Chattanooga US Championship
October 2007
from Claire Ferry's point of view...
In August Mike Merola of the East Coast Boat Racing Club invited us to
participate in the US Championship race in Chattanooga Tenn. This event was
organized by Jim "Pop" Popplin and the rest of his professional staff from
Stars Powerboat and Rescue. It was an
OPA
race and the skiffs were funded by John Haggin and his
AMF racing organization.
We've participated in many events in the past, but I can say this was a top of
the
line organized event and if asked, would definitely do it again!
You know, I have been told I can be a party all by myself with no assistance from anyone. But when you get Marty, Terry Lewis and myself together (along with a few other fellow skiffers) for a fun filled weekend of skiffing.... LOOK OUT!
We started out early on Thursday morning for the 8 hour ride north to
Chattanooga, TN. I was set up in the back seat with my pillows, blankets, suduko
books, magazines, drinks, snacks and also had the DVD player and a few movies. Yes,
I know how to travel and keep myself occupied. Terry was riding shot gun and
Marty's hands were firmly on the wheel. Glory Days and tow vehicle was packed,
loaded and ready to go! We were heading to the 3rd Annual Chattanooga
Powerboat Races, Featuring the
"US Championship" and Speed Runs. The Jersey
Skiffs were going to run two times on Saturday and Sunday.
We arrived at the race site on Chickamauga Lake around 2:30 p.m. and my
friend Robert Francis and Jan were already there along with a few other skiffs
and many of the Big Race Teams already set up. We did the usual squeezes, hugs
and greetings, then dropped the boat off. We needed to unwind a bit and drop
everything off at the hotel and get some food in our bellies. A Welcome
Volunteers and Race Team party was scheduled at Romano's Macaroni Grill at 7:00
p.m. that evening. (Hey guys - I can't wait that long for food, let's
head over there early and get something to eat.) Later at the welcome party we had
an opportunity to mingle with the local volunteers, show organizers and
sponsors. One nice thing about this weekend was that all the money
collected at
the gate was going to Make-A-Wish Foundation and at some point over the weekend
I found out they collected about $13,000 for the foundation - that's a good
thing. Another major contributor was AMF Racing, you know the one that
Bill Darby is involved with (The picture at the right is of Terry, John
Haggin of AMF and myself). It’s about 10:00 p.m. now -
getting tired and have to go to bed. More tomorrow.
Friday morning, Marty served us coffee in bed and we slowly got up and
moving. Let's pack everything we need for the day because a boat display was
scheduled for down town during the evening. Stepped outside and had to rethink
the wardrobe for the day - boy was it COLD - had to be mid-40's. OK dress in
layers and bring shorts for later, then warm clothes for tonight. About 8:00 am
we are ready to go, meet up with Paul and Dale for a quick breakfast at the
hotel and we're off. Arriving in the pit area we were greeted by Robert Francis
and he asked us where we went to last night? He says, the AMF team provides all
meals to all racers this weekend, last night we had steak and shrimp - good
eating you missed it. (Note to self: make friends
with chefs.)
We uncovered the boat, unloaded the stuff and Terry and I began to wipe it down and get it ready for the spectators. At some point during the morning we headed over to the AMF tent and introduced ourselves to the chefs - got some coffee too. Throughout the day the big boats were doing some mile speed runs and closed course testing. Not too much happened for us this day, except registration and becoming familiar with the park layout. Part of the registration requirement at this event was a physical and breathalyzer for all racers that would take place each morning. Said to self, glad I'm not racing!
Lunch time!
Quite a few of us headed over to see what the boys were serving for lunch. While
there Terry and I made friends with the chefs and asked them to marry us
(pictured at the right)! While we were busy with them, Marty was
getting familiar with Pamela Sue Anderson. The AMF team really knows how to put on an event. Many Geico boats
were there - big, small and in between. They also had Geico girls handing out
goody bags and wearing the cutest pink jumpsuit. Robert Frances gave me a heads
up on this and I went over to see what I could get, he mentioned he wanted the
jumpsuit for Jan. Met Meagan, little Miss pink jumpsuit Geico girl (pictured in
the blue suit at the left)
handing out
the bags and asked her where I could get a jumpsuit like hers and she said I
can't, but I would gladly settle for a goody bag. (Note to self - work on
Meagan all weekend to get jumpsuit). Upon returning, I informed Robert that
the jumpsuit
was off limits! We all walked around, kicked tires, and warmly
greeted the other skiffers as they arrived. Many boats in the pits ran the
engines and were performing last minute adjustments, as usual many butts were up
in the air as heads, arms and elbows were deep into the engines.
We attended the Drivers Meeting at 4:00 p.m. and results from the day were
announced. Quite a few of the big guys broke some records and some ran out of
fuel. (note to self - check fuel level). At the meeting we were informed
there would be a boat parade leading to the down town area and we were going to
be packed in like sardines on the street and you have to commit to staying until
11:00 p.m. Oooohhh, don't think I can commit to this - let's not take the boat,
but go downtown and show support after we eat dinner cooked by our new husbands
to be.
Down town Chattanooga was packed with boats, BIG boats. Glad we didn't bring the skiffs - we would have looked like little toy models. Wandering around, we wind up by Miss Geico, and who do you think we come across... Meagan (pink jump suit girl) and Scotty (throttle man of Miss Geico). (Side note - be sure to catch Miss GEICO 'Build It Bigger' episode on the Discovery Channel.) Of course Terry and I asked Megan to take a walk with us down some dark alley (remember the jumpsuit), she politely refused as she had a job to do. While there a group of people came by and started asking her some technical questions, much to my surprise she was able to rattle off every answer without missing a beat and answered correctly! Good for her!
We decided it was time for a drink so Terry and I went into the
Big River Brewing Co. Restaurant and requested an outside table for the "Wild
party of 4", while Marty and Paul (Dale stayed back at the hotel - too much fun
for him!) looked at the boats. Fifteen minutes goes by, 20 minutes, we see empty
tables outside and it was my job to go in and find out what the problem with
getting a table was. The host/manager put me down for an inside table by
accident. He assured me it would be about 5 minutes. Fifteen minutes later I'm
in there again.... what's up with the tables outside - I've been watching one
empty for the last ½ hour! J Immediately we were
seated. We ordered some drinks and snacks and the host came by to ensure
everything was OK. It was BUT... we waited 45 minutes for a table. Well, I have
to say, the manager Mark Chilcoat took care of us. He instructed the waiter to
bring us a selection of desserts... on him. WOW, were we impressed! We all
grabbed our spoons and forks and dove in (Paul ate all of the ice cream
J ). It was time to go back to the hotel for a good night sleep and get
ready for Saturday. Good day, good people, good time. Exhausted. Heads
hit the pillows and we all were out.
Saturday morning came quickly and the team (Terry and I) were up in no time
and ready to hit the road! We packed our bags, refreshed the cooler, brought
warm clothes and the appropriate racing gear. Once again, we meet up with Paul
and Dale for breakfast at the hotel. Again, it was a cool morning, but I'm
getting use to this. Terry was smart and packed gloves, I didn't
L .
Down to the pit area and ready for the physicals at 8:00 a.m. Have to make
this quick because the skiffs are running at 9:30. At the VIP tent, the
organizers informed us that the physical is only necessary on Sunday, BUT the
alcohol tests are required. Being the helpful person that I am, I offered to
write down the names, boat
numbers and outcome of the test performed on each of
the Skiff and Garvey racers. Funny the way guys react when a man is holding a
12" long thing and says blow..... J Happily
everyone passed and we were off to the ramps to get on the water.
Most people know when it comes to putting a helmet on, I see no reason to get
in the boat. That's what Terry was for this weekend, among other things. I did
agree that I would be the "pit crew" and ensure my team had everything they
needed and would also keep the boat looking good in
the pits. Not too much to
ask for... right? Hook up the trailer to vehicle, go through the checklist and head
over to the ramp. Quite the hustle and bustle of activity over there! We snake
our way through to the ramp and Marty jumps in the boat. Oh Terry! I can't back
this thing up - need your help PLEASE! (note to self - learn how to back that
#$@$#$# trailer up!).
Glory Days is in the water, running, and sounding good. I drive
the truck and trailer to park it and remind my Team the special place for
the keys as I may not be back in time to meet them at the ramp because I have to
run over to the spectator area and take pictures. Marty pulls over to the dock
and I have an opportunity to get a few photos, then run off to get set up and be
a photographer.
It's show time! I'm set up in a perfect place to take pictures and one by one the Skiffs and Garveys come over to the "holding" area prior to the races. There were 5 heats to take place that morning, 2 runs of the Skiffs and 3 runs of the Garveys. I didn't go over to the "holding" area because I was in the perfect picture spot - just before turn #1. Ready to go with camera and video I stage myself. I have the video set up on a rock (as a tripod) focused in on turn # 1, I'll let that run while I click away. After a ½ delay the boats finally start. The crowds go wild! They love the noise, the speed, the accidents, and happily cheer on the winners! After our runs the crowds gave a huge applause. I heard comments such as - "When do they run again?", "These boats are great!", "These guys are CRAZY!", and "I love to watch "em!".
The skiffs ran as follows:
Heat 1: Glory Days (Ferry/Lewis), Heartbeat (Nowack/Dale), Hot Chocolate (Francis/Francis), General G (Stanecki/Bryan Wall), Hauling Trash (Merola/DJ) Green Machine (Dave Kranach/Nick)
Heat 2: Miss Geico (Darby/Lohile), Breakin’ Water (Harris/Burtola), Flyin High (Bertula/Bertula), Sweet Pea (Dowd/C. Darby), Hypertension (Nor/John Sr.), Agent Orange (Dave/Kara)
After a delay, the boats finally got started! Unfortunately one of the
Garveys had a mishap around turn #1 and both crew were thrown from the boat and
the boat was bow up to the heavens, drifting to the bottom quickly. One of the
guys was taken to the hospital to get checked for serious injuries and the other
stayed with the boat. They worked diligently all
afternoon and the boat was
running and back in the water for the 2:30 race!
Photo shoot done and now it's time to hike over to the ramp, via the 200'
high hill! I make it there in no time flat (so I thought), but Terry already
had the trailer backed down into the water and boat loaded! (note to self - get
there quicker next time!). We get back over to the dry pit area for some
repairs. Terry quickly jumps into the boat, I drag out the
BIG DOG tool box
(that has everything), and Marty is barking orders as we do the work. Marty said
the two blade prop's vibration loosened overlooked maintenance issues.
Repairs done quickly and we put it all back together. I'm in charge of the toolbox with
all 485 pieces in it, by the way each piece has it's own little labeled crevice
so everything fits in nicely. I put it back in the truck and then Marty calls
for the tool I just put away... great.
I retrieve the tool box from the back of
the truck and wouldn't you know it, whoever put it away did not fasten the lock
on it! There's all 485 pieces all over the place. Guess I'll have something to
do in between the races... great.
Back at the dry pit area the stories began! Who beat who, who was faster, who should stay on the beach, can't you read flags, and what do you think the RED flag means! Aaahhh, the camaraderie, don't you just love it... J
I have had so much adrenaline running through my body all morning that I'm
starving and exhausted. Let's take care of business in that order - we all head
over to lunch at the AMF Team Tent and my boys take care of us.... again!
Burgers, dogs, salads, drinks, boy they know how to make a girl happy! More
socializing, telling stories, and my Geico girl is wearing a BLUE jumpsuit
today! Damm, gotta get one. Head back to work on my in-between heat project -
putting the toolbox back together. Finally it's time for a nap.
It's show time again! Same plan as earlier, drive over to the ramp, unload Marty, Terry and boat,
park the trailer then high-tail it over to take photos. As I'm getting out of
the car the Sunoco fuel boys see me put the keys in my secret hiding place. A
few words were exchanged... it better be here when I get back OK?
I change my photo location for this heat and patiently wait for the roar of the engines to begin. The crowds are gathering at the shoreline waiting patiently with me. Engines fire up and there off! The crowds go wild and don't want it to end. I was able to make it back to the hot pits and retrieve the tow vehicle and trailer before the team got back and I thanked the Sunoco boys for watching my ride. Load "em" up and head back to the pit area to clean the boat up. Happy to say no mishaps this run so all I had to do was wipe the boat down and pack it up for the day.
My chef boys had the night off as the show organizers sponsored a dinner for
everyone Saturday night. There was no time to head back to the hotel to freshen
up, so we did the next best thing - run a brush through hair, a spray or two of
perfume and some lipstick and I'm good to go - let's party! We all head down to
the dinner and as usual I needed to be the pesky photography to get a group
shot.
Happily everyone agreed to line up – what a crew! We had a good time
mingling with friends and telling stories, at one point I think someone (I won't
say her name....) was dancing around the pole that hung the tent up and boy did
the dollar bills come out QUICK! Marty and I were exhausted so it was an early
night for us. I can't say what happened after we left...
Sunday morning came way too quick, but we’re off again bright and early after
our usual breakfast with Paul and Dale. It's colder this morning compared to
yesterday, dress in layers and bring shorts for later. Arriving at the pits we
do the usual uncover the boat, visit my chef boys for coffee, then head down for
the physicals. I think a few people were moving a little slower this morning
compared to yesterday and a few of 'em even decided not to take the physical
because they weren't getting in the boat today. We met up with
John Haggin and
thanked him for having us at the event, him and his team do a very fine job!
OK it's show time again, load up boat to tow vehicle head over to get some fuel with my Sunoco boys. I tell them we only need 4.3 gallons of fuel and if they cared to they could wash my ride while the boat was in the water. Drop Terry and Marty off, park the ride, wave to the boys to watch it and I'm off to set up for picture taking. My plan today was to position myself in the area where they were staging the boats, take photos in the morning, then take video for the afternoon run. This was the longest hike from the hot pit area and I knew I would not make it back in time when my team got to the ramp, but I know my Sunoco guys would watch everything for me.
This area of the park was jammed packed with spectators, crews, photographers
and others. Most boats had
someone standing in the water holding the boats
because the bottom of the lake had small rocks as the bed and no one wanted
their bottoms scratched up. Poor Terry, standing in water up to her knees, sweat
pants hiked up and the little fishies biting at her feet. She called over to me
and said "Hey, you’re part of the crew - get in here and hold the boat!" Nope
-
sorry Terry I'm in photographer mode right now - can't help you, you're on your
own! J
My team decided to hold back a little this morning because the big race was
this afternoon. That's when they were going to let it all hang out and that's
part of the reason I decided to take videos in the afternoon. The boats fired up
and performed their various heats. Once again the crowds went wild after it was
finished. This round down, I take a leisurely stroll back to the ramp area to
find Marty, Terry and boat all loaded up and ready to
go! My Sunoco boys left me
a present... they attached a Sunoco patch to my key ring for me (aren’t they
sweet). Get back to the pits for more stories and boat cleaning. Nice morning.
Unbeknownst to a few of us, we found out the afternoon run was going to be a free for all. All boats out on the water at the same time skiffs and garveys. What? No final heat? Well then, if that's the case we'll sit back and enjoy the show. No videos for the afternoon run - sorry guys. We head over for some lunch and mingle with the Geico girls and enjoy the rest of the afternoon. I even have another opportunity to take a nap. Life is good.
Later that evening was the awards ceremony under the big tent. One of the
show organizers opened the ceremony and immediately proceeded with the awards. The
skiffs and
garveys were first on the list. Everyone received a participation
award trophy as they were called up front to get a picture with the girls. Being
the "photographer" I am, I had to be way up front to get good shots. Right
behind me was a table with cake, cookies, donuts, and tootsie rolls on it. Some
attendees were recognized for coming in first and second place... (I didn’t know
they were keeping score.) Needless to say, my team didn't come in first or second
because they were "holding back". I wanted them to know they were special in my
eyes and brought them my own trophy back to the table after the photo
shoot/awards presentation!
Let's head down for our final meal prepared by our Chef boys! They outdid themselves this evening... again! Salads, steak and shrimp and ice cold beer! Way to go guys! Standing in line waiting to grab some food I made a special point of shouting out "Let’s give these guys a big round of applause for the great food this weekend!" My boys were touched...
Back to the hotel for a good night sleep and up early to head home.
This was one of the better events I attended in some time. Everything was wonderful - the location, the attractions, the teams, the chefs, the Sunoco boys, the food and camaraderie. What a great weekend! Can't wait to do it again! To quote Terry - "our job here is done!"
Awards Presentation
