It has been a crazy week since my return from the “Monster Mile” June 27-28. I want to acknowledge and thank some people that made my record /ECTA 200 MPH Club inclusion possible and fun. It was truly a great bunch of people to be with to pull off the first 200 MPH Club “Hat Trick” on a Naked Motorcycle.
First and foremost, a very special thanks to Bill Warner (Wildbro). If you didn’t know Bill from his outstanding performances on his Vmax (ECTA 200 Club), I am sure you know him NOW after his naked runs of 240+, 243+ and 246+ at the June Maxton event.
I called Bill and asked if I could make a single pass on his bike to attempt to enter the ECTA 200 MPH Club. We agreed that I would make a check out pass and a full run. We spoke to Keith “Diet Coke” Turk and he agreed to the plan.
Friendly hellos and handshakes welcomed me as the competitors and volunteers filtered in on Friday. The “air” of the event was much like Bonneville, no rush, time to hang out and talk. It was very laid back. Keith was busting my nuts in no time flat about us west coast dirt bikers, among many other topics. Thank God I didn’t ride a BMW!
Bill had only made two full runs on the new bike, a 215 pass and an over boosted 226 in April. His attempt in May lasted 230 feet when he pitched a chain. Saturday morning we rolled his staging lane rig (see below) to the start line for a systems check run before he handed the bike over. Wouldn’t you know it the guy runs 230!
My turn, after a quick blast to 180 mph I cruise through the lights at about 140. I practiced the course that Bill had laid out for me. Which side of the course to be on at the half mile, which patch or crack to avoid, how to set up for the shutdown, I know I traveled more than a mile with my ziz-zaging!
The bike was far from comfortable for me; I am 6’2, 245lb in my skivvies, quite a bit larger than Bill. Bill offered to alter the bike, but I figured I would do the altering. It came time for my one chance, I needed a 207 or better to surpass yet another Scott Guthrie held record (sorry Scott). Although it was one of the ugliest passes I have ever made it worked, 220.480 mph.
The hat ceremony was great, some new friends hung around for the festivities. I thought it would only be fitting if Bill presented me “The Hat”, Keith also suggested it. Bill did a great job presenting. I also felt privileged when Keith, a 200 MPH Club Ace (B’Ville, Elmo, ECTA, Muroc and Texas) presented me the ECTA 200 MPH T-Shirt with his firm handshake and ear-to-ear smile. I was honored to be in the presence of those who stayed to welcome me to the Club. Joe Timney also pointed out that my run was the fastest Naked ECTA 200 Club inclusion, an added bonus!
I would like to thank everyone at the ECTA for welcoming me as they did, especially Keith and Tonya Turk, Joe and Donna Timney and Seldom Seen Slim. They put on a great event. I will forever be grateful to Bill Warner for his unselfishness and sportsmanship.
It makes me wonder though, what is the problem with us Land Speed Racers? We run on dirt, salt and bombed out runways. I am convinced that if an event is put on with miles of flat smooth asphalt/concrete at less than 750’ of elevation they would put a patch over one eye, fill our suits with fire ants or something! I cannot belive the speeds that we have seen lately on these sub par surfaces.
I have been around various forms of racing for many years, and I am proud to say I am a Land Speed Racer.
