And to go on about hats, Steve -- getting into one of the Clubs requires more than "just" going 200 mph (not that that's an easy chore!). To gain entry a racer must set (or break an existing, or exceed a pre-set minimum speed) a record over 200 mph.
So - if the existing record in your class is, say, 180mph, chances are there's no minimum -- all you have to do is set a record over 200 mph and you'll have earned yourself a red hat (at Bonneville or El Mirage or Maxton).
If the existing record is over 200 mph you'll need to set a record that exceeds that one (by at least .001 mph). Note that some - many - classes have minimums stated in them. For instance, in the motorcycle A/PS/F 1350 class, the record is about 209 mph -- but to get a hat in that class the record needs to be at or above 215. Some of the minimums in the car classes are very high -- as much as (or more than) 280!
I gie you these examples to let you know what we joke about the first hat costing so much -- it's a BIG goal, and often requires years and dollars and lots of sweat to achieve. But boyoboy, will you treasure that hat once you've got it in your hatrack - and on your head.
