MR.ED Hydro
03-15-2005, 12:04 AM
From: Joe Hoppe, "After You" #362
The following paragraph was posted by Daryl Murray, crew member of the Madness TFH as his final remarks in closing the web site worldsfastestdragboats.com.
"it has come to my attention that a great injustice is being done to Boat Racing and Ron Braaksma in particular. John Hipwell apparently did not have the foresight to take care of his family in the event of his death. So Joann has taken it upon herself to sue Ron Braaksma for Johns shortcomings. Although Im not sure of the amount, I am sure this has put an immediate stop to Madness Racing till they recover financially and are able to continue mentally and financially to drag boat racing once again."
"Apparently the money raised already was not enough for Joann. So I have to say JEERS to Joann and John for not preparing for this in advance and making Ron pay for giving John his Dreams. Just goes to show you can sue for anything."
Here are my thoughts on this subject:
When a racing accident occurs, and especially when a fatality is involved, it is a devastating tragedy for everyone. I can't imagine the extent of suffering that Joann Hipwell and her family must now endure. There are no words I can say to take away that pain.
However, it is also true that we all know the dangers of this type of racing. Certainly, no one knows this better that the driver of a top fuel hydroplane.
I contributed to Joann's recovery fund, and I am now left wondering how we--the dragboat racing community--can help Ron Braaksma.
One idea is to setup a legal defense fund for Ron. Another possibility is to establish a list of individuals who would be willing to donate their talents or funds.
If anyone has any other ideas or is willing to help in this endeavor, please post.
Joe Hoppe
vdrivehydro@hotmail.com
The following paragraph was posted by Daryl Murray, crew member of the Madness TFH as his final remarks in closing the web site worldsfastestdragboats.com.
"it has come to my attention that a great injustice is being done to Boat Racing and Ron Braaksma in particular. John Hipwell apparently did not have the foresight to take care of his family in the event of his death. So Joann has taken it upon herself to sue Ron Braaksma for Johns shortcomings. Although Im not sure of the amount, I am sure this has put an immediate stop to Madness Racing till they recover financially and are able to continue mentally and financially to drag boat racing once again."
"Apparently the money raised already was not enough for Joann. So I have to say JEERS to Joann and John for not preparing for this in advance and making Ron pay for giving John his Dreams. Just goes to show you can sue for anything."
Here are my thoughts on this subject:
When a racing accident occurs, and especially when a fatality is involved, it is a devastating tragedy for everyone. I can't imagine the extent of suffering that Joann Hipwell and her family must now endure. There are no words I can say to take away that pain.
However, it is also true that we all know the dangers of this type of racing. Certainly, no one knows this better that the driver of a top fuel hydroplane.
I contributed to Joann's recovery fund, and I am now left wondering how we--the dragboat racing community--can help Ron Braaksma.
One idea is to setup a legal defense fund for Ron. Another possibility is to establish a list of individuals who would be willing to donate their talents or funds.
If anyone has any other ideas or is willing to help in this endeavor, please post.
Joe Hoppe
vdrivehydro@hotmail.com