December 3rd, 2009

Hello Boat Racing Fans,

What do you think of our new look here at Tribal Thunder Racing? Take the poll, we really want to know!!!

We can also be seen at www.k-boat.com.

We would like to say congrats to Ty Newton for his accomplishments over the past year. He is now one of the elite as he will be inducted into the Hall of Champions for 2009. This is the "best of the best" for the APBA world. The team that helped Ty needs to be congratulated also. It takes a lot of hard work and determination to accomplish that level of performance.

Where to start? Well the Outlaw is coming along. We have been very busy with this boat making lots of parts and mounting these parts. Things are looking good. It looks like there is light at the end of the tunnel. We should have the steering brackets in a week or so. Then we can mount the steering complete. Charlie thinks that when the steering is "rigged”, then we'll be at the point of taking everything out of it, getting it back on the rotisserie. From there, the body work begins. This hull will be painted in a custom red color w/ a few "extra" touches. Jon Byers will be leading the way on color application along with the flawless clear. Rumor has it that Charlie will be calling upon long time family friend and lettering specialist, Terry Johnson, from over East of the mountains in Wenatchee, WA. to apply the Gold Leaf Outlaw lettering. I wonder who did it when the boat was first built in 1976-1977 era. Who knows, these guys may even get the beautiful wood dash "restomod" done too. After the hull gets back home, then everything can be installed for good and finish off a few other things too. The seat will need to be mounted as will all the plumbing and electrical be completed. Fuel will be held in an original stack tank the Phil Bergeron built in 1976. This tank is a virgin, never had fuel in it. It’s almost too pretty to not leave in the house. NOT.

As for the other project, can you say Hondo? There is a restoration on a 18' Flat bottom that isn't too extreme, but, this one is just a "clean it up and sell it" type of thing. It did get a little more than planned, but, it looks very good now.

If you’re looking for a nice Flat bottom with a nice tandem axle trailer, this one could be your new ride. We plan on selling it minus motor, but we could install one of ours for you or install whatever you have now, just contact Charlie and he can fill you in.

The Tribal Thunder K-Boat is tucked away in the warm shop awaiting its new engine. Just a few things are being changed and then we’re off to Walt Ausin's ProMax dyno to get the tune-up in the ball park. We are planning on running the K at a few Southern races in the spring, getting it ready to do battle at Burley.

Check back in the first part of 2010 for an updated racing schedule. We look forward to seeing you at the races,

The Tribal Thunder Team.