Nitro Chicken

I was going through some old stories today and ran across one of the stories we did on Nitro Chicken a number of years ago. We were fortunate enough to be a minor sponsor of Doug Verstuyft and Nitro Chicken.

For several years we were at Firebird Lake where the Top Fuel Hydroplane races took place. Over the years we have attended numerous events. This was undoubtedly one of the most fun and exciting.

Carol and I were both able to sit in the Nitro Chicken and when they close that canopy it is definitely a tight fit. Can't even imagine doing 250 plus miles an hour in that short distance strapped in there.

We were there the afternoon Doug ejected when is boat blew up. He shot straight up into the air and landed not 10' from where Carol and I and some other friends were standing on the shore. They airlifted him to the hospital around 4 in the afternoon. By seven he was back at Firebird having dinner with all of us. Doug just took it all in stride. The ride down the lake at 250 plus and being shot into the air and landing in very shallow water near the bank. Doug and his crew were from Texas and you couldn't find a nicer bunch of guys.

Thinking about the many events we attended, and the fun we had, brings back many good memories. One of the other memories was of Carol and I riding in two different Skater off shore race boats on Lake Havasu several years ago. The look on Carol's face was one solid grin as we cruised down the lake at 160.

We have been at this newspaper business for almost 20 years. Another 20 would be fine with me. Why retire when this is so much fun, and sometimes exciting.