1987 Hanauer

Comment

Comment by Phil Lampman on November 12, 2012 at 5:03pm

Yep, that's a good picture of Chip and a youngster who was obviously a fan. I fear however, the photo makes Chip look a bit arrogant. He is not - though may have all the credentials to be so should he want.

I may anger a few fans who may not agree with me, but in my opinion, Chip Hanauer was the last of the true champions of Unlimited Hydroplane racing. Not to take anything away from David Villwock, who is perhaps the consumate boat racer, but Chip did it all when the sport was relevant to the community. He was successful in the piston powered boats and made the transition to the Turbines without losing a step.

We may all have our notions of who was the greatest, and there are valid arguments to made for champions like Muncey and Musson and Slovak, et al. With all due respect and admiration for Villwock, Steve David, and current crop of racers like Brian Perkins, JW Meyers and so on.... Chip Hanauer will long be among the legends we most remember..... 

I sometimes feel as though Matt Hasselbeck Edgar Martinez and Ken Griffey jr, were the Chip Hanauers of their day. Except, as the photo suggests, Chip has always been more approachable and friendly, especially to the youngsters.

Will we ever see another like him? Sadly I don't think so.

Comment by Todd Boyle on November 10, 2012 at 10:03pm

I own the original photo from the Seattle Times. The kid is Aaron Mudie... Aug 2nd 1987.

A perfect depiction of how awesome Chip is to most of us... Gotta love the coolness of Chip!

Looks like the pope blessing a minion, LOL!