I know there were much higher expectations from many racers, reading some waited 7 hours to run never feels very good, and reminded me of the mid 70's when that was the norm at the begining of any of the Speedweek at Bonneville. I looked to Thursday results listed on the SCTA-BNI page and found it interesting that it appeared to be like almost every Bonneville's week of making runs near the end of the week. I realize these will be short course but there were many vehicles making multiple runs as high as 10 by one competitor. This can only tell me many packed it in when car's/MC's under 175 could have learned a lot. Yes I know the course wasn't that good but seat time is important even driving on a "not so good track" will help especially multiple guys are trying to get a chance to get behind the wheel.
There are a lot more records under 175 than over and I feel guys gave up to quickly. Bonnevile has always been in the hands of mother nature and it does seen weird to me that and one day quick storm could do so much damage but we all know what we are up against..JD
On Monday, we asked a few SCTA bike officials if we could run the Rookie course, because all our rider was trying to do is maintain his license (he ran last in '16). They said heck no, it was only for drivers and riders that were licencing (isn't that the same thing???)
Tuesday morning, we got in line at 5:30am on the blacktop. Around 6:20am, Lands End opened up. Within thirty minutes, we picked up our bike at the four mile and was in staging. Looking back at the blacktop, the line stretched to at least the Bend.
We waited in line for just over seven and a half hours, at which time they closed the course due to crappy conditions. We were the fifth vehicle from the starting line!
When we got back to our trailer, the crew pitted next to us claimed to have made four runs on the Rookie course. That kind of rubbed be the wrong way. They had three new drivers trying to get licensed. Our rider was basically trying to do the same thing, and still couldn't run.
Anywho, Wednesday morning weather was amazing. After about eight backup runs, two 300mph runs, and the four in front of us ran, we finally got our shot after nine hours of waiting in line.
Our rider said that after ten years of road racing, that single pass was the scariest ride he has even had. Deep ruts and greasy. His speed was down 10mph from his last pass in '16. He accomplished one of the two goals we had for this year, the other was to bump up a class. Maybe next year...
This made me feel a little better on Wednesday morning...