Landracing Forum

Bonneville Salt Flats Discussion => Bonneville General Chat => Topic started by: Swift33 on July 28, 2014, 03:01:18 PM

Title: Rookie runs
Post by: Swift33 on July 28, 2014, 03:01:18 PM
Hi ,

Do the "rookie runs" usually start taking place on the Saturday ?

Thanks ,

Stu
Title: Re: Rookie runs
Post by: Seldom Seen Slim on July 28, 2014, 03:07:16 PM
Yes, they do.  You'll be going to the driver meeting like everyone else, and then you - the rookies - will congregate and go with the Rookie Counselor for your bit of verbal training and then a ride down the rookie course* in your personal vehicle - not the race vehicle.

*  I might be wrong here -- the ride might be on the#3 course like the un-rookies do.

Anyway, course #4 is the "rookie" course, so once the rookie training is complete you'll be sent to do what you will.  Most folks return the their pit, grab the race vehicle, and make their way back to #4 for that first-ever, never-to-be-forgotten ride down the salt.  I envy you - remembering how thrilled I was when I made my first pass.  Best wishes and good luck. :-D
Title: Re: Rookie runs
Post by: Milwaukee Midget on July 28, 2014, 03:12:47 PM
Plan on getting little else done on Saturday.  The meeting, followed by Rookie Orientation will easily take you up until about noon.  If it gets windy, you may be sitting in line waiting to make the first pass.

Do yourself a favor - read this before you leave.

http://scta-bni.org/pdf/2014/2014%20Rookie%20Orientation-Bonneville.pdf

See you on the salt!
Title: Re: Rookie runs
Post by: ronnieroadster on July 30, 2014, 08:15:09 PM
 Can you qualify for a record on your rookie run if the speed you run is above the current record?
Title: Re: Rookie runs
Post by: Milwaukee Midget on July 30, 2014, 09:16:50 PM
Can you qualify for a record on your rookie run if the speed you run is above the current record?

"Rookie drivers/riders may qualify for a record on their rookie run if the existing record is less than 150 mph and ALL rookie run requirements are met."

http://scta-bni.org/pdf/2014/2014%20Rookie%20Orientation-Bonneville.pdf

That said, the officials have the discretion to limit the speed of your rookie run for issues of safety - especially in an untested vehicle.  That's part of the "ALL rookie run requirements" equation.

It's a good idea to get a feel for the car before you really start turning up the wick. 
Title: Re: Rookie runs
Post by: sofadriver on August 04, 2014, 02:08:39 AM
I can't wait to lose my rookie status and get on with it!
13 months of hard work and anxiety almost over.
Finally got to actually ride the bike today. All went VERY well and my spirits are high.
Can't wait to meet a bunch of cool folks on the salt.
Good luck to us all.
Title: Re: Rookie runs
Post by: SPARKY on August 04, 2014, 08:59:04 AM
 :cheers: I wish you well---Like SSS  I still remember the  excitement of working those off  :cheers:
Title: Re: Rookie runs
Post by: mkilger on August 04, 2014, 10:27:42 AM
ya I get to do mine this year too. I  got a lot of miles on the salt but not in a roadster  :wink:
Title: Re: Rookie runs
Post by: jimmy six on August 04, 2014, 12:49:23 PM
To all who care. Don't try to drive a 200 mph high boy roadster at a steady speed when qualifying for licenses. You need to be doing some acceleration. 32 grille shells do not like a non accelerating speed. If you need to go 150 enter your timed mile at 140 and leave that mile at 160 averaging 150. Same for the 175 licence start that mile time at 160 or so and slowly accelerate to end that mile at 180 giving you the correct mph for the licence.  Use one of the formulas using tire size and rear gears to find the RPM needed and connect your brain to the right foot.

Roadsters do not like ANY constant speed. If you ever run that last mile and your engine is at it's peak power thru that mile you will know what I mean..a true "E" ticket ride. I was warned but didn't believe it until it happened. I entered the last mile and only gained 1.5 MPH and had the ride of my life. The car darted both directions and I was at 215.

This does not pertain to aero better cars as much................Good Luck
Title: Re: Rookie runs
Post by: Kiwi Paul on August 05, 2014, 01:11:19 AM
JD...You said a mouthfull. Quite a few of my Spin Reinspections the last few years have had this as their root cause... :cheers:
Title: Re: Rookie runs
Post by: Stainless1 on August 05, 2014, 09:08:05 AM
I can't wait to lose my rookie status and get on with it!
13 months of hard work and anxiety almost over.
Finally got to actually ride the bike today. All went VERY well and my spirits are high.
Can't wait to meet a bunch of cool folks on the salt.
Good luck to us all.

Enjoy your rookie status... you only make your first run on the salt once!  :-D

After 22 years on the salt, I was finally a Rookie in 2000, it was great. 
Take your time, be safe, have fun and go fast  :cheers: