automatic DQ) and began to pull both boats forward, forcing both to shut off. With the rope caught on the capsule lid of the “SSS” the huge barge holding the far end of the rope suddenly flipped over, and again put the IHBA rescue and officials in a tough position. After a lengthy delay unsuccessfully trying to upright the barge, the previously sunk IHBA II Rescue boat would serve as a temporary backup. The mid-day time window opened and again the Lucas Oil IHBA racers and officials did a great job to have the boats ready to go for the semi finals.
 Glen Wilson got the TFH win (James Drew photo) |
Glen Wilson in the “Toxic Rocket.” (James Drew photo)
Lost in all of the unusual events was the tight points battle heating between the still alive Texas-based “Hot Licks” and the disqualified “Speed Sports” boat. With a semi-final win, the Gibson-owned “Hot Licks” would be in a virtual tie with “SSS”, but as the tree came down Glen Wilson in the San Francisco-based “Toxic Rocket” stormed to a 5.02 to 5.32 win, and the “Hot Licks” gang would end up one round behind, setting up a showdown at the season ending World Finals.
Meanwhile, Tedesco’s luck was on the upswing as he advanced to the finals via a bye, and chose to wait for the day’s end final with Wilson. The remainder of the day went off without a hitch, and as the window of opportunity for smooth water (before the unlimited hydro final) closed the “Toxic Rocket” and “Loose Cannon” were ready to finish out one of the wildest events in recent IHBA history.
The boats started on command and as the tree came down they left as one, but Tedesco’s bad luck returned as his boat went silent, and Wilson disappeared with a 5.26 at 234-mph win.
Kent Price and the dominating “Black Draggin” ran a string of 5.30s to win the Top Alcohol Hydro class. Here he goes against Kevin Kinsley. (James Drew photo)
The Lucas Oil “Mako Force” guided by Don Ermshar took top honors in Top Alcohol Flatbottom over Steve Westerfield’s “All Lit Up” and Scott Loomis’ “Crapshoot” rounded out the professional class winners taking a narrow win over Steve Racij’s “Agent Orange” in Pro Mod.
The IHBA racers return to the liquid quarter mile on November 20-23 for the season ending Coors Light World Finals in Phoenix, Arizona.