Renegade Rip

Issue date: 11/7/07 Section: Features

Media Credit: Kelly Ardis A race glides across the water in his boat in the National Jet Boat Association race at Lake Ming Nov. 4.

Over 60 boats participated in the National Jet Boat Association Racing finals at Lake Ming Nov. 3-4.
The boats reached over 130 mph in a drag race that lasted only 10 to 20 seconds.
Simon Imhof, a driver in the top alcohol boat division, said, "The drag races are like Christmas time for me and my family; we look forward to it every year."
Imhof's boat did not qualify this year due to an engine failure in the middle of a qualifying race.
Imhof did, however, stay for the rest of the races. He said that "it sucks that I didn't have a chance to win after all the money I have put into my boat, but I still like to watch."
Imhof said it is costly to maintain a boat, especially if it is participating in races on a regular basis. He said that it can cost about $500 to maintain the engine after the race.
Imhof wasn't the only racer having poor luck on Saturday. Another racer, Steve Roucher, was flung from his boat after its nose dug into the water. Roucher said, "My boat and I are fine. My knee is a little banged up."
Mike Hall, a rescue worker, said, "We were expecting it eventually. We were surprised that it hadn't happened sooner."
The rescue workers were kept busy later, after Mike Finnegan's boat arrived on the end ramp after the race, missing a scoop that allows air to pass through the motor.
The rescue workers found the missing scoop after the race concluded on the first day.
Steve Sharps' crew had reasons for celebration early in the race after breaking a record at 140.8 mph and a 7.71 estimated time.
Sharps qualified in first place in his racing bracket with the best time and speed.

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