I'm somewhat hamstrung in my ability to put forth this post in that my computer bricked on the salt. This morning, I address you from my cell phone.
That also is the reason we were not able to pull diagnostics and properly troubleshoot our poor engine performance.
But I would be remiss if I didn't acknowledge a HUGE debt of gratitude to Steve Anderson, Gus Ryan, Don and Gus Jackson, The Utah Valley University land speed racing team -
https://www.uvu.edu/news/2020/11/11122020_bombshell_betty.html - and ALL THINGS AND PEOPLE associated with Stainless and the Bockscar team, who simply put their car in impound and descended on the Midget pit like a swarm of friendly beer drinking locusts in an effort to put us back on the salt.
I got one shakedown pass in - I pulled 114 and change with the big tires in 3rd gear with the 4:55s. Nick's rookie pass got quashed by a clutch disengagement issue. But now that I know the chassis set-up is spot-on - the car ran straight as a die - all future driving duties will fall to Nick.
When my computer gets fixed, I'll file a full report.
Kate was a saint through all of this. The rest of the trip is hers, and we're off to Roosevelt National Park.
One more thing - Gus and Wayno - the tomatoes made for and outstanding caprese salad - best lunch I ever had on the salt.