The three time champion joined the ChampBoat series in Algonac, Mich. for the fifth round of racing this past weekend. The race was held on the longest course of the season (1.5 miles) and
was settled just north of downtown Detroit. The race became a survival test for most drivers due to winds that reached 28 knots and served up two foot swells. The race became so rough that officials dropped from 50 laps to 35 before deciding to drop down to 30 during the race.Rinker made the most of the dangerous conditions, running a conservative race and finishing the 30-lap feature in second behind winner Tim Seebold. His second place follows up his win last week in St. Louis and vaults him into the overall points lead with 2693 points, 49 points ahead of former leader Shaun Torrente. The Miami, Fla. driver barrel rolled his boat on lap 16, stopping the race and taking him out of the point's lead.
"It's been a long time since we've raced in conditions that crazy," said Rinker, a three-time ChampBoat champion. "The AMSOIL crew had a good set up today, but the weather was the biggest obstacle. We are excited about regaining the point's lead and look forward to a great battle for the championship between Seebold and Torrente."
Robert Dinicolantonio did a nice job filling in for regular driver Randy Rinker in the #41 AMSOIL/Rinker Racing boat, finishing ninth.
The next round of the 2008 F1-ChampBoat Series will take place on the weekend of September 27-28 as the series heads west to Tempe , Arizona for the “Tempe Grand Prix”.
Champboat F1 Results
Until then, we'll see you at the races.
