July 2014 Test and Tune

[Freud]

We can express our appreciation for USFRA but our best comes up short.

You people are exceptional.

FREUD

[USFRAMONTE]

Gary and Jim sprayed a center line on the course to see if that would help the drivers/riders.
They had some blue left over and some red so they mixed it together and got this lovely
magenta color.  Reports were that it worked great, especially for the streamlines and lakesters.
The only problem we encountered was the it faded very quickly, is was pretty much gone
away by Saturday afternoon.  But you never know until you try.

[USFRAMONTE]

We also got to run the USFRA club roadster for the first time.  It looks great and runs strong. I don't have any
photos just yet but will try to find some. I have a new found respect for roadster pilots!!!!

[Steve Walters]

I hope the Nuclear regulatory commission does'nt pick that magenta color up on the NOA satilite map, we will have to wear anti-contamination suits over our race suits.   

Steve

[SPARKY]

I just want to second Sums post---we had some "things"  but most of my "problems" were caused by  just not having previous experience to pull decisions and actions from-- by far my biggest issue was visibility---but guess what 95+% of them came from not having my head restraint device adjusted properly---my was set up for a vertical position and the harder I tried  to get my head up "to see" the worse my vision became.   
Low and behold on my second attempt  at a Pass I figured it out---let out the restraints to work for a reclining position no more head shake.

Put some  low density foam to replace my high density foam as suggested by Lee K. and Tom B. big, big help. 

We found several other minor things that we will address before SW.

As much as our egos and pride get caught up in our new creations  I would like to relay a LSR story>

We were having dinner at the Red Garter when Jim Hume ( " the Michael Angelo of Metal in a lot of folks mind") came in to have dinner.

I got up and went over to his table and said, "Jim I would like to ask you a question'. "Do you feel like the father who just gave his youngest daughter away at the altar, or the joy and relief of an empty nester?"  His reply was  " I just told some one earlier,  I feel like I just gave away my daughter to a bunch of "Hell's Angels". The next morning he followed up by saying, "But, I can walk straight across my shop."

My ego at the time was asking; why do I have to do the controlled passes when others get to make the off the trailer passes---but you know what, the low speed controlled passes let you
 THINK & EVALUATE during them,  I figured out what was going on.
I am not a professional fabricator and it shows.  There are some things that I will get help on when Miss Liberty lets me know what she wants to look like for us to "Git'er Done" in a Fast & Safe manner.

I was able to ask questions from folks who just want to make sure that I could get down the track in a safe manner.

Bottom Line:  Test and Tune was perfect for me where I am with my new car;  I now have 20+ miles of seat time with 6 starts and 5 finishes, in 2 1/2 days  my knowledge base is much broader.

  I now have first hand experience with restraint devices, in a reclining position, my back is sore from it,  with a 9 point harness  (consider this if you are just now designing your cage) it pulls down hard with the restraint device between you and hard metal of your cage---you are the one who is going to "give"---lol

My old car had a 1" master cylinder  and I never could lock up the brakes, Ms. Liberty has a 5/8" and racing shoes---this combo is too sensitive--- for Ms Liberty and I, I will change it before SW. I need change several other small things. 

All and all a great start for Sparky and his "Ms. Liberty"   

Special thanks to the teams that we were able to critical things from:
Copeland's for two longer 1/2" bolts 
Vesco's for some slightly used low density foam
Winder's for various little knick nacks

We were able to supply several with various things, oil various electric connections and such including compressed air and electricity

Thanks to all and especially-----
USFRA

[dw230]

While at the T & T meet the Mike Cook crew was working the International course for the up coming shootout.

We had the opportunity to visit the T & T pits during some down time and saw history being made. We often hear of these new, multi-engine, four wheel drive, etc., cars being built or asking for money. This meet was all the new cars at one time making first passes, an opportunity not to be missed.

Kudos to the USFRA for having the foresight to bring this meet back. Some of you new guys may not remember that this was a meet that the club ran until the weather cycles cancelled more events than were held. A small subscription, close proximity of the pits to the starting line and many other factors added up to a very successful event. I, for one, hope the club continues the event.

I was also able to issue some license upgrades to the B level. The USFRA has many experienced salt racers and their observation skills are equal to the SCTA. I felt that getting some license levels out of the way will speed up the Speed Week course 4 lines. All the drivers/riders will still attend the rookie meeting at Speed Week and follow all rules that govern their performance at that event. Drivers such as Danny Thompson, Les Davenport, Rob Freyvogle, Bob Dalton all have current SCTA licenses at either the AA or Unlimited level.

There was one minor spin, one high speed malfunction and NO injuries.

All in all, a great and well run meet.

Job well done USFRA,
DW

[Leadfoot]

We attened the Test and Tune and enjoyed the laid back attitude. Drivers could suit up in the pits and leave from there to the starting line ! The USFRA did a great job and I hope this is a annual event. Congrads to Bo Burkdoll on his 146 pass !!

[will6er]

I brought a new car out for a "pre-inspection". The inspectors were very helpful and found a couple of problems that would keep me from running at Speed Week.(assuming I would be ready)

Thanks to USFRA

Will Willis

[Freud]

The help we received after the Treit and Davenport streamliner "lost her dress on the way to the ball"

from the USFRA safety people, their fire truck, Mike Cook as he took time away from another task that

he was doing and everyone involved in our misfortune was beyond belief. Their track rovers brought back

every piece that the "bride dropped on her way to the alter".  They were there way before the car was

reloaded on it's carrier.

The years of experience of everyone involved with this meet was evident. USFRA and SCTA official working

together was a blessing. These are separate organizations only in name. It's a combined heart beat that

benefits the racers. Jim Burkdoll, the head stud of USFRA, has had years of experience at Bonneville. When

Don Vesco was running the streamline bikes Jim was there as a competitor. I still remember him as a kid  but

that was probably 35 years ago. Every racer that came to this meet should say THANK YOU to USFRA and a slap

on the back to Jim. I have no idea how this idea evolved but Jim's prior experience certainly helped. The starting line

crew understood how to run the meet. Being in line was one thing. If not ready, the next guy just goes past you. Fair enough.

Now I better give my wife my dirty skidders and my shirts with stained necks from the SPF 4 lotion. I'll

probably be going back soon: with or without the car. After all I haven't missed since 1963 and she plans her life for the times I'M gone.

THANK YOU Doris. You have allowed me some incredible experiences at a place that I can't even describe.

For The Target550 owners, builders and sponsors............Thank You for the Test and Tune.

Without the event we would not have run 278 MPH on the maiden run and found out that the best plans

sometimes are grossly inadequate.  Great job Danny and Rob.

Keep watching. We will run again.  I just can't tell you how soon.

FREUD

[SPARKY]

Thanks Doc  you, your camera and all of your friendships-- all just help put it in focus! 

[PorkPie]

Hi Folks,

I'm safe back home...little bit later than normal...the plane had a delay from three hours in Atlanta...so it needs me this time 25 hours to get back home.

Great meet and a big big thank you to the USFRA to make this meet possible.

I will put later some picture here, from the meet....but at first I had to get me back in an upright position....

Was wonderful to share this three days with all my friends at the salt.

See you in couple of weeks at the Speedweek

[Buickguy3]

   Thomas, The airlines must love you. Are you on a first name basis with the Homeland Security people yet? See you soon.
      Doug 

[MMorgan]

Absolutely cannot thank the USFRA enough for putting this meet on!  The USFRA and SCTA officials were awesome to work with once again and kept the show going as slick as a whistle.  So much valuable data gained on both the Rogers cars that we ran!  This saves us so much time at SpeedWeek by getting to make the passes we did.  I also cannot thank BJ Burkdoll, and family, enough for his help as our push truck since ours wont arrive here until SpeedWeek.  I am also super grateful to Lloyd, Monte, and those in the trailer and along the course as safety for allowing me the chance to make my first licensing pass in Jack Rogers '68 Camaro.  Jack and Steve were awesome enough to allow me the opportunity to make my 125-149 run (130.70884!) which doubles my previous best from the last two seasons which was 73.318 in our little car. A huge thanks to them for allowing Dad and I to be a part of the team.  Thanks Bo for signing my slip to make it official! I was the last one down the course for the meet and it was awesome and I am grateful for them allowing me to run as I got there at the last possible second (my fault).  Everyone involved are my heros and I look forward to seeing you all a few more times this season!  Haven't stopped smiling since we left now that salt fever is back on full tilt!

[Stan Back]

Wow.!!!!!  To the fifth digit!

[MMorgan]

Haha!  Yup to the fifth digit.  I remember going to Impound the second time and Dan chuckling as the other person was filling out the paperwork because we were able to fire off to them that the current record was 72.102 and saying to the other "they always know the last three digits".  They did their due diligence and checked the record but it made me smile for him to say it because it is definitely true, we all well know what the current record is when we are chasing!  This for me was an amazingly surreal and awesome experience to drive a car that holds a current 243 mph record in the class it is still set up for.  I am sure those numbers will be etched into my brain.  I love that the USFRA and SCTA so well understand that excitement we all feel when it comes to any of this and by putting on a class act meet they allow us to keep the excitement that keeps us coming back again and again!!