Now that we know the record was set at 218 mph, I can conclude the tire in question was mine. This was on the 3411 1650 SC/G Scott Guthrie Racing entry. The tire is a D1445 Front Runner, and mounted on the sidecar rig. The rules clearly state that the tire is not to be used as a drive tire, which it was not. The same type tire has been in use on this bike since 2007, has had multiple runs over 220, and has never had any attention paid to it (by tech) as it is not a drive wheel, until this year. I appreciate the tech committee pointing out to us that we may have issues with this specific tire, and that we need to pay special attention to the tire. The bike is new to us, and we expected a learning curve, as well as requesting extra scrutiny by the tech group to help point out any issues that may exist. The tech group are the professionals in this area, and a fresh set of eyes to help us out is always appreciated. They are here to help the racer and protect the rest of the competitors’ right to race.
As the tire is not a typical bike tire, Lee Kennedy was asked to advise us on what he thought would be a proper method of gathering data on the tire. We appreciate a car tech official helping out on this, as they are the group with experience in the car tire arena. This started with multiple 3 mile runs, the first couple being limited to 175, then to 200. Then we were granted the rights to run to the 4 mile mark under power, but limited to 200 to see if there were any changes. After this, we were granted a full power pass to the 4. The first pass was 217 mph, which qualified us. We took the bike to impound and ran a 219 back up run. This set the record at 218.
Keep in mind that immediately (before I could get my helmet strap removed) following EVERY run, Lee Kennedy was there to measure temperature and pressure change, where zero pressure change occurred, and the temperature of the tire raised by less than 3 degrees every run. The attention that was paid to the tire ultimately gave us the ability to run to the 5, under full power, but we chose to license up my Father on the bike. He did not exceed my speed; therefore we did not gain any valuable data for the 5 mile passes. All of his runs were under 200.
Below is the note from tech:
07/17/09
Following a report compiled by Tech Committee Chair, Cars Lee Kennedy, Motorcycle Committee Chair Van Butler and Goodyear Tire engineers the SCTA Board of Directors voted to make the 17x22x2.5 tire illegal for use as a DRIVE TIRE.
The tire in question is a 22x2.5 on a 17” rim and many tire manufacturers make this size of racing tire for drag racing. It is made by Goodyear and is listed as a “Top Fuel” "Frontrunner" and has a tire code of D1445. Carroll Shelby has a part number of 808-102-089 or for the 22x4.5x17 a part number of 808-130-089. Some examples of other tire manufactures who make this tire include Mickey Thompson with a part number of 672-3004 and Phoenix tire with a part number of 932-PH460.
Thank you for observing the tech committee and their diligence to ensure that the competitors are safe, and ensure yourselves that no special privileges were given to anyone regarding the bending of any rules whatsoever. Also, you can be sure that the interpretation of the rules if unclear is always to keep the racer safe, regardless of whom the inspector is. Be it Van, Matt, Doug, Tom, or any of the other inspectors, both motorcycle and car.
YHS,
John Levie,
Scott Guthrie Racing