Driver, Dave Spangler, is a longtime friend. Dave holds an MBA from Michigan State University and was part owner and President of Hooker Industries, Inc. (Hooker Headers). His racing experience is extensive including go carts, outboard hydroplane boats, motorcycles, ocean boats and bicycles. Dave set his first land speed record at 295.802 MPH in 1985. In 1995 he became the 16th member inducted into the 300 MPH chapter of the 200 MPH club with a class record of 302.673 MPH. In 2008 he went 323.460 MPH for another C/GS record and 337.197 MPH for a B/GS record in 2010. Dave was inducted into the 400 MPH Chapter of the 200 MPH Club at Speed Week 2018. He set records and Top Speed at every event in 2018 and the fastest top speed ever recorded for a wheel driven car at 503.3 MPH in October 2018.
|
Speed Week-
Hot Rod Top Speed Trophy 463.038 MPH
Fastest National Bonneville Car Record 455.107 MPH
Fastest Wheel Driven Flying Mile 463.038 MPH
Fastest Top Speed 470.605 MPH
World of Speed-
Fastest National Bonneville Car Record 482.646 MPH
Fastest Wheel Driven Flying Mile 483.124 MPH
Fastest Top Speed 491.423 MPH
World Finals-
Fastest Wheel Driven Flying Mile 493.037 MPH
Fastest Top Speed 503.332 MPH
|
Co-driver & crew member, Eric Ritter is a New York City native, motorcycle racer & racing enthusiast. He moved to So. California in 1987 where he met Don Vesco. Through this association Eric became familiar with the Vesco brothers' "Turbinator - First to 500" project. Eric worked with Don on the car and was part of the original Turbinator crew at Bonneville. Eric has raced motorcycle superbike roadracers and has also ridden his motorcycle on the slat flats. Eric rejoined Team Vesco in 2008 when Rick revamped the #444 Vesco family streamliner. Eric's dedication to the team was rewarded when he hopped in the driver's seat for a shake down run in 2010. In 2012, after driving over 300 MPH 17 times, he was able to set a new record at 339 MPH and gain entry to the 300 mph Chapter of the 200 MPH Club. In 2017 Eric drove Turbinator II several times over 400 MPH with a top speed of 437 MPH.
Eric's tag is NYC Speedking!
|
 |
| Eric Ritter |
|
| |
|
