THUNDERFEST: SIGNAL FLAG ONLINE

SIGNAL FLAG ONLINE #28

CHRYSLER JEEP DETROIT APBA GOLD CUP July 8-11, 1999
Wednesday July 14 1999
*** IT WAS PICO THAT HIT THE OVERPASS
The rumor mill was flying Wednesday about apparently 2 bridge incidents, and the facts became mixed up. As reported previously, the damage to the U-14 was just a scuff. It was the PICO boat that sustained considerable damage! Repairs were completed in the pits on Thursday and they were ready to go for Friday, but that day was cancelled due to wind. PICO qualified during the added Saturday morning session.
*** CHIP AND PICO HAVE BROKEN THE 150 MPH GOLD CUP SPEED BARRIER
Chip's recent win at 152.591 is 11.9 MPH faster than Dave's win in 1998, and more than 23.2 MPH faster than Dave's win in 1997! Interestingly, Dave averaged 149.328 in PICO in 1996, for a difference of just 3.2 MPH. Still, the second closest to 150 is Chip in Bud at 149.653 MPH (1995).
Bernie has won more Gold Cup's than any owner or driver with 12, but the 1999 Gold Cup is Chip's 11th. Bill Muncey has won 8, some as driver and some as owner/driver, and Fran Muncey has won 7 as an owner (3 of those co-owned with Jim Lucero) totalling 15 between Bill & Fran. WOW!!
*** MORE FROM THE PRESS INTERVIEW WITH HANAUER
I have seen Chip speak a number of times over many years, usually as a member of an audience or quietly watching him give interviews, talk with fans, and etc. I also sat in on the press interview after Sunday's final heat.
Chip, not the driver or personna, but just as a human being ... his life experiences have really come together. It is obvious that he is at peace with himself, his loves, and everything else; his words were 'I am truly blessed', and he meant it in ALL the best ways. This isn't something that happened since signing a driver contract - it's what came of the years of being a driver, his involvment in other racing and also dealing with his medical condition. That plus Fran Muncey's urging has resulted in his return to Unlimiteds "for the fun of it".
Hanauer went on to speak about expectations. Paraphrasing now: 'I know the expectations that Dave has every day - I've been there. Now I'm fortunate that I don't have those over me, or in me'. 'When you expect to win and do so, it doesn't mean a whole lot' ... 'when you don't have expectations and win something so prized - thats the best part of life'.
Going further he said 'When I came into the pits with my helmet and suit ready to go [Thursday] and there isn't a single piece of equipment to set it down on, I'm thinking to myself "this isn't a good sign" '. 'Then the boat comes in about noon with the overpass damage and I'm thinking "this isn't a good sign"'. He went on to talk about how every race this year, all he gets is bad signs. Nothing has gone good, except for every final heat when Team PICO/Leland puts him in a boat and they wink at him and whisper in his ear... [trust me, you're all set].
Chip went on to reminisce about his days with Atlas Van Lines. 'Don't think AVL wasn't rag-tag at times, I remember Fran driving the truck between races (chuckle)'. 'This PICO team is very much the same. Spit and polish, with just enough rag-tag to keep it fun'. 'I wouldn't want it any other way'.
- Brian Reed (Volunteer WebMaster: http://www.thunderfest.com)