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 final national win by defeating Hannah at a large-scale outdoor competition in Buchanan, Michigan, on July 1, 1979. He ended the season ranked third overall, behind Hannah and Kent Howerton.