Did You Know? #2

Most fans know that both Dave Knowlen designed and Norm Berg built hulls ran under "The Squire Shop" sponsorship, right?

But what most fans don't always realize is that Chip Hanauer only drove the 2nd one (former Circus Circus), once?

The original 1979 "The Squire Shop" hull nearly broke in half during a test run on September 9, 1981 on Lake Washington and was virtually destroyed. The hull was later rebuilt 4 years later and returned again under the U-33 "Miss Crown Nissan/Volvo" sponsorship in 1985.

After the crash in 1981, the team needed a replacement hull fast to finish out the 1981 season. The logical choice was the former "sister" hull, which coincidentally enough was for sale and Bob Steil immediately purchased it.

​This hull was originally built as the 1979 "Circus Circus", and last ran under the U-77 "Spirit of the Air Force" sponsorship before Bob obtained it.

There was not enough time to prepare the hull in time for the race in San Diego, but it was ready in time for the season ending race in Aculpulco (Mexico). This is the only race that this particular hull ran with Chip Hanauer driving it, as he left the team to drive for Atlas Van Lines the following season. This is also the only time the hull ran with the "cathedral" wing and original (un-modified) drivers cowling while under "The Squire Shop" sponsorship.

The above picture is taken after the boat collided with the Atlas during the final heat, and you can clearly see the damage from the accident throughout.

Our team has both the horizontal "cathedral" wing and drivers cowling shown in this picture, both will be used for the upcoming restoration.