Salt Condition ?

[Hot Rod Lincoln]

I just buzzed over the first page and didn't see a thread regarding the condition of the salt this year.  If it's there sorry for missing it.


So what's the news on the condition of the salt this year ?  ( or post a link to the thread )   


Thanks

Jon

[edinlr]

Usually that is well covered by now.  If we had those satellite pictures from a few weeks ago that might be interesting too.

[RichFox]

Seemed OK at the test and Tune

[Tom Liberatore]

Except for the soup at the 3 mile, I'm still cleaning the slurry off my bike.

[Tom Liberatore]

Also, this was the first time, in 11 years of salt racing, that I have had an issue with salt packing my front wheel, (sort of like God applying the front brake, except that my bike doesn't have one). I'm redoing the fender mounts before WOS.

[Seldom Seen Slim]

Here's some information for you:  A commercial wheel-packer has been purchased for use by all of the involved parties at Bonneville.  It's needed because in some places the salt is not only thin - but cracked and pushing up.  See attached photos, the first of which is the crunchies themselves, and the second is a side by side shot of before and after wheel-packing.  If a drag is pulled over this stuff the salt will scatter and not necessarily become smooth and even.  The wheel packer knocks down those ridges - a/k/a crunchies - enough that then if it's dragged a good surface will result.  It may turn out that no dragging is needed, but whatever - the wheel-packer will help.  It's almost a necessity to use it on the international course -- the one used for the Shootout, especially near I-80.  But everywhere will benefit from it, I expect.

Please, however, don't think that the courses are in terrible condition.  It's noted elsewhere here that the conditions were good at the T&T and will probably be only better at SpeedWeek.  The wheel-packer should help to improve what we find when we get there.

[Finallygotit]

From a post from Rex Schimmer in the T&T thread dated 07/13......

The conditions were good to very good.......

[Glen]

At the T&T the salt was still a little damp, you could hear some back peddling. Much was learned. a few hurt things like Marlo's project 550 banged a blower and damaged the body. Doubtful they will be at SW. Those that traveled  long distance are still thrashing for a return trip to SW. we hope all can make it back. The Nish streamliner had a starter ring fail. Danny Thompson made a nice 317 mph checkout pass, The Vesco cars had some issues and we feel that they are now solved and ready for record runs. see you on the salt.

[Dynoroom]

Does it really matter?
Are you going to stay home because the salt is damp, rough, sandy or whatever?   

If it ain't under water we'll be there.... 

Only so many Speedweeks in your lifetime.   

[Sumner]

Does it really matter?
Are you going to stay home because the salt is damp, rough, sandy or whatever?   

If it ain't under water we'll be there.... 

Only so many Speedweeks in your lifetime.   

 

Sum

[Richard 2]

Does it really matter?
Are you going to stay home because the salt is damp, rough, sandy or whatever?   

If it ain't under water we'll be there.... 

Only so many Speedweeks in your lifetime.   

I'm In. 
Richard2

[Jack Gifford]

Slim- the wheel-packing looks good. If this is the first time it's been tried, I'm surprised it wasn't done before this.

[Milwaukee Midget]

Does it really matter?
Are you going to stay home because the salt is damp, rough, sandy or whatever?   

If it ain't under water we'll be there.... 

Only so many Speedweeks in your lifetime.   

You know, there's only so much prep work you can do.  If mother nature doesn't cooperate, well, there's just not a lot you can do about it.

But you can do nothing if you don't show up.

My poker face is in place, all my chips in, and the pot has been called.

.

I'll see you on the salt.

Period.

[Hot Rod Lincoln]

Does it really matter?
Are you going to stay home because the salt is damp, rough, sandy or whatever?   

If it ain't under water we'll be there.... 

Only so many Speedweeks in your lifetime.   

we'll be there
just wondering about the traction and being able to put 850hp at 8,200 to the ground. it's going to take traction to get the record we are shooting for

that's all

[Hot Rod Lincoln]

Here's some information for you:  A commercial wheel-packer has been purchased for use by all of the involved parties at Bonneville.  It's needed because in some places the salt is not only thin - but cracked and pushing up.  See attached photos, the first of which is the crunchies themselves, and the second is a side by side shot of before and after wheel-packing.  If a drag is pulled over this stuff the salt will scatter and not necessarily become smooth and even.  The wheel packer knocks down those ridges - a/k/a crunchies - enough that then if it's dragged a good surface will result.  It may turn out that no dragging is needed, but whatever - the wheel-packer will help.  It's almost a necessity to use it on the international course -- the one used for the Shootout, especially near I-80.  But everywhere will benefit from it, I expect.

Please, however, don't think that the courses are in terrible condition.  It's noted elsewhere here that the conditions were good at the T&T and will probably be only better at SpeedWeek.  The wheel-packer should help to improve what we find when we get there.

thanks for the info Slim