This was my first year attending the BUB meet as both technical steward and rider sponsor,
and what a great week it was.
In the 3 weeks leading up to the meet I had built four engines for customers, AND the XLCR Cafe Sportster for my son's entry.
When it was finished (the day before I was to leave) I found it wouldn't shift.
So, I loaded up and headed west from Indiana anyway.
On the Salt...
After Saturday's hectic tech. inspection day was over I drove to SLC airport,
and picked up my son Clayton, who had to fly in later, because of College obligations.
The next morning he came to the salt with me, and began removing the transmission for inspection.
I had told him in no uncertain terms prior to the race that I was obligated to spend my days in tech. inspection and impound, and that it would be up to him to maintain the machine.
The amount of help he received from various riders and mechanics was unbelievable.
George Smith of S&S, Dan Kinsey, Warner Riley, Mike Witt (Dyno Mike- from Chicago H-D), Earl from Santa's pit, and many others were all over Clayton's XLCR, helping him so he could race.
This bike with its newly rebuilt engine had never been started.
However, after the trans., clutch, elec. starter, and steering damper problems were all put in line
Clayton was finally ready to put himself in line at pre-stage.
When the week was over he had made three passes, and was able to head to impound for engine tear down, and measurement.
He set an AMA record at 119+ mph (pending ratification) in the new Classic Class for 1000/P/CG with a top speed of 121+ mph.
So to recap our week...
The two day drive home was also big fun as he had never personally seen all the mountains
and other great sights from Utah to Indiana.
We talked all the way about how to plan for 2013,
and "Hoosier Daddy Motorcycle Landspeed Racing" will be back next year.
Really BIG FUN for a Dad, and his 19 year old son.
Lastly, a more than huge THANK YOU to anyone reading this who may have helped in any way!!!
Best Regards
Drew Gatewood
p.s.
For those of you who don't know; there was what we considered even some good karma in
our entry number.
#1957 - which was the year H-D introduced the overhead valve XL Model.
Plus, Clayton is 19 years old, and I am 57. Works for us!