Two of the Venom Mod-VP tunnel hulls were built in 1985 to compete. Ron Baker drove one at Kankakee OPC Nationals and an Oklahoma City race. It used a Valero deck with a one-off bottom which was actually made from a plaster mold. It was very fast but was not so good in rough water and turns. With a modified 235 it would hit over 100 MPH in the straightaway.

The hull was a square tunnel Mod-VP.  After it was made, they found the boat to be light and weak, so Pipkorn poured foam in everywhere and painted it black. It is center steer.

Here was the first race with the Venom.  The bow was too light - notice the trim-under on engine.  Notice the Coremat sponsor.  Though commonplace now, Pipkorn was one of the first to use Coremat.

Balance was OK after a few runs.

Now he's cooking!  Ron Baker Sr. driving (same in all other shots. Photos courtesy of Ron Baker Sr.).

Here you can almost see it's a Mod-VP.

Ron Baker talks to official regarding steering clearance on "Pip's" Venom.

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