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.
At the age of 23, Tripes secured his last national triumph by defeating Hannah at the 250-mile outdoor national competition held in Buchanan, Michigan, on July 1, 1979. He concluded the season ranked third behind Hannah and Kent Howerton.