Lahaina Divers’ Greg Howeth Sets 202 mph Speed Record

[flashvideo file=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YqZl4MiQNfs /] By Christopher Yoakum

Lahaina Divers owner Greg Howeth is not only a seasoned dive instructor and boat captain, but also knows how to handle the road when it comes to drag racing. He holds the wheel so well, in fact, that he set a new record on Maui last week on Feb. 21, clocking 202 miles per hour at the Maui Raceway Park located at the old Puʻunēnē airstrip.

“We were told that, while there have been dragsters who have gone quicker and faster, we are the first team to go in the sixes at over 200 mph with a full bodied/suspended door car at our weight of 2,800 pounds,” Howeth shared.

Howeth accomplished the speedy feat behind the wheel of a modified 1963 Chevrolet Corvette outfitted with a tube chassis and supercharged, 548 cubic inch big block engine cranking an impressive 2,071 horsepower at 7,500 rpm.

Howeth described the furious ride: “When you leave the line the call sets you back in the seat at over 3 G’s. If you don’t pin yourself against the back of the seat it can knock the wind out of you when you get slammed into the seat. As you are going down the track you have to look way out in front of the car because anything close is just a blur and your eyes can’t focus.”

Howeth has been racing for over 20 years, beginning with street cars and graduating to faster cars built for drag racing. He says he couldn’t have accomplished the record-setting speed without help.

“I think it is important for people to understand that while I am the driver and owner of the car, I couldn’t have done it without the help of the rest of the team.”

Howeth acknowledged Howard Martin, Mikol Westling, Dave Lucky, Jess Leach, Kathy Westling, and Cathe Martin, who each played integral parts in the super-car’s success. Howeth also credited his wife, Dana Howeth, for her continuing support through his challenges and accomplishments.

Greg Howeth. Photo credit: RayChin.com.

Greg Howeth. Photo credit: RayChin.com.

Greg Howeth. Photo credit: RayChin.com.