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So Long, Chip Hanauer |
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By Holly Cain - Reprinted from the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, 4-27-2000 |
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So long, Chip Hanauer's retirement closes book on one of Seattle's most popular sports celebrities Chip Hanauer figures the thing he'll miss most after 35 years of boat racing is driving into the docks after a victory and seeing the looks on his crew members' faces. The more unlikely the win, the broader the grins. "That was the neatest thing, to see them so happy after all the blood, sweat and tears they put into preparing the boat," said Hanauer, who announced his retirement this week. "When I look back at it all, that's what I'll miss most." If Hanauer had looked beyond the docks each of the 61 times he claimed victory on the Unlimited Hydroplane Racing Association circuit, he'd have surely seen a lot more smiles. Hanauer just had that effect on people. He is one of the rare athletes that never got too big for the fans despite all his success. And there is a lot of success - seven UHRA national championships with an unprecedented 11 Gold Cup trophies and seven Seafair crowns making up a good portion of his win total. In a sport that is innately egocentric, Hanauer was a true altruist. So much has been made about him closing in on the late Bill Muncey's all-time record of 62 wins. But the truth is, breaking the record became more of an issue to the press and fans than it ever was for Hanauer. Muncey was Hanauer's mentor and when he was killed racing in 1981 his widow Fran hired Hanauer to take over her husband's seat. The prodigy responded with three championships and Hanauer called his tenure with Fran Muncey, "unquestionable the happiest time of my career." As Hanauer spoke of his retirement Monday evening, he anticipated the call he'd be receiving from Fran Muncey. "She's going to be mad at me," Hanauer said with a laugh. Turns out Muncey was always hopeful Hanauer would be the person to break her husband's win record - not because she hoped it would erase her husband from the record books but because, I'm guessing, that if someone was going to match Bill Muncey's mark, she wanted it to be Hanauer. In typical sincerity Hanauer reiterated this week that he thinks the win record is best left for Muncey. He has no regrets about leaving. There was nothing left on the table. Despite the broken bones, concussions and lingering neck pain from several horrific accidents, boat racing was very good to Hanauer. He made a good living, claimed fame and leaves on his own terms a happy, content man. During two previous sabbaticals - Hanauer never used the word retirement until this week - he prospered as an entrepreneur and is financially secure to retire even at the young age of 45. And there's always the teaching degree he earned from Washington State. Contrary to the image of famous, successful race drivers, Hanauer has always preferred adventure and sanctity over a lavish lifestyle and material possessions. He drives an older model Volkswagon and one indulgence is a beach house on the Washington coast. He's climbed Mount Rainier and most immediate retirement plans include a trip to Spain this summer to hone up on his classical guitar skills. He's a real person, someone you'd enjoy talking with at a party not a self-absorbed athlete who doesn't know what's going on in the world around him. When it came to dealing with reporters Hanauer was always available and candid. He spoke from his heart even when his views differed from the sport's governing body. His passion was for creating the best hydroplane circuit possible not appeasing the rulers. It's this side of Hanauer, not just the racing resume that has made him one of Seattle's most popular celebrities. Other high profile sports figures have been less rooted. Ken Griffey Jr., Randy Johnson, Joey Galloway come to mind. And the beloved Steve Largent and Edgar Martinez aren't homegrown. When you think of racing and Seattle you think of Hanauer. When the legendary Mario Andretti came to town last spring for a Texaco promotion all he wanted to talk about was Hanauer's return to the circuit after a three-year absence. Clearly the respect for Hanauer's accomplishments and his character transcends boat racing. It was a true thrill to watch him race and a pleasure for those of us that have worked with him. Adios Chip. And thanks. |
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