At the age of 23, Tripes won his final national win defeating Hannah at the 250 outdoor national held in Buchanan, Michigan, on July 1, 1979. He ended the season ranked third behind Hannah and Kent Howerton.
Tripes achieved his final victory at the age of 23 by beating Hannah in the 250-mile outdoor national event held in Buchanan, Michigan, on July 1, 1979. He finished the season in third place, behind Hannah and Kent Howerton.