Everything that Ryan wrote about Bonneville is spot on. This was my first time out there and I can barely put it into words what it's like. I didn't get out there as early as I had wanted to and missed most of the crowds and the Austin fellas, but even the folks that were still out there were just incredible. I think the best thing about Speed Week is the people. I've never met so many friendly and inviting people in one place in my life. There were guys exhausted, sunburnt and wrenching away and they'd stop for a bit to walk over to complete strangers just to talk. I was admiring the Salty Box sedan before they loaded her up on the trailer and one of the guys came over to introduce himself (I can't remember your name but judging by the accent can I assume it was Kiwi Tinbender?) This hoss is stuffed inside with everything it takes to put it down the salt at 185mph, and after asking on how in the hell they manage to even fit themselves in there, he told me to get in and see for myself. Who does that? And so I did and it was awesome. Looking out that small windshield around that giant blower with my knees up to my chest surrounded by metal and fuel, imagining what it must sound like and feel like flying down the salt and the back end kicking loose because your hauling too much ass just sends chills up my spine. It might have been a friendly gesture to you guys, but it meant a lot to me...thanks for sharing that. Class acts. I then was fortunate enough to walk over to see the Old Crow for the first time in person...parked next to the Bill Burke replica tank. Did I mention chills going up the back? It's a religious experience to see the Old Crow on the salt. It seems to be the crowd favorite and I was very fortunate to meet and talk with Lucky and he gave me some personal time with the Crow to shoot it. Again, class acts. Thanks to everyone out there that took the time to shoot the bull with us. The rest of the experience, you have to see for yourself. Just go. I just got home last night (went to Vegas too) and i'll add some more pics to this thread later after i sort through them, but here's my favorite one of the lot so far:
The Jalopy Journal
