Ishimaru moved on with a great 4.82. John Haas, subbing for an injured Greg Tedesco, moved on with a 4.86 in the Blo Me Gear–sponsored “Loose Cannon,” and Daryl Ehrlich struggled, but advanced over a broken Glen Wilson in “Toxic Rocket.”
Ehrlich’s luck continued in the semi’s as he limped to a win over the blower banging Ishimaru. Meanwhile Verstuyft again locked himself in a great duel with Haas, and emerged the victor with a 4.86 to 4.96 win.
As darkness fell in the Arizona desert Ehrlich in his Texas-based “Hot Licks Bullet” emerged as the Top Fuel Hydro champion running a 5.51 as the heavily favored “Nitro Chicken” got out of shape, and crashed at the 300-foot mark. Verstuyft emerged from the wreck unscathed, but the potent Texas Fueler was a complete loss.
The 2006 World Finals ended on a bad note, but overall will be remembered as one of the best drag boat racing weekends ever!
John Swanson in “Urban Menace” was the Top Alcohol Hydro winner.
Don Ermshar won Top Alcohol Flatbottom in “Mako Force.”
Jimmy Parsons was the Pro Mod winner in “B-n-Blown.”
