Read up on the
2005-6 Race Season Wrap Up!
August 2006
VDBC Season Report...
The drag boat race season for 2005-2006 finished off in fine style in the Cabaret Room, at the Village Green Hotel in Melbourne on Saturday 28th July. In what was a fitting end to the race season, saw the girls in their finest and the boys, well, just having fun. Hosted on the night by Victorian Drag Boat Club President, Alan Joy, who did a fine job on the microphone, talking about the season gone, the people and sponsors who assisted the club and even cracking the odd joke which was appreciated by all. With the beautiful new Vice President, Wendy Howie assisting with the Awards, the night was set to be become another stand out. Trophies were again made by club member Marty Lynch, who this year went for the ‘cut in half’ propeller theme, mounted on a hardwood block, completed by the winners and runner up engraved plaque on the front, the trophies were the best to date!
Winners & Runners up in their respective classes were:
Stock Eliminator
Winner - Drew Foster in ‘IMMATURE’
Runner up – Rowan White in ‘WHITE HEAT’
Modified Stock
Winner – Esmond Muller in ‘MERLIN’
Runner up – Simon Kurwood in ‘KATE’S’
Super Stock
Winner – David Howie driving ‘ENERGY’
Runner up – Chris Howlett & ‘’FLAT OUT’
Super Comp.
Winner – John Clay in ‘COCAINE’
Runner up – Gary James in ‘FLAMED & FLAT’
Pro Comp.
Winner – Tony Tippelt driving ‘ARMAGEDDON’
B.A.D.
Winner – David Bradford & ‘GASSA’
Runner up – Russell Palmer, ‘STONE COLD’
BAH
Winner – Alan Butcher & ‘ANNIHILATION’
Other racing awards were given out on the night and it was great to see some new winners taking out the trophies for the first time.
The award for the ‘Most Consistent’ went to Chris Buhagiar and his boat ‘TRIPPA’, winning the award with the most consistent MPH and ET’s over the season.
The hard fought battle for the ‘Mechanic of the Year’ trophy was decided on the night, and this year it went to Marty Lynch, not only for his own boat, but for the others he works on, and on race day, you will always see Marty in the pits, helping his competition with problems, but Marty has an MK engine in many classes and he likes to make sure each one of them is still going at days end.
The ‘Best Boat & Crew’ award was won by Chris Buhagiar and his team with the ‘TRIPPA’ boat taking out the award! Even the crew on the night kept up their end of the bargain as the best looking crew, accepting the trophy on stage with Chris who called all the team up on stage to be a part of the proceedings. The ‘TRIPPA’ machine is a work of art and the team should be congratulated for all of their efforts.
Drew Foster and his all conquering boat ‘IMMATURE’, took out both the ‘Rookie of the Year’, and the ‘Encouragement Award’. It was Drew’s first year racing and the hardware the team took home was testament to the great season they had. Drew then backed up at the Australian Power Boat Association, Victorian Council awards the following weekend, and took home their ‘Rookie of the Year’ award!
This year, the ‘Hard Luck Award’ winner was Alan Butcher, after driving his BAH, ANNHILATION’ hydro to a big end crash in April. Alan made an appearance on the night and was enjoying some time away from the rehab he has been in for a while.
Club awards were also handed out to the hard working members who put in all year and go beyond the call of duty. The biggest reception was for Geoff Haynes who won the ‘President’s Choice’ award for his 15 years service to the club, having recently retired from Merchandise Manager. Geoff has been an absolute stalwart of the VDBC and thoroughly deserved the award.
The Rick Dart Memorial Trophy is awarded to the member who does more than most. It is voted by the club members at the AGM and this year Wendy Howie was the recipient. Wendy took on the role as Sponsor/Advertising Manager, Membership Manager, printing expert and anything else that came her way, with little complaining. Wendy is one of those little gems that every club has, but don’t have enough of. Well done Wendy!
This year the ‘Bill Davis Memorial Award Shield’ was won by Gary James, who was quite surprised to win this very prestigious award. Usually one never lost for words, Gary struggled to get the words out, mentioning many others who could have and probably should have won. Voted by the VDBC Committee, this award keeps Bill Davis’ name alive and the lucky winner knows that they have done something over the year pretty special. Gary has been involved in many projects, behind the scenes and out front, on the committee, active in many club presentations and meetings including the National Boat Show display, the new web site development and representing the club at an international level with the IHBA and the web site forum, ‘dragboatracing.com’ from the USA.
Our congratulations to all drivers and race teams for their contribution to the success of the 2005-6 Race Season. We look forward to more drag boat racing action with the 2006-7 Season already upon us. Let's make it a BIG one!