He was from Ashland, Virginia, and was the world record holder for propeller-driven blown fuel hydroplane boats. By Greg Jones Jan 31, 2023 . Imagine feeling the ground rumble when lakeside as the Top Fuel Hydro roar down the track with Estimated Times of 3.396 and 255 plus MPH all this in 1000. For those unfamiliar with this form of drag racing, and Top Fuel Hydros in specific, these incredible machines sport the very same 8,000 horsepower, supercharged, nitro-burning, 500 cubic inch Hemi engines as a Top Fuel Dragster or Funny Car. By the time he shut down the afterburner and released the chute, it was too late. 2 min read Read the full article on Motorious In just three seconds, this boat broke a world. d.write(' 2011 TAF World Finals champ Cole Thurston, took his Aw$$um Toy for a wild ride during qualifying. He graduated from building model boats to creating his first race boat at the . Huge engines (up to 300 HP) power Drag boats to speeds of 150 MPH or more. You can also use thislinkto visit the App Store or GooglePlay for the app. "Water speed record set," Lethbridge Herald, July 3, 1967, "Bellflower man plans attempt to regain world water speed record in rocket boat," Los Angeles Times, March 13, 1980, "Boat driver is lost in crash on Tahoe," Los Angeles Times, November 14, 1980, "Body missing," Monessen Valley Independent, November 18, 1980, "Taylor search continues," Gettysburg Times, November 14, 1980, "Boat driver's body found," Gettysburg Times, November 19, 1980, "Taylor's body is found," Los Angeles Times, November 19, 1980, "Body of boat racer still in Lake Tahoe," Hartford Courant, November 22, 1980, "Boat still not recovered," Gettysburg Times, November 22, 1980, "Speedboating," Daily Sitka Sentinel, November 26, 1980, "10-year dream ends with Taylor death," New York Times, November 23, 1980, "Lee Taylor: Pressure in prime time," Los Angeles Times, November 21, 1980, Social Security Death Index (Lee Taylor, born June 20, 1934, died Nov. 1980, SS# issued in Calif.), Steve Garcia, e-mail communication to site administrator, Aug. 6, 2013, http://www.boatdesign.net/forums/boat-design/lee-taylor-rocket-boat-15461.html (accessed 3/21/11), Arthur Benjamins, e-mail communication to site administrator, Mar. Weve got your covered, check out our listings for There's still big drag racing for the average guy. San Jose California 95125 Biographical: He had just been clocked at about 140 MPH when his boat went airborne. ago It's actually one of the deadliest records to break, along with the land speed record which kills quite often as well. Get an up close look at the boats and meet the teams who make it all possible by visiting the pits which are open to all spectators and fans! His death was the fourth in the space of thirty days in drag boat racing. First of all, you have to understand that traction, unlike in regular drag racing, is not a super huge issue when youre talking about racing boats in a straight line. [4], Drag Boats then returned to Lake Lucas in 2020 for events under SDBA, KDBA sanctions[5] and then in 2021 for a three-day summer event Diamond Nartionals[6] for drag boats with top fuel. Lowered duallies, buying t shirts , hot chicks. He was transported to Highlands Regional Medical Center where he died about an hour after arriving. Traditionally, a drag strip is 1,320 feet, which equals a quarter-mile . For over twenty years the Columbia Drag Boat Association has sponsored the Neil Donegan Classic at Lakeside in memory of Donegan. The boat has been quicker yet, however, having recorded a 3.36 last season and a speed of over . You've successfully signed in. Bayfair has grown from just a hydroplane race in 1964 to an event that featured drag boats, international competitors, live music and aerial demonstrations. The rest of the world was pretty much ignored, but they were out there racing boats, especially in Europe and the UK. from the starting line to those intervals. In some cases, we know their names, but we need at least a year to add them. 2023 Marble Falls Lakefest . November 3rd and Sacramento Raceway. He was from Westminster, California. The boat has been quicker yet, however, having recorded a 3.36 last season and a speed of over 260 mph. He spent several years in hospitals and rehabilitation facilities before passing away. These classes reflect their counterparts of the '60s and '70s with home built cars and are full of drivers whose sole purpose is to have fun. In Berkeley, CA , in 1958, Jack set a record at the speed of 118 mph. Published: Jul. It was Spencer's first racing event in two years. In fact, the Problem Child team has an association with the Kalitta Motorsports NHRA team, which certainly pays dividends with the close crossover in parts and technology. Cart 0. Ten days after the crash on November 22, the salvage barge crew were finally able to hoist the boat and his body to the surface. "Drag boat racer dies after he flips in race," Los Angeles Times, June 25, 1984, "Sports log," Milwaukee Journal, June 25, 1984, California Death Index (James Raymond Hobbs, born February 10, 1943 in Michigan, died June 24, 1984 in Orange Co., mothers maiden name was Crist), Social Security Death Index (Jim Hobbs, born Feb. 10, 1943, died June 1984, SS# issued in Calif. Corona, CA (August 2, 2018) When friends invited Nancy Davis to a drag boat race in 1978, Corona, CA (July 31, 2018) One of the premier events on the Lucas Oil Drag Boat Racing. Biographical: He was making a half-track pass in his 482 cu. He was transported to Lapeer County General Hospital where he was pronounced dead. On Sunday morning elimination racing begins with each round more intense than the next until each class has a winner. '.webs.com' : 'none'; --> For race #5 on the SDBA Points schedule & set up at Lake Crook for a weekend of exciting close matched racing. He was from Tulsa, Oklahoma. After Bud Meyer and Harlan split partnership, he formed a partnership with Pete Altman & Wayne Rexwinkle. Future Car. Grandfathered. This now united sport allows more than 900 teams to run for one national championship, each national event spotlights several pro classes highlighted by the Top Fuel Hydro class. This long gone track was located literally hundreds of yards from the Pacific Ocean. Copyright - NJBA National Jet Boat Association, Gates open at 8:00 am for spectators on Saturday and Sunday, Adult passes are $20 on Saturday and Sunday. MERCHANDISE. Term Definition; . top of page. Outboard 1/4 Mile Drag Records (click on the link in the year column to see photos and info on the boat) Year: Speed: Driver/Owner: Hull-Mfg-Name-Type: Motor-Mfg-Size-Type: Class of Record: 1959: 68.07: Jack Ward: Power Cat 14c Catamaran: 2xMerc Mk58a's: Biographical: He was testing an innovative hull designed to tunnel air under the boat. 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