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Close finish highlights 25th annual Berlin Bathtub Races

BERLIN– A historically close finish highlighted the 25th annual Bathtub Races on Friday, July 18.
The Phillips International team tied Uptown Antiques during the race’s final heat, then won by a nose in a rematch moments later, taking the coveted “Winner Takes All” trophy.
“It’s exciting,” said driver Emiliano Espinosa.
“It was a relief for me, because it was such a pressure,” said Anton Tudor, a tall, lanky Romania native who pushed the racer. Tudor tripped near the finish line during the race’s 22nd heat, skinning his knee and elbow but still managing the tie, then recovered to secure the narrow win during the 23rd heat.
“I focused and I saw me winning,” Tudor said.
It was the first time in the race’s more than two-decade history that a final ended in a tie. Photos of the finish line confirmed the draw.
The winning team was the third Phillips Seafood entry in the races. Shirley Phillips, widow of Phillips founder Brice R. Phillips, and her son Jeff Phillips also rode in ceremonial racers.
“We always wanted to come watch, and we decided if we were going to come watch we may as well participate,” said Janet Phillips, who pushed her husband Jeff during several heats.
Tudor has been a Phillips employee for two months.
“I didn’t know he could run that fast,” Janet said.
Main Street was closed off during the race, and Downtown Berlin was flooded with spectators. Tubs were required to have brakes and steering, have at least one rider and no more than one person pushing, and be able to hold a minimum of two gallons of water.
 “It was a wonderful turnout,” said Economic and Community Development Director Michael Day. “I think the weather contributed to it, and everything just worked out great today. We couldn’t be happier.”
Burley Oak Brewing Company, one of the first teams to be eliminated, came with a large entourage of people wearing black “I love Beerlin” t-shirts.
“We feel awesome,” said owner Bryan Brushmiller, who pushed his modified beer-barrel racer. “We looked good, and that’s all that really matters in this race.”
Two vehicles created by Berlin town employees came close to qualifying for the final. The Water Resources racer appeared to be an early favorite, but the vehicle blew a tire during heat 15 against Town Center Antiques. The Electric Department racer, piloted by department Director Tim Lawrence, was eliminated after the left rear wheel came loose.
“We lost our second heat by a hair,” said Lawrence. “What happened – the wheel started wobbling. It’s got to be secured better to the frame.
“Water Resources blew a tire as well,” Lawrence continued. “He actually won it, but the problem was he let go of the bar before his body passed the finish line.”
Lawrence wasn’t certain if either team could have won with a sturdier vehicle.
“That guy from Romania was quick,” he said. “He was really fast, but we’ll get this fixed and we’ll be back next year.”