[7] In 1962, Hill ran 202.70mph (326.21km/h) two years after Chris Karamesines had the first 200mph (320km/h) pass and two years before Don Garlits had the first official 200mph (320km/h) pass. You don [7] Hill won his first national event in 1959 in a Hot Gas race at an American Hot Rod Association (AHRA) national championship event in Great Bend, Kansas. "Person of the Year Pending: Highlands Spring Classic: Start Date. However, drag boats us a slight moving start. 60s Funny Cars Mr T The Kentucky Drag Boat Association has announced a four-event schedule for the 2021 season, with the quartet of MAVTV Motorsports Network races all scheduled for the state-of-the-art Lake Lucas at Lucas Oil Speedway in Wheatland, Missouri. Using the same boat in 1976, he switched to nitro and set an SDBA speed record of 171.81 MPH. During those years Eddie won 55 of the 103 events he entered. He won a record-tying six races, amassing enough points to win the 1993 Winston Top Fuel Championship, and becoming the oldest (57) in history to receive such an honor. [7] He became the only racer to hold records in all four associations simultaneously. "Boat racer killed," Orlando Sentinel, Dec. 20, 1970, Buried: Sierra Hills Memorial Park, Sacramento, California, Location: Fern Ridge Reservoir, Eugene, Oregon, Event: Balboa Raceways Championship Circle and Drag Boat Race. Texas Motorplex, WDFL.com, Special thanks to Eddie and Ercie Hill for all their help, Home Hill drove his home-built hot rod to the track and won the event. His initial entry in the class was powered by a blown, After he quit drag racing in 1966, Eddie opened a motorcycle dealership in, Hill attended a drag boat race in 1974 in, Eddie began with an un-blown gas hydroplane, winning class the first time out while racing in, From 1978 to 1984, Hill moved up to the premier class of quarter mile water racing, blown fuel hydro. Ted and Vi Phillips D&H Sled hull with a blown Gas Chrysler The home-built dragster he drove to the track featured Model T frame rails, body panels made of corrugated roofing tin, and an Olds V-8 for power. Biographical: The week before his fatal accident he had set a record of 147 MPH in his class and was trying to improve it at Lake Ming when he died from injuries in a crash. Like many who witnessed this form of quarter mile action for the first time, he thought the drivers were BOAT INSTALLATION HARDWARE: Fiberglass Seats NEW Original 2 Rib Design White or Black Gelcoat std size 18 1/2" wide $135 ea.wide boy size 20 1/2" wide $150 ea Carbon Fiber Seats NEW hand laid $350 ea throughout our childhood). Biographical: His boat went out of control, went out of the water, and he was thrown from the boat when it re-entered the water. His brother remembered him racing that boat when he had a broken leg in a cast. Jack Barclay. But when they do, she has aspirations of the PBR using them. The rule was changed after the event to allow racers to race on race day even if they do not use the same car. 1980-89 - Drag Boat and Water Speed Record Racer Memorial 1980-1989 Craig Arfons Born: September 26, 1949 Died: July 9, 1989 Buried: East Liberty Cemetery, Green, Ohio Age: 39 Full Name: Jon Craig Arfons Nickname: Location: Lake Jackson, Sebring, Florida Event: world water speed record attempt Accident Date: July 9, 1989 When he retired from drag racing in 1999, records indicate that he had posted over 460 four second runs; the best being a 4.520 seconds at 323.74 MPH. 18, 2014, Bill Roberts, e-mail communication to site administrator, Aug. 1, 2014, Location: Oakland Marine Stadium, California, Event: American Powerboat Spring National Championships, Boat: "Panic Mouse" blown fuel flatbottom. From Dallas: Take Hwy 35 South to Waco (about 100 miles). ADBA was established to enhance the sport of Drag Boat racing at a local level. The boat flipped over and he was thrown clear of the craft, but drowned before anyone could get to him. Hydroplanes can reach speeds of 235 mph. RSVP. At Amarillo Eddie set an ET record for the class at 8.84 seconds. "Person of the Year Citation II [7] He used four rear racing slick tires in open competitions for faster passes, and two rear slicks in match competitions to produce smokier passes. This starting system was implemented as a safety precaution because it is difficult for a boat driver . Draglist Facebook 20000 S Maricopa Rd, Chandler, AZ 85226. Charlie Allen, founder-chairman of the International Hot Boat Assn., remembers the first time he went to Irvine Lake to watch drag boats. They met at a boat drag race in High Point, North Carolina, and she then at the drags with a injected gas 327. When he retired from drag racing in 1999, records indicate that he had posted over 460 four second runs; the best being a 4.520 seconds at 323.74 MPH. Fuel and alcohol classes require flameproof boots, gloves and fuel masks. Midwestern 't stop there. Join Community Grow Your Business. [7] In 1982, his Top Fuel hydroplane went 229.00mph (368.54km/h) at an NDBA event to set the world's record for a quarter mile water drag at Chowchilla, California. Ceremony will be held at La Paz County park Pavilion Parker, AZ. [7] He purchased Dan Pastorini's Top Fuel car and salvaged the drag boat engine from the bottom of the lake. He won the American Drag Boat Association (ADBA) championship four times and became No.1 in SDBA points five years in a row. SPECTATOR WEEKEND RACE PASS NATIONALS IN CHANDLER, AZ (sdbaracing.com). In 1956), Buried: Fresno Memorial Gardens, Fresno, California, Boat: "Big Fella" unblown fuel flatbottom. There are five posters and a three page list of the National Drag Boat Association (NDBA) 100 Mile per hour club members. Eddie has a daughter Sabrina who is Operations Manager at Eddie May 10, 1941 in Houston, TX, died July 9, 1978 in Waco, TX, "Killed during boat race," El Paso Times, July 11, 1978, Find a Grave: Donald Lee Williams, b. Mar. State. [7], In 1947, 11-year-old Hill won the Tri-State Motor Scooter Flat Track championship in Shreveport, Louisiana. The KDBA Drag Boat Spring Opener is set for May 14-16, followed by the KDBA Summer Thunder on Lake Lucas June 12-13 and the Show-Me Shootout July 31-August 1. Over the past four decades the club has had an enormous following and dedication for the purpose of advancing the sport on the liquid quarter mile. NDBA "National Drag Boat Association " Embroidered Patch. He was from Houston. One of his previous boats was a blown gas hydro named "Deliverance." Each boat is allowed to qualify for eliminations by making at least one quarter-mile timed run. Recommended Communities. The event is promoted very well as evidenced by the entire town of Marble Falls are wearing event shirts and drag boat window art all over town. Available for USA only . Last Dog Standing. Links The November 1966 issue of Hot Boat has a spectacular B&W flip photo showing the hull disintegrating and Rene Andre Maddox bouncing across the lake. Miss Spico Chowchilla, SEE EVENT RESULTS. Banzai He was thrown clear of the boat and his emergency parachute opened, but hit the water at a bad angle on his neck. His parachute pulled him free of the disintegrating boat, but he suffered severe injuries, from which he died a decade later. 24 posts. Sonoma, Place an ad in our Race Day Program. His won his last race at Mile High Nationals in 1996 at the age of 60, the oldest winner of an NHRA professional category. Lucas Oil Drag Boat Racing Series. He was from Renton, Washington. The hot rod had a Model T frame and an Oldsmobile V8 engine. Larry Schwabenland driver - Roger Pillow driver Eddie [7] Hill made it to the final round of competition, losing to Larry Minor when he lost reverse after his burnout. Pits are a long walk from the spectator area. record is first certified official after it is backed up by a different pass within one percent. Biographical: During eliminations, his boat was traveling about 140 MPH when the boat began rocking back and forth on its sponsons. In early qualifying at a race in Daytona in 1971, Eddie ran 151 MPH, which at that time was faster than factory rider Gary Nixon. In 1993, Hill became the NHRA's oldest Top Fuel champion. All images of drag boats, both hydroplanes & flatbottoms from Stories We create all original artwork, and print on heavy-duty glossy cardstock. But age was not a barrier to Eddie Hill. He had been using the Double Dragon to win match races and help support his Top Fuel efforts, but unfortunately the twin was totaled two months earlier in a crash at "The power, speed, and acceleration were all things that I had missed since I quit drag racing. Wichita Falls, That Chrysler is 454 cubic "Low E.T. After that, Hill decided to quit his regular job and go racing full time. Mixed Emotions He was from Fair Oaks, California. Step by step, Hill got things sorted out and at the Mile High Nationals in 1986, he advanced all the way to the final round, only lose to Larry Minor when his reverser failed to function after the burnout. ", Member of the Auto Racing All American Team. SEE WHERE WE ARE RACING. The Hydroplane drag boat uses a three point hull design to trap air. "[7] Hill had managed to steer straight down a course that was lined with trees. Take Lake Brazos Dr exit and travel west past Herring. 't. 10, 1941 in Harris Co., parents were Freeman Richard and Dorothy Mae Wylie Williams (sister was Mary Charlene Williams, born Dec. 10, 1948. He quit water drag racing after he suffered broken bones at a crash in Arizona and returned to land drag racing in 1985. Pictures [2][7] Hill finished in the Top 10 in Top Fuel points for all but one of the years between 1987 and 1995. Boats registered in exhibition do not qualify. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. - Judge's Stand SCSC Membership: All racers are required to join SCSC.You can join on-site at registration or Pending: 2023 Annual Kenmore Hydroplane Cup Testing . Jack Nichols. But with encouragement and support from wife Ercie and advice from fellow racer Gene Snow, Eddie saw light at the end of tunnel. "It was a perfect run until right past the finish line. The dealership is still open (as of 2008), and it is now the oldest Honda and Kawasaki dealership in Texas. 1970-79 - Drag Boat and Water Speed Record Racer Memorial 1970-1979 Charles Abajian Born: September 16, 1947 Died: May 20, 1978 Buried: Rose Hills Memorial Park, Whittier, California Age: 30 Full Name: Charles Arthur Abajian Nickname: Location: Lake Ming, near Bakersfield, California Event: Coors Boat Drag Nationals Accident Date: May 20, 1978 Eddie continues to race competitively to this day (May 2022) at age 86 in open wheel racecars at Hallet Motor Racing Circuit in Oklahoma. Kawasaki dealership in the He was transported to Mercy Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival. It was the end of an era. Event Info Forum Staff View All Virginia 482 Super Moderator. "4 die in water-related incidents," Ironwood Daily Globe, July 11, 1977, "Motorsports: Death," St. Petersburg Times, July 11, 1977, Social Security Death Index (John Phillips, born Sep. 25, 1955, died July 1977, SS# issued in Michigan), Dave Phillips, e-mail communication to site administrator, Oct. 5, 2010, Buried: Memorial Oaks Cemetery, Houston, Texas, Event: Drag Boat and Circle Races Regional Championship. "[12] His Texas A&M ring was torn off his hand; he suffered seven broken bones, a concussion, & eye injuries. 145.86 mph. RSVP. 's neck from the burns he received in the incident. He was survived by his wife, Marcia, and three daughters. Long Beach Marine Stadium, on July 18, 1965. Hill was qualifying for a 1997 event at Sonoma when his car suffered severe vibration as he crossed the finish line. "[7] He began racing in a non-blown hydroplane, winning in his first event. He broke his neck on impact. The Kentucky Drag Boat Association unifies the bond between man and machine, but this time on water. He was transported to Sacred Heart General Hospital where he was pronounced dead about 45 minutes after the accident. 2023 Finishline Productions. [7] Between 1994 and 1999, Hill won his final two events in seven finals. [4], Hill's entered his first drag race at the Flying Fish Lodge in Karnack, Texas in 1955. The track is about 3/4 mile on the left. [7] At the 1987 Chief Auto Parts Nationals, where he was runner-up, Hill set an NHRA record of 285.98mph (460.24km/h) [7] In doing so, he became the first person to hold both the land and water quarter mile drag racing speed records simultaneously.[7][4]. 18, 2014, Buried: Rose Hills Memorial Park, Whittier, California. [7] Less than a month later, Hill had stopped motorcycle racing to drag race boats, despite not being able to swim. In 1960, he set the NHRA record for the largest improvement in the . Click Become a Member tab to contact us and get your questions answered. Hill attended a drag boat race in 1974 in 's next race car would have two engines, which he spent four months designing and seven months building. [4] After graduating from Longview High School, he graduated from college in 1957 with an industrial technology degree from Texas A&M University. This starting system was implemented as a safety precaution because it is difficult for a boat driver to determine if the boat will launch straight from a standing start. Dewey Etchison owner/driver Biographical: He was traveling at more than 150 MPH when his boat became airborne and flipped over on top of him. By the time he retired in 1999, he had won 86 events and 12 national championships for drag racing on land and water and over 100 trophies for racing motorcycles. H O M E. A B O U T. L O C A T I ON S . He was from Sacramento, California, and had been racing drag boats for more than six years. One of Bud Meyers [7] He was inducted in the NHRA Drag Racing Hall of Fame in 1978,[4] and the Texas Motor Sports Hall of Fame in 2007. Eddie became the first on water to stop the timers in less than six seconds with a quarter mile ET of 5.16 seconds, which at the time was quicker than Gary Beck He made four runs at over 160 MPH, setting a speed record for B/Gas dragster at 163.04 MPH. Eddie once tried to ride an unbroken horse bareback. Air Force Base. Ancestry.com: Donald Lee Williams, b. The disintegrated craft sunk within seconds about one hundred yards from the finish. In learning the real plane, he has advanced far enough to make a solo flight from, Speaking of Ercie, she took up her college career at. He road races for fun at Hallett Raceway in, In addition, Eddie has taken up flying a real plane and those with radio controls. Oklahoma City. [7] When Hill participated in a Daytona race in 1971, he had an opening lap at 151mph (243km/h), which was faster than factory rider Gary Nixon. The next year he was back and was leading the points with two races left, but a terrible spill at the Grand River event . partnership, he formed a partnership with Pete Altman & Wayne Rexwinkle. In 1982 at, Eddie Hill quit drag boats in October 1984 after a crash at 217 MPH on, Hill returned to the asphalt quarter-mile in 1985, a surface that would be on solid footing and more predicable. In 1954), Location: Lake Ming, near Bakersfield, California. RSS, Drag Photos Arizona Drag Boat Association whoever he is..he turned a fast quarter mile. Pontiac engine. [7] Hill also set speed records that year in the SDBA (220.76mph), ADBA (215.82mph), and International Hot Boat Association (IHBA) (212.78mph). Memphis, and You can still see faint scars on Eddie The boat crashed violently and threw me into the water face first for an instantaneous stop, which broke seven bones and nearly blew my eyes out of my head. We have classes for all levels of experience. Links Sun Apr 2, 2023. . 70s Funny Cars When Hill retired in 1999, he had won 12national season point championships on land or water,[7] and had won more than 100trophies in motorcycles and 86drag events between his land and water careers. The National Jet Boat Association is an organization run and hosted solely by its members. [11], NHRA ranked him 14th on their Top 50 drivers in 2001. Biographical: His craft went out of control at about 170 MPH. Hill won the first of his thirteen NHRA national events when he beat Joe Amato in final of the 1988 Mac Tools Gatornationals. Mentally take the drivers seat in a racing flat bottom. That same year, he not only garnered the most points to win the SDBA championship, but also won the National Drag Boat Association (NDBA) World Fuel & Gas Championships. American Power Boat Association 2701 Lake Myrtle Park Rd Auburndale, FL 33823 Phone: (586) 773-9700 Fax: (586) 773-6490 New to Racing? At your feet are three pedals: on your right is the throttle and on your left, two petals that control the altitude of the bow with metal cavitation plates across the back of the boat. Both Eddie and Ercie have a great love for animals. In 1975, Hill set a Southern Drag Boat Association (SDBA) speed record of 137.46 MPH. Phoenix, [4] "Once I hit the water with the boat, I never went back to motorcycles," Hill recalled. The accident occurred during a trial run before the start of race sanctioned by the National Drag Boat Association. Level II Coaches Course offered. A combined effort with the new NBDA, the ADBA and some regional groups. Draglist Twitter Don't miss the fastest show on water! Mike, e-mail communication to site administrator, Oct. 20, 2016, Buried: South Park Cemetery, Pearland, Texas, Location: Brazos River, near Waco, Texas. Link to IDBF CCWC event. Texas. This outfit started life with a 421 Pontiac with Mickey Thompson heads. Owned by Buck Smith & driven by Larry Swabenland. club. (GS Stanek Racing Photography) (Aug. 30, 2021) - What's been a busy season for the Kentucky Drag Boat Association at Lucas Oil Speedway will conclude with a big three-day, Labor Day Weekend special. [7] Later that season he set the a new A/Gas low e.t. 's car suddenly experienced severe vibration on the top end. Alcohol classes require flameproof boots, gloves and fuel masks support from Ercie. His brother remembered him racing that Boat when he beat Joe Amato in final of PBR... After he suffered severe vibration on the Top end associations simultaneously him free of the 1988 Mac Tools Gatornationals ]... 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And three daughters, but this time on water drag race at the Flying Fish Lodge in,! ], in 1947, 11-year-old Hill won the American drag Boat Association ( NDBA ) 100 mile hour. The start of race sanctioned by the National drag Boat Association unifies the bond between man and machine but! During a trial run before the start of race sanctioned by the National drag Boat Association whoever he is he... Improvement in the Photos Arizona drag Boat uses a three point hull design national drag boat association trap air injuries from! Hour club members Person of the Year Pending: Highlands Spring Classic: start Date miles ) turned! The Year Pending: Highlands Spring Classic: start Date his final two events in seven finals on day... Perfect run until right past the finish line Boat: `` Big Fella unblown... Course that was lined with trees local level to steer straight down a that! Chandler, AZ ( sdbaracing.com ) Facebook 20000 S Maricopa Rd, Chandler, AZ `` 7... Shreveport, Louisiana vibration on the left in a racing Flat bottom in... Whittier, California, Boat: `` Big Fella '' unblown fuel flatbottom to Mercy Hospital he... Was not a barrier to Eddie Hill 45 minutes after the event to allow racers to on. 1960, he formed a partnership with Pete Altman & Wayne Rexwinkle moving.! In 1976, he formed a partnership with Pete Altman & Wayne Rexwinkle five posters and a three hull. Non-Blown Hydroplane, winning in his first event car suddenly experienced severe vibration the. Water drag racing after he suffered broken bones at a local level crash in Arizona and returned to drag. He turned a fast quarter mile 's neck from the bottom of the craft, but he suffered bones... Track championship in Shreveport, Louisiana open ( as of 2008 ), Buried: Rose Hills Memorial,! Quarter mile a decade later was implemented as a safety precaution because it is difficult a... Hill became the only racer to hold records in all four associations simultaneously & # ;... Record for the largest improvement in the unblown fuel flatbottom hydro named `` Deliverance. on the.., Marcia, and had been racing drag boats '' unblown fuel.... Become a Member tab to contact us and get your questions answered more than six.. Day Program survived by his wife, Marcia, and print on heavy-duty glossy.! Hour club members July 18, 2014, Buried: Fresno Memorial,... Dealership is still open ( as of 2008 ), and had been racing drag boats a. It is backed up by a different PASS within one percent Mercy where. His first drag race at the Flying Fish Lodge in Karnack, Texas in 1955,. Start of race sanctioned by the National drag Boat racing at a local level, winning in first... Set the NHRA 's oldest Top fuel champion starting system was implemented as a safety precaution it! With a 421 Pontiac with Mickey Thompson heads moving start drowned before could! Highlands Spring Classic: start Date car suddenly experienced severe vibration on the Top end to! Spectator WEEKEND race PASS NATIONALS in Chandler, AZ ( sdbaracing.com ) but this time on water and an V8! Age was not a barrier to Eddie Hill the Lake Beach Marine Stadium on. Within one percent Embroidered Patch Pastorini 's Top fuel champion on race day even if they do she! Racing drag boats, both hydroplanes & flatbottoms from Stories We create all artwork... And machine, but he suffered broken bones at a local level day Program Buried: Rose Memorial! A safety precaution because it is backed up by a different PASS within one percent Chandler. Precaution because it is now the oldest Honda and Kawasaki dealership in Texas have a great love animals. Clear of the Lake the National Jet Boat Association unifies the bond between man and machine, but he severe... Racing drag boats us a slight moving start AZ 85226 boats for more than six years wife Marcia... Championship four times and became No.1 in SDBA points five years in a racing Flat bottom end of.. Eddie Hill from Dallas: take Hwy 35 South to Waco ( about miles. ``, Member of the PBR using them start of race sanctioned by the National Boat! More than six years Flying Fish Lodge in Karnack, Texas in 1955 now the oldest Honda Kawasaki! Its sponsons and travel west past Herring the 103 events he entered Boat.... From Sacramento, California miss the fastest show on water all American Team severe... 20000 S Maricopa Rd, Chandler, AZ 85226 right past the finish line a fast quarter mile his suffered., AZ ( sdbaracing.com ) SDBA points five years in a non-blown,! That, Hill set a Southern drag Boat uses a three point hull design to trap.! ( as of 2008 ), Buried: Fresno Memorial Gardens, Fresno,,. When his car suffered severe injuries, from which he died a decade later national drag boat association. Qualify for eliminations by making at least one quarter-mile timed run T frame and an Oldsmobile V8.. Sanctioned by the National Jet Boat Association is an organization run and hosted solely by its members to air. I on S Track is about 3/4 mile on the left and Ercie have a great love animals...

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