Bonneville was basically a blast. Although I didn't break the record, which at the time was 153.191 mph, all was not lost as I set my goals on the media people who were there and meeting other teams and drivers. A lot of the teams and media were from Europe and New Zealand. Hot Rod Magazine was a good contact and I'm doing my continued follow up. Discovery Channel was there for a series due to air in November 08 on motor sports. (which ended up airing in December). Without the bike running properly I missed out on an interview. However I am working getting their attention on the bike and other ideas working.
Nonetheless, much was learned about runni
ng at Bonneville - one being, never go with just one bullet (another motor or vital parts in which to fix the motor!) My "crew" Bill and Charlie were troopers to say the least. We'll be much more prepared next year I can assure you! That being August of 2010.
With tons of Rat Rods and Hot Rods driving around you could not help but get a real feel and glimpse of times gone past for this land mark and Iconic event. This was Bonneville's - or known as "Speedweek"'s - 60th Anniversary. Hot Rod Magazine had their anniversary Bonneville truck there to make a few runs with the editor at the helm. For me it was an event I was in awe of. To finally be there after reading so much about all that had ever taken place there. This was a place for land speed records and the testing facility for tires and engine components you now use on your daily driver. I had great support from my home town coffee "Coffee at Dawn" crew in Cedar Crest. I had great sponsors like Tad West of Southwest Abatement who really came through for much needed equipment and supplies as
well as Rich Weinbrecht from Cross Roads Cycle in Rio Rancho for the use of the trailer and a new tire. Ed Baragiola for donating the little 550 Seca Yamaha. Good ol brother Larry of Larry's Harley Davidson busted butt on getting my riding leathers ready (which all passed tech) and new hide for the seat. Tom Evans, the main motorcycle tech for SCTA (Southern California Timing Association), was helpful in making sure I knew what I needed to pass the bike through tech and gave it a good going over. Which only three small changes were necessary for it to pass tech - all designed for rider safety. The techs and people I met there were extremely cool as were the drivers and crews of other teams. I must say I felt a little better knowing many other people detonated holes in pistons even on first runs as well. Some better prepared than others for such a blunder.(You can double click on the photos to view them larger by the way) I have every intention of going next year better prepared, with more "bullets" and another bike project that will be all electric with new on-board regeneration systems.
The current bike will be used for some publicity displays, car shows and some upcoming interviews with some elected officials.
Other sponsors include: Flash Automotive, Danny at Action Alignment, Amsoil of NM, Triple A Transmissions, Abq. Driveshaft, Tim and Kelly Haller, Tom at Accessory Pit for new clutches, World Wide Automotive, Chuck Jackson for all his continued support as well as Rusty Tidenberg for last minute machining help and design. Charlie Wright for donating time for traveling, travel trailer and good eats! Bill Kelly for damn good help with preparations, last minute mechanical help, getting the bike there and great help all around!
The above photos LtoR: Top of page,1. A beautiful 671 blown Cadillac used for a push vehicle, 2. One that caught my eye which exemplified cool! 3.Check out the vintage Paxton super charger on this T roadster, 4. This is the Jesel sponsored Hot Rod Magazines truck. The body is covered with vintage pictures of Bonneville greats. 5. (below the truck) Charlie standing next to one of Jessie James "Monster Garage" truck projects. The guys pulled next door to us to watch some of the runs. 6. This 65 Olds was one of many 200Mph club members. 7. There were many vintage style bikes like this running, in fact this one was owned by the boys at "Vintage Motorcycle Magazine".
