Racing with Tim Hamilton

Drivers

Boats

Race Dates


TIM HAMILTON

Tim grew up fascinated with hydros as a boy and started working on an unlimited crew of Miss Rock in 1988. He worked later on the Pico American Dream owned by Fred Leland. In 1996 the Pico American Dream won six out of ten races, the Gold Cup and the National Championship. 

Although Tim started as a crew member on the Unlimiteds he always wanted his own boat. In 1990 at thirty-four years old he went into limited racing as an owner and driver of his own boat. Tim said "I always wanted to drive, and you usually start in the Limiteds to get driving experience." 

With opportunities to drive other owners boats Tim has experience in the 2.5 Litre Modified, 4 Litre Modified, 5 Litre, and the Crackerbox. Tim commented "I love to race and I like the competition. There is nothing more exciting than getting out side by side with somebody for a few laps. I consider myself a pretty decent driver, I race clean, and just like everyone else, I like to be the first one across the finish line."

Tim has been an active board member of Tacoma Inboard Racing Association, and a "Pit Boss" at many of  the races. He sums up the duties as a pit boss saying "My job is to put the boats on and off the crane, and get them in the water for each heat. Let the  drivers know if they have made any mistakes and if there are any penalties involved. I guess I am a pretty fair person, I always try to play by the rules, and I don't want to screw anybody on the race course."

Outside of hydroplane racing Tim likes hiking, back packing, and fishing. Boat racing takes up most of the time though, its an all year long sport.

Some wonder if its crazy to race boats at the speeds achieved. Tim says "It is not any kind of a death wish, its a life wish. When you can drive a boat at over a hundred miles an hour, and that boat is in your control, you will really like it, its fun. There is nothing like floating on a cushion of air over a hundred miles an hour." He added " to win you need "Skill, good equipment, and lots of money. Money buys speed."

Tim is rebuilding a National Modified which is the old 6 Litre class which he named "Feel the Need".
Racing with Tim Hamilton
INSIDE LOOK AT WHAT HAPPENING WITH TIM HAMILTON
Racing with Tim
Looking forward to 2004 season reviews. ...
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