Hot Weather Test for #177

We have an off-road race in two weeks at Lucerne Valley, CA. This last weekend we finished up a lot of work and preparation to get the car ready. Our culmination was to test in severe heat. The car held up really well. We are still confused with the high transmission temperature readings which are made right as the fluid leaves the transmission to the coolers. We will add a second gauge to measure the temperature in the pan. If that temp stays in check, we are good to go.

Bonneville Speed Week - Sunday, August 14th

WOW! What cool stuff we saw today! We stayed almost all day at Course #3 and #4 - both 5 mile runs. By far - the most obscure, most amusing and interesting was the Bio-Diesel powered motorcycle of Gene Hill from Odessa, MO USA.

This bike is powered by an Italian, Industrial/Farm motor more fit for a water pump than a motorcycle. Performance add-ons include a turbo charger from a Geo Metro.  As of the moment I published this Blog, there is not an official time for the bike although, Gene says it has gone 27 MPH in the past.

Update: From the SCTA Official Timing Gene did just 17 MPH on his runs, Saturday. We'll watch for his results the rest of the week.

And see the video!

There is a lot more like Gene and his vehicle at Bonneville. How about a supercharged, 175cc Honda. Yes, that is a roots blower on the little motor.

The "Screwball", 500cc Special Construction Motorcycle

The Somers and Somers, 250cc BSA Motorcycle

The Shinya Kamura, 1350cc, Harley Davidson "Knucklehead" Motorcycle.

An old Harley Davidson, 1000cc Sportster - Super Chief Racing @ Speed!

Anticipation!

"SaltBiscuit", a 175cc Shanghai Shenki Motorcycle. Todd and Terry Reuhs.

Instruction......

THE WEATHER!

As I publish this Blog, the weather has turned in great contrast. First, we has a monsoon rain, then clearing skies and now high winds. I can only imagine what the racer's pits look like out on the lake bed. We'll miss that story as we will head back to Hell's Half Acre tomorrow morning, leaving behind Bonneville 'till next year.

This has been an awesome trip, a new and lasting experience..

Now if we can just get Joe Hauler on a Diesel Motorcycle.

Bonneville Speed Week - Saturday, August 13th

Today was the first day of racing for the 2011 event. Our plans were to hit the start and staging area, then the mid course spectator area and finally, the big car show at the Nugget Casino in the evening. 

'Following are photos from each venue.

START and STAGING

My first subject was the amazingly tiny "Nebulous Theorem Streamliner". I think this car was about 20" tall, total.

At Bonneville, you will see the widest variety of vehicles.. Behold the Ferrari Enzo with Rat Rods as a backdrop.

The same diversity exists for Motorcycles as well. This is a 175cc Motobecane of many decades past.

Then there is the vintage SAAB with an 750cc, two-stroke motor that has gone 103MPH!

MID-COURSE on The 8 MILE RUN

A roadster at well over 200 MPH passing the mid-course, timing tower.

An old "Belly Tank" Streamliner being pushed back to the pits.

An unknown motorcycles at a very high rate of speed.

A "Big Dog" Streamliner heading to the Start and Staging area.

The record holding "Salt Toy" Diesel Truck.

STUFF SEEN on The SALT!

The Salt gets everywhere and sticks like glue!

Chop Job - Extreme!

Automotive Art...

As Seen at The NUGGET CAR SHOW

A great crowd of Gear Heads and their cars, both spanning many generations.

Tomorrow, we will be back out in the Start and Staging areas again - this time on the shorter, 3 mile courses so that, we can see more of the motorcycles and smaller displacement cars up close. Stay tuned!

Also! Next week, I should have a nice photo album added to my Picassa account with hundreds of photos from the event weekend.

Bonneville Speed Week - Friday, August 12th

As planned, myself and 2 of my sons as well as a Dirt Mob Regular and a new extended family member are here in Wendover, Utah for Bonneville Speed Week. We plan to catch the big days over the weekend and then head back on Monday.

Today was "tech day" for the racers: they set up their pits, got their cars and motorcycles checked out and made some last minute tuning changes before the timed runs start tomorrow on Saturday.

The cluster of pits, the contingency and vendors area is along side the longest, 8 mile course. We plan to stake our claim there tomorrow to watch the racers go by.

Speed Week is a de-facto gathering of Gear Heads and outside of the race vehicles the area is teaming with Hot Rods, Rat Rods and a variety of American, Vintage cars and a ton of really fast motorcycles.

Following are a sample of the rides we saw today.

HD Panhead Sidehack good for 110 MPH

Truly a craftsman's work of art. This 145 cu in, Harley has run 156 MPH

A Turbo-charged, Harley Panhead that runs 150+ MPH

Another fine Harley

Harleys and Hot Rods .... NICE!

Tin Lizzy on The Salt

-----> SMILE!

 The trip was a breeze. I love to drive the empty, smooth, Nevada highways and with that, 360 miles clicked off in no time at all.  Here is our route today.

We are parked at the most popular, dry camp area by the salt, known as "Bend In The Road".

Tomorrow, Saturday, we will take in the race action as well as the big, cruise and car show in downtown Wendover and West Wendover.

Stay tuned!