Landracing Forum
Bonneville Salt Flats Discussion => 2017 and before: SW & WF => SpeedWeek 2017 => Topic started by: jcg1021 on June 05, 2017, 10:56:47 AM
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I have driven cars in the past but never a land speed racer. Always been a goal to join the 200MPH club, set a record (if possible) and say I have done it at Bonneville. I grew up in SLC so that may be part of the reason why.
Before I go and purchase a car and modify etc. I wanted to see if anyone has seen or heard of an arrive and drive option for Speedweek at Bonneville.
If you have any info, please let know.
Chris
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Why post the same request three times. You'll only annoy us instead of accomplishing what you want.
Pete
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Arrive and drive goes against everything that is the spirit of Bonneville. Start with the 130 club. Make the commitment spend the money, build the car, TRY and get in the 2 club.
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This may change your plans. To join the 200 MPH club you MUST set a record in your class. This goal could be as high as 400+ MPH.
Good luck,
Dan Warner
President
Bonneville 200 MPH Club
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Thank you sir, I appreciate the info.
The goal would be to do both and have fun doing it at the same time.
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I did some jogging in high school and always wanted to run a 4 minute mile and get a gold medal at the Olympics. Does anyone know where I can borrow some track shoes and some shorts? Geez!
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Wow, didn't realize I was treading on the hallowed ground of "if you cant build yourself and spend 10x what it cost to buy" you have no place on the salt.
Arrive and drive is not a new concept at all in racing especially for those who want experiences in multiple series or unique cars/tracks. I have done it before and will do it again. You basically cover any damage, compensate the owner for tech support and the ride. In fact, many pro series offer this. For someone like myself its actually the best way to do it. Done it before and will do it again.
It is no different than buying a car already ready to go. For example, maybe one of the ones for sale in the forum below for example or on racking junk etc. Didn't realize all participants had to build a frame car to run must have missed that in the rules.
It was just a question or request for someone who was considering selling or had a car they wanted to run and was interested in making a some money along the way.
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Holy Cow that's funny and I don't care who you are!!!!
In order to set a record in the 200mph Club, in say...the AA Blown Fuel Streamliner Class...one would have to go over 400mph. So much for buying a vehicle, modifying it and giving her hell!!
I'd try buying a red hat at Wal-mart and walking by people real fast so that they think I'm in the club...or better yet I'll just stick to just shooting video of the people who really are!!
RCKirby
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We could be the great community everyone always talks about & teach jcg1021 about the sport.
Things like no, if you go over 200 mph you are not in the 2 club. You are required to set a record over 200 mph.
Buying a ride is frowned upon BUT it's not illegal, etc.
:cheers:
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Come on...you have to admit that telling someone that to become a member of the 200mph Club one must go over 400mph IS pretty funny!
RCKirby
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Mike's right, of course.
But, a couple of years ago, I told a super-funded driver that breaking the 246 record would not get him a hat. This was in the second or third day of helicopter-accompanied running that got nowhere near the record. I explained to him that the minimum in that class for the club was 290.
Sometimes it's good to do a little research before you commit yourself.
Stan Back
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I guess I am one of those guys that thinks a competitor should build or at least be a substantial part of a build seeking the 200 mph club. That said, I have witnessed many, many times where drivers who's only participation was writing the check and driving. There are one or two arrive and drives in the 300 mph chapter as well. Each situation is a little different and justification varies widely.
John
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Chris,
One really great thing about Bonneville is, do it your way. There has got to be a lot of builders out there with potential 200+ cars that need $ome help getting them done. Look around the pits. How many have one guy there? It's the people that contribute their part to accomplish a goal and the friends that are made.
Terry
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Chris, there are folks that sell rides, and folks that earn rides.... oh, and everybody wants to be in the 200 MPH club... I always tell folks it's easy.... all you have to do is go faster in your class than anyone has since 1953.... and exceed 200 or the club minimum set for classes.
Yes some of us get a little testy and protective of the sport... but if you spend enough time around us we are not such a bad lot.
What do you think a ride is worth.... what do you think a 200MPH record ride is worth... do you have the cost of a car to put up, in case you manage to wreck it.... it's not exactly like driving on asphalt or a prepped drag strip.
If you search this site, you will find a guy that rents rides... don't have a clue what he charges, or if he is still in business.
Good luck with your quest :cheers:
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And I thought you guys were COOL??????!!!!!. :-D :-D :-D :-D
I guess buying a ride IS like renting a hooker. It just isn't the same. :mrgreen:
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You guys got me thinking... What is a 200 club ride worth exactly? I know that there are some that have done it on the cheap, but what is the average guy have invested in his 200 hat? 100K? 200? The pay to play type of racing done in other forms of racing really isn't comparable. Most racing is a business especially at the "pro" level you mentioned.
I just finished a brand new car that I am hoping to get a blue hat with. I have spent years planning, built and raced a slower car to gain experience, spent another 1.5 years (quick actually) building and a spent what to me was a small fortune. I can't imagine how I could put a price on that. As said there are some "opportunities" out there I guess. I am not familiar with them. But I am curious, how much is it worth to you? What would be the perceived market value?
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I crewed on a car for several years before building my own. My first outing I got a record at 212 in the books, on the back up run I got up to 290 to pull the chutes and go through the lights at 276 at the four mile mark only to have a blown engine $$ and still no 200 hat on that trip. Getting in the 2 club is a serious accomplishment that encourage you to chase if your interested. Just keep in mind when talking to people that there are some who have been chasing it for years and havn't got there yet. If you do make an arrangement that manages you to arrive and drive, just keep it in perspective to the people that have done it the hard way. 2 club is always a big deal, but Bonneville is about the spirit of trying to be your own personal best. The innovators and the tinkerers and the damned determined are pioneers that made it the big deal it is.
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Hey Eddie, everyone is fond of saying the first hat can cost a small fortune, all the others are $10.... :roll:
Chris, don't be thin skinned and leave us.... come to the salt and look around, you may find a team in need.... but first, join the BNI, get a rule book, understand the rules and the number of passes required to get to the magic 200.... check the records, there are still a lot of doable numbers out there, as well as a lot of cars for sale. Every record is breakable... everyone broke one to set theirs.
Visit the salt during SpeedWeek, it is easier to understand what a great community of folks show up.
:cheers:
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Chris; This site and pretty much Bonneville itself, is mostly for builders. Not drivers. I know several builders who enjoy building much more than driving. Jack Costella comes to mind. If you are still in the SLC area you might look up the USFRA people. They have a club roadster. I don't know how the driving duties are assigned. Or wherever you are, find someone who is currently involved in LSR. I think the pavement guys may be more into bought rides. If your interested, contact Jack. He has worked with many people to get them in a car that got them into the club. But he expects commitment form his partners.
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Rich I had not thought of it quite like that but---but you at pretty near to "spot on" A builder is usually the ONLY one who is driven enough to do the research, to gain the understanding, to put the shape and parts together to gain the goal.
Sorta like Ford Boy says--- If the objective is a Skinned Cat---So many Cats so little Time!
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For the right amount of money I can pour a seat that will fit you perfectly and give you a chance for a record....Serious inquiries only! :-D
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I am genuinely interested in the value of a hat? Just from a curious standpoint. When you factor in the "cost" of licensing a guy up and getting a record especially if done in one event. You are talking several days of crew, hotels, getting the car there. Then the cost of building and maintenance and prep for the event. Then there is the risk factor
Red hat 10-20K
Blue 30-50K
Black hat ???? if you have to ask.
To the OP what do you expect to pay? What is it worth to you.
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Interesting question being asked what would it cost to get the Red hat. Makes me stop and think how long its taken to build a car from nothing then how many events have I attended with the car plenty of which were complete failures. My quick summary goes like this.
1- Seven years and counting building and improving the car.
2- 28 events attended running the car with the previous mention some were failures.
3- To date its taken 6 vintage blocks to get some where's near 200 BUT still miles left to go.
4- Hotel bills, gas bills, feeding the crew the expense goes on and on.
5- Cost for all the above A whole lot
6- The experience to do this and all the great people who have helped guide me especially on this site that's priceless.
7- Bottom line your missing out on all the above trying to find a ride for that 200 record if one can be found.
That's the way I see it.
Ronnieroadster
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Wow!
The journey's better than the reward. (Of course, the reward ain't bad, either.)
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Wayne Jesel could probably answer the question, he brought in Jason Line and in one event, I believe Jason left with a hat.
BR
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I made the mistake one time of figuring out the cost of a motorcycle I built. The per use cost (I used it very little) was pretty depressing. Very similar with a land speed car. A slower car obviously can be run at a much lower per pass cost. I am including cost to build etc. When you look at some of the big liners the cost per run can be staggering. Some of those cars may only make a couple of passes per year. A 200 capable car has a run cost of XXX. I guess if you find a team that has depreciated out their cost (for lack of a better analogy) maybe their are some "cheap" rides. I would be happy to let any of my team that has put in the time a chance to license. None took me up on it in the roadster. The liner would be a little tougher, for me to strap someone in, unless they already had a lot of lsr experience.
It is definitely about the build and Journey for me. I enjoy all parts of it, even the obsessing over data in the hotel. Ah who am I kidding I probably like that part the most. Did all those stupid ideas actually work?
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In all seriousness, are you looking to go 200 MPH on the salt? Or set a record that will get you in the 200 MPH club? I am sure if you just want to go 200 MPH that could be accomplished fairly easy and for not that crazy of a number, most likely under $10K If you want to get into the 2 club then that’s a different animal.
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A slower car obviously can be run at a much lower per pass cost. I am including cost to build etc.
Eddie, I understand where you're headed, but I question the equation.
I'd say one could run pretty cheaply if they aren't going for a record.
But I can attest that had I taken the cash I dropped on the 1 liter BMC A-series and sunk it into a well sorted SBC, I'd have time slips with much bigger numbers, and probably about 600 extra horsepower. :-o
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But I can attest that had I taken the cash I dropped on the 1 liter BMC A-series and sunk it into a well sorted SBC, I'd have time slips with much bigger numbers, and probably about 600 extra horsepower. :-o
And not as many harmonica playing cohorts. :-D
Wayno
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Well I think we long since lost the original poster... But my math was all on account of him saying he wanted 2 club/record. I know my Red Hat cost me a whole bunch in more ways than one.
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HEAR YEE HEAR YEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :wink: :cheers: :cheers: :cheers:
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To the hats, the harmonicas and the "hear yees" -
I regret not a penny.
And if I had it all to do over again, I'D HAVE STARTED A LOT EARLIER! :cheers: :cheers: :cheers:
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A slower car obviously can be run at a much lower per pass cost. I am including cost to build etc.
Eddie, I understand where you're headed, but I question the equation.
I'd say one could run pretty cheaply if they aren't going for a record.
But I can attest that had I taken the cash I dropped on the 1 liter BMC A-series and sunk it into a well sorted SBC, I'd have time slips with much bigger numbers, and probably about 600 extra horsepower. :-o
Extra horsepower? What is that??? Sounds like an oxymoron to me! 8-)
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There might not be a 'pay for a Red Hat', but there are a number of earned hats by personalities and special crew members.
Most of the crews worked for their opportunities, and others used their fame and cuteness for the Red Hat and no money was exchanged (that I know of).
We always talk that 'More people have climb Mt Everest than are in the Two Club", but what do you think they pay to 'climb' the highest mountain? $20,000, $35,000+? And spend months in the prep and climb?
What am I getting at? Arrive, drive a straight line for 7 miles, get out, put a hat and fly home,,, easier than climbing Mt Everest and maybe cheaper.
Once you get your ride dialed in and you have the horsepower and the magic bullet and runs left, what would you take to offset the effort?
And you want to know where the money really is? Under 200 mph, I know of a racer with a wound tight motor that only has just enough Wheaties to make 3 or 4 200 mph passes, but he needs to license to that point and to do it in his vehicle would cost him the runs left for the 200 effort. So he is willing to pay to get his experience and save his motor for his record (possible record). Is this wrong?
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most of us just blow them up!!
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most of us just blow them up!!
We race till we break something records or parts :cheers:
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...And you want to know where the money really is? Under 200 mph, I know of a racer with a wound tight motor that only has just enough Wheaties to make 3 or 4 200 mph passes, but he needs to license to that point and to do it in his vehicle would cost him the runs left for the 200 effort. So he is willing to pay to get his experience and save his motor for his record (possible record). Is this wrong?
If someone wants to charge and another person wants to pay I figure that is none of my business but....
..in the case above if the car is capable of running over 200, the license passes up to 200 are not going to stress the motor very much. Those runs made at part throttle could actually help to make sure the motor lasts when he gets in it trying for a record. He could run full throttle for part of the license runs and that could give him a lot of info on things like air/fuel ratios, oil pressure, data logging, car handling, etc. plus just getting the seat time in the car which is vital.
Sumner
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I guess I did mine the right way. Hard way. My way. Hard work and determination. Set backs and failures. Two of us started the build. One had to bail out. We went to Bonneville and Wilmington. We looked, asked questions, studied, took pictures, and crewed. I kicked the rods out of an SB2 in Ohio and had a chute fail. It's a little hairy stopping a 5000 lb car doing over 180 in a mile. Made it to Bonneville last year with a junk engine that got me licensed up and 2 runs on the long course. We laugh we cried and we had the time of our lives. Me, Scaaty and the best crew I could ask for. Then I put a friend in my car. A friend the knows all to well the work and expense involved. I got to watch the nerves set in. I got to see the joy of a man doing something that he never thought he would get to do. I saw the tears and the laughter. I saw his C and my B license. This you can not fly in and buy. Scaaty Racing looking for more than last year with all the fun and laughs as a bonus.
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Don M. said: "I guess I did mine the right way. Hard way. My way. Hard work and determination. Set backs and failures. Two of us started the build. One had to bail out. We went to Bonneville and Wilmington. We looked, asked questions, studied, took pictures, and crewed. I kicked the rods out of an SB2 in Ohio and had a chute fail. It's a little hairy stopping a 5000 lb car doing over 180 in a mile. Made it to Bonneville last year with a junk engine that got me licensed up and 2 runs on the long course. We laugh we cried and we had the time of our lives. Me, Scaaty and the best crew I could ask for. Then I put a friend in my car. A friend the knows all to well the work and expense involved. I got to watch the nerves set in. I got to see the joy of a man doing something that he never thought he would get to do. I saw the tears and the laughter. I saw his C and my B license. This you can not fly in and buy. Scaaty Racing looking for more than last year with all the fun and laughs as a bonus."
Okay, guys, he gets it. I think we should vote him into the secret club, hey?
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Hey Slim I want in. I want a Red Hat also but I need my A license first. See ya in a few weeks on the salt.