29th Annual IHBA Budweiser Nitro Nationals

By James Drew and Mark & Ron Westfall

The city of Red Bluff, California, really gets into the drag boat racers every year.

The 2005 version of the Nitro Nationals will not be remembered as a performance event, but as always was a GREAT Northern California Memorial weekend happening. The event kicked off on Friday with perfect high 80s weather for the Palomino Room “Streets of Fire” Show n Shine street party on Main Street, Red Bluff. The crowd of nearly 10,000 enjoyed Music, food and beverages, and over 100 of the nicest drag boats in the nation. The $1,000.00 Grand Prize went to Walt Ott’s outrageous Twin Screw Top Fuel Hydro. The highlight of the evening featured all eleven Top Fuel Hydros in attendance firing at dusk one by one, sending the nitro drunk crowd happily home.

This U.S.M.C. Lt Col gets into the capsule of the Speed Sport Special top fuel hydo. The pilot would fly his Harrier jet over the large crowd on Sunday.

As always, the shoreline was packed with fans.

IHBA Top Fuel Hydro points leader Daryl Ehrlich talking to a local TV crew.

The crowd on Saturday and Sunday enjoyed the holiday weekend.

Amos Satterlee checking out the competition's boat during Streets of Fire.

Streets of Fire! The drag boat show on Friday night drew over ten thousand!

On Saturday, the weather was the story. High winds prevented all pro classes from making full runs, and after one session of eighth-mile passes, the promoters pulled the plug for the day. IHBA officials determined the qualifying order based on the eighth mile passes AND on points, which did not please several owners / drivers.

Walt Ott's Performance Plus Top Fuel Hydro was the big winner in Show & Shine, collecting $1000.

Walt Ott's twin prop T.F.H. is just awesome looking. Once they get the boat dialed in, look out.

2004 IHBA Lucas Oil T.F.H. Champion Jerry Kutz with Nitro Girl!

U.S.M.C made passes over the drag boat race on Saturday and Sunday.

This Lt. tried out the seat in Jerry Kutz's Plumb Crazy Top Fuel Hydro running during the Streets of Fire show and shine.

Scott Loomis made it two wins in a row, winning Pro Mod again after winning the class at the IHBA season opener at Firebird Lake.

Sunday’s weather was cool, but the high winds of Saturday were gone, and the giant crowd (estimated at 30,000 plus) anticipated a great day of championship drag boat racing. After opening ceremonies, which included pyrotechnics and a pair of Harrier jets doing a low level fly by, Top Fuel kicked off the day in which 160 different class entries battled for Nitro National honors.

Ted Faggart won Top Alky Hydro over Gus Ward.

Don Bauser collected the win in Top Alky Flat.

Awesome looking eight second boat.

Jerry Kutz won his first round race, but a fire in his pits caused the team to miss the 2nd T.F.H. round.

Glen Wilson got his Top Fuel Hydro license last year at this race. The Toxic Rocket Twin Prop Hydro looked good.

When the rooster tails settled, Glen Wilson driving the San Francisco based “Toxic Rocket,” took his first ever win in Top Fuel Hydro over points leader Daryl Ehrlich in the “Berryman Bullet.” Ted Faggart in “Superstar” took a narrow 5.45 @ 218.54 win over Gus Ward’s close 5.45 @ 214.34 in Top Alcohol Hydro. Don Bausher in “Habit Forming” took the win over Johnny Heidemann’s Ford powered “Nightmare” for the Top Alcohol Flatbottom crown. Scott Loomis continued his perfect season in Pro Mod with another win over Ryan Baxter’s “ Bottoms Up” hydro.

Gus Ward had a great weekend, making the long tow from Texas worthwhile with a runner up in T.A.H.

The Toxic Rocket in the near lane, launching out of the water against Rex Childers in the first round.

Lt. Col Stormy having a blast on Memorial weekend.

IHBA T.F.H. points leader Daryl Ehrlich in the Pro Nitro & Berryman Bullit.

NEC entertainment again proved to be the greatest promoters in drag boat racing with another great HAPPENING! See you in Chowchilla!