2004 Banquet

Classic Thunder held its 2004 Season Banquet on Sunday, October 10^th at Bill’s Bodacious BBQ.  We got together to celebrate another great season of racing and to eat some great food.  A feast of chicken, ribs, corn bread, beans and dessert kept us all satisfied throughout the afternoon.  Bill and Carol always do a fabulous job.  We would like to thank them againfor their hospitality.  Thanks to Doug Tulip for coordinating the event with them.  We all had a fabulous time and ate well.

First thing, we got to Bill’s and found a nice surprise.  Parked right outside and on tilt was the Hydroplane and Raceboat Museum’s 1960 Miss Burien.  She was a beautiful sight.  I think Doug Tulip knew about this ahead of time, but he didn’t tell anyone.  Thanks for the thrill Doug.   Seeing it out there was really cool.  Thanks to museum representative, Wayne Hall for bringing it over and filling us in on what’s happening at the museum.  Most of us in Classic Thunder are members of the museum and encourage everyone to check out their new facility in Kent. 

The event started out with the awarding of the season point trophies in Division 2.  Third place in 2004 was Dave Helton’s very fast American Speedy Printing.  Second place was Pete Schille’s formidable Stroh Light.  The season Championship in Division 2 went to Mitch Dillard’s Coors Dry.  Mitch has won the Bernie Little Memorial Trophy for the second straight year.  Division 2 competition has really picked up and next season’s chase for “The Bernie” will surely be a fierce one.  We’re all looking forward to seeing the many new boats that will be launched in this division during the off-season.  Congratulations to Mitch on his 2004 Division 2 Championship!

Next came the awards in Division 1.  The fourth place trophy was presented to the boat that may have been the most dominant performer throughout the season.  Dale Van Wyk’s Miss Seattle had the most race wins and ended up in fourth place despite missing two races.  Third place went to our 2003 Champion, Jeff Howard.  His Miss Budweiser had another strong showing this season.  Mitch Dillard’s Gale IV finished the season in second place for the second year in a row.  The season Championship in 2004 belongs to Pete Schille’s Mr. P’s.  Pete was awarded the coveted Classic Thunder Trophy and a small replica of his victorious Mr.P’s.   The replica will be mounted on the trophy with his name plate and join the replicas of the past 11 Classic Thunder champions.  Congratulations to Pete on his 2004 Division 1 Championship!

The choice of our 2004 Rookie of the Year was by far the most difficult decision that our Executive Committee had to make all season long.  We had a great group of first year members that have all contributed to the success of our club in their own way.  Though technically a rookie this year, Dave Helton has been building and driving scale hydroplane for years and made it known that he preferred not to be in the running for the honor.  He asked that only the other two candidates be considered.  Pat Malaspina made his debut in Classic Thunder with outstanding success, having fielded very competitive boats in both divisions.  He also contributed his good spirit and good will to our little group.  He is a joy to have around and has an enthusiasm for the hobby that must be admired.  He is to be commended as our runner-up for the award.  His good friend and co-rookie, John Dyer was chosen as this year’s Rookie of the Year.   John came to Classic Thunder this season having scratch built his own boat.  He improved his 76 Atlas Van Lines by making changes all year long.  He later purchased and finished work on his Rebel, Suh. He not only geared up his own two boats, he helped repair and gear up Pat’s Squire Shop and Miss Thriftway during the season.  His good nature and willingness to help out wherever needed has been refreshing.  Congratulations to John Dyer, our 2004 Rookie of the Year!

Before lunch started, we had a good time giving away various prizes.  Thanks to Mike Krone for being responsible for putting together the awards and prizes for the banquet.  We gave away 15 prizes to various club members in attendance.  This also gave us time to collect our voting ballots for our Sportsman of the Year Award.

All members that were present at the banquet voted on the Sportsman of the Year Award.  Each of us wrote a name on a ballot as to whom we thought was most deserving of the award.  The fact that the voting resulted in a tie tells you something about the type of folks we have in this club.  So many people have contributed this season and shown great sportsmanship.  The winner of the award did so in a big way.  He came to us from E-RCU this season and jumped in with both feet.  He immediately made a positive impact on Classic Thunder and its members with his willingness to pass on his knowledge from many years in the hobby.  His enthusiasm for scale boat building has been inspiring and contagious.  His laid back style has been personable and endearing.  Though he was new to the club, he came with an open mind.  He endured criticism in joining us, but didn’t let it influence his decision or his attitude.  We hope that he is as satisfied with us as we are with him.  Dave Helton was voted our 2004 Sportsman of the Year.  We congratulate him!  Honorable mention goes to our beloved Bob Vanden Akker, who never ceases to amaze us with his selflessness when it comes to Classic Thunder.  We love ya Bob!

I would also like to thank Dave Helton's very talented wife, Vicki for taking the lead in a project I started.  I wanted everyone to have something to commemorate the 2004 season.  I collected a boat photo for every boat that competed with us this year.  Vicki has a printing business and volunteered to complete the project for me.  She and Dave did a great job in the layout and printing of the shots.  At the banquet, each Classic Thunder member was presented with a good quality 8 ½ x 11 print of their boat.  They are suitable for framing and look great!  Thanks guys for donating your time and resources to make it happen.  You did a great job on them!

The banquet ended outside in the parking lot as we gathered to have our picture taken as a group in front of the 1960 Miss Burien.  I couldn’t think of a more fitting way to end the day.  Thanks to everyone for a fantastic 2004 season and a wonderful banquet.  Can't wait for 2005 to roll around!

Sincerely,

Mitch Dillard

Classic Thunder Commissioner