My background: I am not a professional racer, I don't have a lot of money, I am not a die hard racer. I don't really have much interest in purpose built cars that are no longer able to drive on the street. I rarely watch Nascar or F1 races. I like to go to the local drag races, but I don't really care for the NHRA pro races because of the crowds. My impressions of the WOS 2009, mostly for people who have never been to a Salt Flats event before: 1. Going as a spectator makes no sense to me, they have street car classes with pretty low safety requirements. MANY cars didn't get into 130 club, nobody laughed at cars running 80 - 90 mph. The people running the show are all really nice, they make it easy for all the beginners, including a slow pass down the 1 mile track so everybody understands the layout. 2. NOBODY said anything about this... I didn't pay any attention to this problem until 8 hours into the trip. From the west coast you will have to drive over some serious grades, both uphill and downhill, if your tow vehicle isn't ready, including trailer brakes, good cooling system and plenty of power, you won't enjoy the trip. My C10 didn't like the trip at all, the tired 250 I-6 and 3 on the tree was not the right setup for pulling a car on a trailer. Most uphill driving was under 30 mph in second gear. The pickup didn't have a fan shroud... the motor got hot, and stayed hot for almost 300 miles. I can't believe it didn't blow the head gasket. 3. Don't expect to have the most expensive street car. 4. Don't expect to have the newest street car. 5. Good paint is not required to go fast. (Sorry, this doesn't have the 409 you are expecting) 6. Some old cars will have nice paint, but the owners run the***** out of them anyway. 7. The street legal part of the 130 club isn't really strict. 8. EDIT: Some people will claim to be die hard racers... This guy told me and a friend that he rode this rigid chopper 700+ miles one way, then ran it in the 130 club while his pit crew drank several cases of beer, I just found out it rode in on a trailer... 9. You probably won't have the most expensive tow rig. The Blowfish semi looks like it cost 5 times my entire net worth. 10. Salt Flat racing experts are everywhere, normally they take a picture of your toy, then explain everything you did wrong, even if they are in a larger engine class than you, and run 45 mph slower the next day. 11. You CAN build a streamliner for MUCH less than $500,000. More to come later.
classic. I like it. see sig line for a comment by a guy who has been there alot and would probably agree with everything you said.
For me #10 is the one that everyone needs to keep in mind. In Part 2 I have some more good ones to share regarding the Experts.
I've had a hankering to go for a long time, been gathering some info about what ya need to know. This is the best source yet ! Thanks !
I hate to rain on your parade - but I ride onto the lake from road's end in the back of the pickup that hauled this bike onto the salt - an extremely elaborate affair. Enclosed trailer,******in setup, including a real nice stand for the bike. Some of the crew rode their bikes onto the salt - and for intentions purpose - from their home base. Maybe they were pulling your chain???
Your right, it is a nice bike, but it is pretty gay to tell people you rode it 750 miles when you really had it in an enclosed trailer... They told me, and also told my friend with the turbo buell during tech for the bikes... I need to edit...
My observation: Never, never, never ever take anyone's word for it...unless you see it for yourself. There a lot of true BS'ers out there that simply get a kick out of a reaction... R-
So how many people actually drive/ride their toy to the Salt Flats and then run them hard? Time for a new thread.
Got to the Flats for the first this year and had a ball. I shall return. Thanks for the photos and the commentary.
Glad to see Ol Don making another run for the 130 club in his 55 Ford. I like the fact that the USFRA holds these "club" runs. To me its a throw back to the early days of seeing how fast that jalopy of yours will run. Im hoping to take my 40 out there next year, and run it. And yes Ill be playing it safe and trailering it out there.
Enjoyed this, thanks for posting. My Brother in Law in determined to take his stock 57 Vette there next year and try for 130mph. I hope I can go along, never been.
The Jalopy Journal
