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TASTIN' N RACIN' 2009

By Steve Parker


(Clicking on any of the pictures* on this page will open a new window with the full size photo)


Tastin' n Racin' is always a great event, but this year was special for the Calypso Racing Team.  One of our own, Jeff Schneider, competed in the 2.5 Modified class, driving Rob Hall's A-1 Marine Dream.  A special decal was added to the boat, honoring former Calypso driver and crew member Brian Parker, who passed away in February of this year.  Several members of Jeff's family and Brian's family were able to attend.  It was a weekend we won't forget.


        



I arrived on Saturday mid-day with my wife, Sharleen, and my Mom and Step-Dad.  I found Jeff (Schneider) and he took me aside and handed me a small bag.  I opened it and found inside there were two different decals.  One was round and in the center it had the Calypso "splash" logo with my Dad's old boat number (E-291) in the center.  On the outside read the words "In Memory of...Brian Parker, 1937 - 2009".  A second decal had the poem that Dad had written a few days before his passing, "Time is Irreversible, Work with Purpose, Play with Abandon, Love Forever.  Brian R. Parker, 2-10-2009".  As if that wasn't enough, Jeff then told me that he and boat owner Rob Hall would like to put them on the boat this weekend to honor my Dad.  I was speechless...literally!.  So, the pictures below show Jeff and I putting the decals on the nose of the A-1 Marine Dream.  I can't tell you how proud I was!


              



Jeff's weekend of racing was almost perfect!  He ran all four heats (two on Saturday, and two on Sunday) and even participated in a National Modified race, giving enough participants to have an "official" race.  Jeff took first place in both of his Saturday heats.  In fact, his start in Heat 2A was one of the best by any driver all weekend.  He also won Heat 1B on Sunday morning.  Heat 2B on Sunday afternoon was one of the best races seen in a long time.  The side-by-side battle between Jeff Bernard in the A-36 Annihilator, and Jeff Schneider in the A-1 Marine Dream lasted most of the race.  Jeff Bernard had the inside lane and Jeff Schneider was in lane 2.  It was a great race until crossing the start/finish line for the final lap, the A-1 Marine Dream started loosing oil pressure and faded back.  Fortunately, Schneider was far enough ahead of the 3rd place boat that he was able to secure second place before having to shut the boat down and get towed back to shore.  However, by winning three of the four heats, and taking second in the other, Jeff Schneider and the A-1 Marine Dream took First Place overall for the weekend.  Congratulations Jeff!

We also want to congratulate Team Toothpick for their first heat win in their new 2.5 Mod boat, A-36 Annihilator, with guest driver Jeff Bernard at the helm.  What a huge victory for them!  And, they'll only get better from here on.


              

        



Another exciting part of the weekend was the maiden run of Steve and Jody Kramer's latest vintage hydroplane, the E-12 Sunup.  Steve had his friend and long time hydroplane builder, Don Kelson, drive the beautifully restored boat.  In fact, Don and his sons Jerry and Ed assisted the Kramer's in the restoration of the Sunup.  The boat ran several exhibition heats with other vintage hydroplanes, including Steve and Jody's other boat, the Water Scamp.  The pictures below are of some of those vintage hydroplanes as well as a few of Don Kelson before, during, and after his run in the Sunup.

              
              
              



I introduced Steve Kramer to my sister, Christy, and her daughter and niece.  He had the girls sit in his vintage boats.  Then he got Christy to get in one of them, as well.  They really enjoyed that!

              


Over the weekend, I saw many folks who have been involved in hydroplanes for a long time, some of which I haven't seen in almost 40 years.  It was sort of a "Who's Who" of hydroplane racing.  I managed to snap a few pics of some of my favorites.

           


Another fun highlight was being present when hydroplane artist Leonard Ellis gave Frank Schneider, for his birthday, an original painting depicting four of the five Calypso boats barrelling across the water.  Frank actually drove three of those four boats during his time with the Calypso team, including one National Points Championship.  Needless to say, he was very happy with this gift.  Anyone who's attended a Seafair, or most any inboard race in the Northwest in the last few years, are familiar with Leonard's work, as well as that wild hydroplane van of his!


All in all, it was a fantastic weekend of racing, visiting with friends and family, and seeing some great looking boats - old and new.  Already can't wait till next years Tastin' n Racin'!.



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