THE LIQUID QUARTER MILE

 My day started with a cat in the lap.

When the boys were preteens, we first started attending the drag boat races in Central CA.  I guess you might say that drag boat racing is part of our DNA.   Back in those days, the fastest boats (top fuel hydros) went a little over 200 mph, and there was no such thing as safety capsules, or self contained breathing equipment.  A crash helmet, and a parachute strapped on the drivers back was about the extent of safety gear.  It wasn't uncommon to see lots of crashes, and unfortunately, a lot of driver injuries, and a few deaths.  The sport has made tremendous progress regarding safety, but still hasn't gained much traction with the general public.  There were a lot of empty seats at the Wild Horse Pass Motorsports facility yesterday,

 Problem Child  on it's 260 MPH pass.

The top fuel hydros are always the main attraction, and there were six at this last race of the season.  Problem Child, driven by Daryl Erlich made one of the fastest passes ever, recording a speed of 260 MPH during the first round of eliminations.  He wasn't able to back it up however, so the official speed record remains at 258 MPH.

 Rebuilding the engine in the pit of Problem Child.

 

 Marc posing with the driver of  Problem Child - Daryl Erlich.

 During qualifying on Saturday, Problem Child crashed, destroying the boat.

Unlike in the old days, this was a safe race, with no boat crashes, and most importantly, no driver injuries.   Walking around the pits, we checked out all of the boats, their massive engines, and enjoyed a bright day of sunshine, with hardly any wind.  By the time the last two top fuelers ran the final race, it was a little before 5 before we started the drive back to Tucson.  Problem Child was the champ in a thriller final where the other boat Whiskey River almost crashed, and Daryl Erlich ran out of his lane before being declared the winner.

 Two safety boats include divers, and other rescue equipment.

The diet went out the window yesterday, but this sausage sandwich, smothered in onions & peppers was delicious!