Newton nearly sweeps Diamond Cup in Longview

When a racer takes three race wins, a second place AND the 50-50 raffle drawing, you know he’s had a darned good day.

That was David Newton on Saturday, April 15 at the ERCU Diamond Cup, presented by Hobby Chef Racing Team.

Newton pretty much dominated the points race format at Lake Sacajawea, winning 1/10 scale vintage with Kerry Kjos’ 1960 Miss Thriftway producing a perfect 1,600 point day. Newton also scored 1,200 points with his own 1957 Hawaii Kai III taking second in 1/10 scale vintage, even though the boat didn’t run in the final. David’s expertise also showed strongly as he won 1/10 scale modern and 1/7 scale vintage in perfect form. His 2003 Miss Budweiser (T-6) scored 1,600 points and the 1958 Hawaii Kai III scored 1,600 as well. Third place in 1/10 scale vintage went to Jay Fonville’s 1963 Tahoe Miss with, 1,050 points. Second and third in 1/10 modern went to Tom Markos in his 2015 Graham Trucking (U-7, T-5) with 863 points and David Heilbrunn’s 2021 Goodman Real Estate with 750 points, respectively. Second and third in 1/7 scale vintage went to Fonville’s Kirby Classic (1,300 points) and Dennis Caines’ 1968 Eagle Electric (919 points).

Jerry Dunlap drove his 1986 Boat to the 1/10 scale classic championship by holding off Jay Fonville – who won the final heat with the 1976 Spirit of Dayton Walther – to take the points race win. Dunlap scored 1,300 points while Fonville scored 1,200 after a DNS in the first classic heat of the day. Third in 1/10 scale classic went to Tom Markos’ 1976 Atlas Van Lines with 975 points.

Bill Mowatt, who subbed for Craig Mullen driving the 1975 Pay ‘n Pak at the Diamond Cup, also scored a perfect day to win the 1/7 scale classic/modern class after the 2021 Graham Trucking had troubles in testing and was withdrawn for the day, leaving just David Heilbrunn’s 2021 Goodman Real Estate as 1/7 scale modern. Heilbrunn did score 1,200 points in the mixed class to take second overall. Third place in 1/7 scale classic went to Jim McKeon in his new 1980 Miss Budweiser with 225 points.

Unlike the season-opening Champion Spark Plug Regatta, Diamond Cup weather was consistent all day as overcast skies did not drop any rain. Temperatures made it to the mid 50s.

Race sponsor Hobby Chef Racing Team not only provided the portable restroom from American SaniCan, but also provided a delicious lunch, prepared on site, for all in attendance. Polish sausages & hot dogs bigger than the buns, with chili, grilled onions and all of the condiments were on the menu.