The Evolution of a Bonneville Roadster....

With the 2008 SpeedWeek a good month behind us, I thought I would take the time to share the story of a roadster that made it's first run at Bonneville this year. My dad built this roadster almost 10 years ago in his garage. Once he completed it, the very first trip he took in it was to Bonneville. Both my parents drove the roadster for a few years, making runs from L.A. to Canada and all points in between.





In 2002 they were headed to Canada for Deuce Day. Because of the 110 + weather conditions in California at the time, they decided to trailer the roadster up to Oregon, then drive the remainder of the way to Canada. This proved to be a fateful decision in the life of the roadster. While trailering it on I-5, they hit road construction and an unfilled bridge transition just outside of Shasta Lake. This caused one or more of the straps to fail. The roadster was literally thrown from the trailer. It landed on all 4 wheels and proceeded to hit the guard rail, cross over both lanes and slam into the concrete center divide causing the below damage. Thankfully no one was hurt.




Instead of rebuilding the car himself, it was taken to Vern Tardel's shop in Santa Rosa. They had met previously and Vern agreed to handle the job. The roadster spent almost a full year at Vern's. Upon being resurrected and vowing never to trailer another car again unless absolutely necessary, the roadster was back on the road.



After a few years, the roadster was used as a background car in the movie, "The World's Fastest Indian".




My parents liked the numbers, so the 310c markings were kept. The car continued to be driven everywhere.




This leads us to last year. While at Bonneville, my parents talked to Vern about possibly running a car. Vern has had years of experience racing at Bonneville with his own cars and so has his son Keith with the Tardel/McKenzie car, which held the record until this year. After talking it over, it was agreed that the 310c roadster would be the best candidate as it wouldn't need much to change it over from a street roadster to a salt roadster.

So, with the "you only live once" adage and in my (biased) opinion, some big balls, a very nice street roadster was totally torn apart to be transformed into a true racer.

Work started in February of this year. My dad tore the roadster apart and the body and frame were hauled down to Vern's to begin the transformation.






My dad would make the drive every Thursday from Auburn for what would end up being the next 6 months to Vern's shop and work with him and Keith to rebuild the roadster.





It was decided early on in the project that my mom would do the driving, so she too would make the trip down when she could so the ****pit could be properly fitted for her.




The project quickly snowballed and went from just installing the roll cage, fire suppression equipment and just "freshening" up the engine, to a full out project.




The roadster was literally finished the night before we left to Bonneville with TJ Pagano of the Sacramento Poor Boys painting the logos on either side of the cowl.



It was no longer the 310 roadster as that SCTA number had been taken, however, 312 was available - so with one little change, it became the 312 roadster.



Although my parents had been to Bonneville numerous times, it was the first time for my brother and I. What an experience! On our first day we quickly set up the Cannarozzi/Tardel pit area and then helped set up the Tardel/McKenzie pit , as the 517 car was also running. We then headed out to wait in line for tech inspection. We made it through tech with only a few minor issues that were quickly corrected.




We then headed out to the line for our very first run. I cannot begin to tell you the nerves I had as my brother and I strapped my mom into the roadster for that run. Watching her take off was an experience I cannot describe.



We didn't break any records on that first run. Hell, we didn't even break 100 mph! But, for us though, it is, and will always be, our best run ever. Over the course of the next few days and with Vern and Keith shadowing our first few runs, we did break a 100.......126.2 to be exact.



The Tardels then left for home and with a "have fun" wave we were racing with just our crew.





Although we weren't close to the record of 153, my mom did get her SCTA license and the 312 roadster preformed well. All in all it was one of the best experiences our family has probably ever had to date.

 

Great story, great pictures

 

A feel good story .....Thanks

 

Awesome story! I saw it on the salt and it looked great.

 

Congratulations,these emotions and stories are PRICELESS...you guys are a lucky family.
Cool story..thanks a lot to share it! sled

 

That is a great story and one that your family will always treasure. The salt is addicting, many of us here are working on our own race cars.

 

Now thats what hot rodding is all about.

Thanks for the delightful story and the great pictures.

Must we return to normal programming??? I really like this story.

 

That was a really cool story.

 

Good meeting you guys at Bonneville. That roadster looked "just right"

 

Awsome story guys. This just goes to show that Bonneville is really the last bastion of amateur motor sport, where anyone....even Mom can go to and 'Run what they brung!'
The ultimate family sport!

 

Cool.........the salt will get in your blood.

Chris Nelson
Kansas

 

great story, i hope to make it out there one year

 

Thanks. That was a kick *** story. I don't think I've read a better set up for some time!!

Good luck on next years attempt (at the record).

Paco

 

Really awesome story and very nicely presented as well. Hard to beat doing something that cool with your family. Thanks for sharing.

 

what a great story!! thanx for sharing.

ian

 

That was a cool family project!

 

Wonderful thread..... a great story and the pictures are great too! Thank you for posting this......

CB

 

Could you share how the decision for your mom to drive was made? Is this something she has always wanted to do or a spur of the moment kinda deal.

Frank

 

cool as hell.... thanks for the story...

 

That's as good as it gets. See ya out there in 2009.
Wil
www.sakowskimotors.com

 

Great story!! I live just down the road from Vern's and saw your roadster going together, really nice piece and Keith and Vern really did a great job on it! Of course they always do a great job.

Don't forget your hood side panels next year and you will probably pick up 10 mph!

Rex

 

I saw the car at the Pleasanton Goodguys show... and thought "Damn, that's a neat Bonneville racer!"

Will you change it back over ot street use for the rest of the year?

Sam

 

Great story....thanks for sharing.

 

Awesome story! Thank you so much for sharing. Really very cool!

 

Saw the car. Thought it was nice. Now knowing the story it is even better.

 

One of the best stories I've read on here.

 

Excellent roadster and an interesting story, well told. Congratulations on a great Bonneville!
Man that is one kool roadster!

 

Thank you so much for your story and pictures. I have been a hot rodder and drag racer all my life. I have run Top Fuel and funny car and still do. I have handed down my 30's and 40's hot rod to my kids and spend all of my spare time drag racing or hot rodding with my son. I want you to know that like the guy in the worlds fastest Indian I always wanted to get to Bonneville, but never have gone. After reading your story I am so in awe, looking up to you for your build and race. You are what hot rodding is all about !!! Goldy

 

Wonderful story,about a great car. Thanks.