Reprinted from The Seattle Times, July 12, 1981
Pay 'n Pak, driven by John Walters, for the first time this season topped Miss Budweiser in qualifying, but whether the Pacific Northwest boat can regain that form in time for today's Thunder on the Ohio III race remains in doubt.
As the Pay 'n Pak completed her record-breaking run of 131.627 miles an hour over the 2-mile course near Evansville, Ind., she struck a submerged log, which damaged a skid fin and sponson.
"We repaired it as best we could, but we're not sure how it's going to affect the boat in competition," said Jim Lucero, Pay 'n Pak crew chief.
Miss Budweiser, with Dean Chenoweth driving, earlier in the day averaged 131.148. Other qualifiers yesterday included Squire Shop (Chip Hanauer) at 127.208, Atlas Van Lines (Bill Muncey) at 124.352, Miss Madison (Milner Ervin) at 110.940, Miss Great Scot (Scott Pierce) at 109.589, and Miss Kentuckiana Paving (Ron Snyder) at 98.495.
Minimum qualifying speed is 95 m.ph.
Nine boats have qualified for the race. The draw for Heat 1A (10 a.m. Seattle time): Captran Resorts (Bobbie Howard), 100.279; Pay 'n Pak; Gilmore Chevy Special (Terry Turner), 104.803; Squire Shop; Miss Kentuckiana Paving. Heat 1B (10:30 a.m.): Miss Budweiser, Miss Madison, Miss Great Scot, Atlas Van Lines.
