Harrison Rookie Story, by Ratickle

[Ratickle]

Well, I know some have asked, here's the story..... (You have got to try this someday)


A very special thanks to Dean, Derek, and their families for making us feel welcome. What a great group to associate with. (Even Matthew with a loudspeaker - It was all Mikey's fault)

And more thanks go out to the entire OPA organization for an extremely well run venue and assistance with anything needed.

And of course, my wife Terri for making sure this would happen......

[Ratickle]

Arrived after checking in at the hotel and finding Dean. Boat looks to be in perfect running condition...... Sweeeeet

[Ratickle]

Cool, has my name and everything. But what's that?????????

Somebody who must have ridden in this thing before been here???????

[Ratickle]

Saturday, let's see what we can figure out before going out.......


You sure I can fit??????

[Ratickle]

Okay, I'm in. How the heck is that door supposed to close now?????

[Ratickle]

And a helmet, can we just take the door off??????

[Ratickle]

What do you mean Race Control says the door has too close, ouch, ouch, ouch........


Okay, got it....... Thanks for all your help.....



Lots of room......

[Ratickle]

Dereck explaining the finer points of driving with Dean on throttles.....

Oh, that round thing on the floor is the steering wheel?

What the heck, Matthew can't drive his go-cart with it missing now can he ?????

[Ratickle]

Big time helpers, Deans father Dan and son Matthew.....



Dad explaining how he rode in the boat one time with Dean and he's never getting in again.


Now he tells me......

[Ratickle]

Not nervous at all, it's not sweat, just a rain storm.....



Let's go.......

[Ratickle]

Ahhhh, testing time, sweet......


ouch, bang, ouch, bang, ouch


This sure is fun.......

[Ratickle]

How many times I gotta tell ya, you're supposed to turn at that orange thingy back there.......

[Ratickle]

Well, testing and training done.


Glad we're starting on the outside.....


Still right side up, that's a good thing........

[Ratickle]

Okay Terri, I heard Tyler got here....

Guard that thing.....

He may try to steal a prop or something. Heard he was down 3 mph........

[Ratickle]

And don't worry about those boats. Just cause they tow with a Vette doesn't mean a dang thing...


Besides, the number starts with a 6, not a 5......

[Ratickle]

Ahhh, race day, time to climb in......


Let's see,
Kidney belt - check
Gloves - check
Vest - check
Helmet - check
Throttleman - check (The Fool)

Let's go.... Why am I sweating again?????? It's not that hot


Oh yeah, I drew the inside lane..... And Tyler and George said that was theirs....

[Ratickle]

Mill time, sure gets hot in here. Where's the air?????

[Ratickle]

Oh what fun this is, go - go - go - go..........

[Ratickle]

Of course I'm trying to stay in front of him......

[Ratickle]

Hey Dean, there's some bigazz old boat with a chrome horn on the bow catching us???


Think he was out fishing and decided to race?????