1986 Miller American Thunderboat Classic
Reynolds, Kropfeld Top Qualifiers For Syracuse Hydroplane Races
SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- There was good news for the Miss 7-Eleven and bad news for the defending world champion Miller American yesterday on Lake Onondaga during the second day of qualifying for the Miller American Thunderboat Classic.
The Miss 7-Eleven, driven by Steve Reynolds of Kirkland, Wash., jumped its qualifying speed to 136.003 miles an hour, 15 mph faster than it ran Friday and 11 mph faster than its best performance on a two-mile course in Seattle two weeks ago.
The Miller American suffered a major setback when driver Chip Hanauer took the defending champion out for a test run today and suffered engine failure that caused a hole in the bottom of the boat and ripped a gash in the deck. Team officials indicated that although it will be an all-night project, the Miller American, top qualifier at the race with a 141.343 mph lap Friday, will be ready for today's race.
Turning the fastest lap of the day was Jim Kropfeld and the Miss Budweiser turbine at 136.080 mph.
Other boats qualifying for today's final were Miss Madison, piloted by Ron Snyder, 113.870 mph, and Cellular One, piloted by Todd Yarling, 111.576.
(Reprinted from The Seattle Times, August 17, 1986)