What a great site – the home of witty banter! Is it because I is a Brit?
As soon as I registered with the handle ‘rickyracer’ I reflected it was maybe a tad juvenile. But hey, I’m well into second childhood and obviously in the good company of like-minded souls.
Two posts and already some people want to know all my personal details but inside leg measurement is going too far for a stiff Brit if you get my drift…………….
Seriously folks, I’ve been an SCTA member since 1992, the Teague/White era, and been to Speed Week a few times when I could get away from the day job. Met the nicest people too, may have had a great conversation with someone who has replied to my post.
Had plenty of rule books too and am in communication with SCTA Tech. re my project. I was a rotating machinery service engineer but not an experienced fabricator or machinist so will have to pull in the expertise here and there to ensure a quality build.
Maybe I’m not heavy with the intros because I would rather have something to show before I open my mouth.
Glen/Jon – My email address includes UK. Thought that was enough info for a mainly US readership and Jon you are very astute as I do actually live on a country road! There - you knew it.
As my first post said I am planning a streamliner, so no build pics etc. I did commence a build many years ago but a severe lack of home time meant I had to abandon until my work retirement so I am now finalising a new design. What speed? Current class record mid 200’s but I would prefer capacity in the chassis/body to 400.
Peter – As you mentioned, a simple drag beam style front end is exactly what I have in mind.
I am aware there is prejudice against solid wheels from some traditionalists but the ‘Marks Brothers’ and some famous names on 2 and 4 wheels have used them at Bonneville with the full range of success and failure. Why gloat over the failures. We are fortunate that great inventors didn’t give up after every failure or criticism.
In these days of variable and uncertain availability of suitable tyres in limited sizes it is surely in everyone’s interest to keep options open. With solid wheels, unless the salt is very soft and mushy, care in selection of profile and width, and use of rounded edges on a vehicle with low wheel loading will result in minor marking of the salt only, not deep tramlining that could trap a biker.
The rule is there that meet officials can bar a vehicle that significantly damages the salt, which is completely fair. Indeed, presumably a ban could also be applied to a vehicle with tyres as I see some gouge the salt leaving grooves with their driven tyres on nearly every run. The solid front wheel cars just seem to have a light smoothing effect which is pretty well wiped out by the rears under power.
I didn’t expect so many questions as I thought I gave enough information in my first couple of posts.
I can and probably will design my own wheels or specify to a CAD designer. I have already had generous advice from some solid wheel users but none with zero scrub except maybe JC.
Just thought if someone on the site has been there, done that, it might save me a little time as my years advance!
