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's last national victory occurred when he defeated Hannah in a major outdoor event held in Buchanan, Michigan, on July 1, 1979, at the age of 23. He concluded the season with a third-place ranking, behind Hannah and Kent Howerton.