Tuesday, October 27, 2009

‘Problem Child’ Gunning for New Speed Record during 2009 IHBA NAPA Auto Parts World Finals



Top Fuel Hydro Boat Looks to Re-write Drag Boat Racing Record Book and Finish 2009 Strong upon the Speedy Waters of Firebird Lake
 

GILA RIVER INDIAN COMMUNITY – Oct. 27, 2009 –Eddie Knox has long been the owner of a “Problem Child.’  He’ll soon be bringing that sassy youngster to Arizona for the 2009 IHBA NAPA Auto Parts World Finals, scheduled for Nov. 20-22 upon Firebird Lake at Firebird International Raceway.

But don’t feel too bad for Knox. Because of that uppity youngster, he can now say without blushing his ‘Problem Child’ is the world’s fastest prop driven boat after tearing up the waters off San Diego with an elapsed time of 4.56 seconds at a speed  of 265.52 miles-per-hour  – the fastest speed in drag boat racing history.

One might think Knox, driver Daryl Ehrlich and the teem at Eddie Knox Racing would be satisfied following their amazing  time  registered last month during the San Diego Bay Fair.

Well guess what!  Knox thinks ‘Problem Child’ can go faster! He believes the pristine conditions of Firebird Lake – known across the International Hot Boat Association (IHBA) as the world’s fastest quarter mile on the water – could allow the team to reach the 270 mile-per-hour plateau!

“Firebird Lake has an awful lot of bite to it,” Knox said.  “It’s a very fast track!  We think there’s a very good chance we can go 270 miles-per-hour at Firebird.”

That would make ‘Problem Child’ quite the problem indeed for competitors in the IHBA Lucas Oil Top Fuel Hydro category.  While winning the World Finals wouldn’t be enough to propel ‘Problem Child’ to a season points title, Knox said capturing the most prestigious event in drag boat racing while setting a new world speed record would be a great way to close out 2009.

“This event is the Grand Daddy of drag boat racing,” Knox explained. “It’s been a long time since I’ve won there, and I would love to do it this year.”

While Knox, Ehrlich and ‘Problem Child’ are gunning for a record and a World Finals win, two other Top Fuel teams will be gunning for the season points’ title during the 2009 IHBA NAPA Auto Parts World Finals. Defending World Champion Speed Sports Special, owned by Lou Osman and driven by John Haas, and challenger Spirit of Texas (David Kirkland/driver Scott Lumbert) are in neck-and-neck duel for the 2009 world title heading into the season’s final event at Firebird.

Similarly tight points races exist in several different categories of racing, ensuring a breathtaking weekend of drag boat racing for fans attending this year’s IHBA NAPA Auto Parts World Finals.

About the 2009 IHBA NAPA Auto Parts World Finals
The 2009 IHBA NAPA Auto Parts World Finals is scheduled from Nov. 20-22 on Firebird Lake at Firebird International Raceway.  A Test & Tune is scheduled from 10 am to 4 pm on Thursday Nov. 19.  During the actual event, racing will begin each day at 7:30 am.  Tickets prices are as follows:

Test & Tune; Thursday, Nov. 19: $10; kids 12 and under free to general admission areas with a paying adult.
Friday, Nov. 20: tickets range from $25 to $55; kids 12 and under free to general admission areas with a paying adult.
Saturday, Nov. 21: tickets range from $34 to $65; kids 12 and under free to general admission areas with a paying adult.
Sunday, Nov. 22: tickets range from $38 to $75; kids 12 and under free to general admission areas with a paying adult.

Ticket combos for multiple days are also available, ranging from $65 to $88. General parking begins at $10, with lakeside RV parking available for $750.

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