Landracing Forum
Bonneville Motorcycle Speed Trials => Bville Motorcycle Speed Trials General Chat => Topic started by: Roadsters.com on September 03, 2008, 07:01:16 PM
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(http://shutter01.pictures.aol.com/data/pictures/01/003/60/BA/9F/2B/3Bl2+m1m41UO937w7Hs4847eBrac75M80300.jpg)
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positive thoughts sent.
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Prayers are going out from my house for Cliff and his family and crew.
I hope he is OK and that the Doctors have the wisdom and skill to help heal him.
Walt
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well said walt, we are praying for him to.
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Our prayers for the Gullett family and Team Bullett
Glen and Michele
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Motorcyclist killed in Salt Flats crash
A motorcyclist was killed in a 200-mph crash Wednesday afternoon.
Cliff Gullett, 47, of Bozeman, Mont., was riding in a speed trial when he lost control of his motorcycle and crashed on the Salt Flats about 4 p.m., said Tooele County Sheriff's Chief Deputy Duke North.
Gullett was wearing protective gear, but died from injuries sustained in the crash.
Investigators were unsure what caused Gullett to lose control of his motorcycle, North said. The investigation is ongoing.
http://deseretnews.com/article/1,5143,700256114,00.html
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Our thoughts, prayers, and wishes for peace of mind are directed to the Gullet family, Team Bullett, Cliff's friends and all of those currently on the salt.
How very tragic! :-(
Todd & Deb
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It's a really sad day for me to hear Cliff has passed. I knew Cliff since his first time on the salt. He was a first class guy.. We chatted in length at Speedweek at the Motel 6 about his experiences in the liner and how much he enjoyed racing on the salt.
To the family, my thoughts are with you...
Jon Amo
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May he rest in peace, may his family be comforted by the knowledge that his passing is felt by his land speed racing family, and may all of us race on - with his memory in our minds.
One day soon we'll have a topic reminiscing about the memories and stories we have of Cliff, just as we have for the other racers that have passed to the Great Race Course in heaven.
God Speed, Cliff.
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It is a sad day indeed. My thought are with the family and friends.
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My prayers and thoughts are with the Gullet family.............a very sad day.
Scott
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This very sad news was announced at our monthly USFRA meeting tonite. A collection was taken up and given to Terry Nish of the Utah Motorsports Foundation. God Speed Cliff :cry:
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When an accident has end results like this one has, the emptiness that we experience is only exceeded by the pain and suffering of the immediate family.
What a tragedy.
I am helpless to describe my sorrow any better than this.
FREUD
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When an accident has end results like this one has, the emptiness that we experience is only exceeded by the pain and suffering of the immediate family.
What a tragedy.
I am helpless to describe my sorrow any better than this.
FREUD
Very well said Freud Gods Speed Cliff
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I am deeply moved by this turn of events. I first met Cliff when he attended World of Speed with Henry Louie. I watched through the years as Cliff became more involved with LSR. He mentioned my name at this year's 200 MPH Club dinner as being an influence on his too brief career.
Joanie and I will have Cliff, his family and team in our prayers.
God Speed Cliff,
DW
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Another brick at the base of Wendover Will :cry: My heart aches for the family and friends.
God Speed Cliff Gullett.....
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Just saw this story, this is awful.
http://www.kutv.com/content/news/topnews/story.aspx?content_id=f825ae56-a04b-4c43-acde-059ef8edc56d (http://www.kutv.com/content/news/topnews/story.aspx?content_id=f825ae56-a04b-4c43-acde-059ef8edc56d)
My heart goes out to the family. :-(
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My thoughts and prayers go out to the Gullett family and Team Bullet.
Cliff was one of the true good guys. I had the pleasure of meeting Cliff on his first trip to the salt and each year after.
We have lost a true racer and a great man.
Godspeed my friend.
Jason McVicar.
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Watched the whole thing unfold. We were at the starting line on the 3 mile marker when he made his return run,just past the timed mile when suddenly he was airborne and tumbled seemingly every direction with parts flying. I knew shortly after hearing the timers description of injuries and the fact no helicopter arrived to take him to trauma center he was gone. Godspeed.
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What terrible, shocking news. We were parked at the end of the spectator parking Wednesday of speedweek and Cliff turned out after his return run and came to a stop a few hundred feet directly in front of us. My six year old watched Cliff remove the canopy and extricate himself from his machine. My boy looked over with wide eyes and said, Daddy, did you see that huge guy climb out of that tiny racer? I was just as awed as my boy that he even fit in that liner. It was truly one of those magical moments that I will forever treasure. Godspeed, Cliff Gullett. Thank you for the great memory...........
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I am so very sorry to hear this, as are my wife and children.
Our prayers go out to the Gullet family and all his friends.
A real tragedy indeed.
I am sorry I never got to meet him.
Godspeed, Cliff. May you rest in peace and may God prvide comfort to your family and friends.
Walt
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A sad day, Cliff was a racer and dedicated to the sport. He will be missed, Words are hard to come by.
Our prayers to Cliff and his family and LSR team members. GOD SPEED CLIFF.
Glen and Carol Barrett :cry:
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I never meet Cliff, but was in awe of what he accomplished and I'm so sad to hear of this news and my thoughts are with his family and team,
Sumner
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Just devastating news. I have been at tracks when similar things have happened and the mood is hard to get over. My thoughts go out to his family and to all the racers out there at this time.
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I first met Cliff when he brought his cruiser style motorcycle to race. It was fun to see the enthusiasm blossom. I had the pleasure of shaking his hand at the WF last year when he joined the 2-Club. Such a shame, Cliff represented all that is so special in LSR. He was at the beginning of long successful racing career. My sincerest condolences to his family and friends, Cliff will be sorely missed.
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Echoing Jason, Jon, Larry and so many of you....meeting Cliff
on his first salt visit......you saw the wheels turning .....dedication
and passion as immense as the salt.......
God Speed Cliff and may God bless you Gullett family and friends....
Joe Amo
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This is truly sad news, we just welcomed Cliff into the 2 Club a couple weeks ago.
My ex-teammates at Arrow Racing & I watched with great interest as Cliff & Jack's beautiful streamliner made faster & faster runs.
We all enjoined spending time with Cliff and we were sure big things were in store his team.
On behalf of Team Arrow Racing & Staiger / Hensley S.T.O.L. we wish express our sincere condolences to Cliff's family and teammates.
Rest in Peace
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I'm so sorry to hear of Cliff's accident and his death. My sincere condolences to his family anf his team.
Neil Tucson, AZ
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We are deeply saddened by the loss of Cliff Gullett.
His family and friends are in our prayers.
God speed Cliff
Willie and Sheri Buchta
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Does any body know how Jack is doing? He must be upset to say the least, Cliff was a great racer.
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I'm deeply shocked....the worst thing happends to me.....Cliff was one of my closeset friends at the salt.....
My heart is with Cliff's Family and all his friends.
Cliff.......you was a true racer and one who was always interest to push the limit higher and higher.....
........I will never forget you.
God Speed my late friend
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God speed to Cliff. Condolences to his family and friends. I never met him,my loss. It is always so shocking and so sad to lose one of our own.
Fred
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Really saddened to hear that. Spoke to Cliff at the end of the 2007 Speedweek - really nice chap. Been following his record attempts - first 350 and now 500.
Please pass our condolences to Cliff's family and friends.
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Very sad news, thoughts and prayers for his family.
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So very sad to hear this news!
I had not had the opportunity to meet him, but still feel a loss.
Extending my thoughts and best wishes to all his family and friends.
The land speed community will obviously miss Cliff!
Larry
This shows the liner running number 7070 I also have images of it running under number 7078.
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Speaking as a stranger, who loves to follow a bold adventure which attempts to extend the barrier of speed, through thoughts, courage, labor, and ingenuity Jack and Cliff have been inspirational in their efforts . Cliff will be truly missed. My condolences to Cliffs' family, friends, and Jack who surely lost a great partner. Gods Speed Tom
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I received this note today from Curt, the general manager of Cliff's business. I'll take the liberty of posting it, and his further comments when I get them.
"I AM CURT LANCE, THE GENERAL MANAGER OF TEAM BOZEMAN MOTORSPORTS, WHICH IS OWNED BY CLIFF AND LEANNE GULLETT.
AS REPORTED BY A UTAH NEWSPAPER AND VIEWED ON GOOGLE, CLIFF SUCCUMBED TO HIS INJURIES ON THE SALT AND PASSED AWAY TONIGHT.
LEANNE AND CLIFFS BROTHER, DOUG ARE IN WENDOVER, AND WILL BE MAKING ARRANGEMENTS FOR CLIFF, AND FOR ALL THEIR GEAR...
LEANNE TOLD ME THAT SHE WAS NOT GOING TO LEAVE UNTIL CLIFFS RECORD RUNS WERE CERTIFIED AND HE WAS GIVEN THE RECORD.
CLIFF ALWAYS TOLD ME THAT IF ANYTHING HAPPENED ON THE SALT, HE WANTED IT TO BE QUICK, AND NOT LINGERING.
HE DIED DOING THE THING HE LOVED TO DO MOST -
RACING AT BONNEVILLE.
AS HIS GENERAL MANAGER, MY CONTRIBUTION TO THAT OBJECTIVE WAS TO RUN HIS STORE SO HE COULD "BRING HOME THE RECORDS"
i WOULD APPRECIATE IT IF YOU WOULD BE CERTAIN THAT THE RECORD IS RECORDED IN HIS NAME AND CERTIFIED, AND SOMEHOW GET IT TO LEANNE....
I SPOKE WITH CLIFF THIS MORNING AT ABOUT 8 AM AND HE WAS WELL SPIRITED AND FELT CONFIDENT, SINCE HE HAD RUN A 229 LAST NIGHT, THAT HE COULD GET THE RECORD TODAY.....
I WILL ADDRESS THE LANDSPEED FORUM TOMMORROW AFTER WE HAVE LET OUR EMPLOYEES AND SPONSORS KNOW OF THIS TRAGEDY.
I KNOW CLIFF WILL WANT TO BE REMEMBERED AS THE GUY WHO WENT OUT WITH THE RECORD!!
PLEASE SEE TO IT THAT THAT HAPPENS.
I AM GRATEFUL FOR THE COMMENTS OF MANY OF THE MEMBERS.....
WE WILL RESPOND TO ALL WHEN WE GET THINGS BETTER ORGANIZED AND ARRANGED...
CURT LANCE"
I'm going to registration now to see about the status of Cliff's last run. I'll be back with you soon.
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(http://www.psndealer.com/dealersite/images/team-bozeman/cliff_bike_800x945.jpg)
Bozeman motorcyclist killed in speed trial crash
A Bozeman motorcyclist and business owner died Wednesday when he lost control of his bike and crashed at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah.
Cliff Gullett, 47, was riding in a speed trial when he lost control of his motorcycle and crashed at about 4 p.m., Tooele County, Utah Sheriff's Chief Deputy Duke North told Deseret News.
Gullett owns Team Bozeman Motorsports on Simmental Way with his wife, Leanne.
Gullett was competing in the 500cc Streamliner class. He was wearing protective gear, but died from injuries sustained in the 200 mile per hour crash, North said.
Investigators were unsure what caused Gullett to lose control of his motorcycle.
"The AMA offers its most sincere condolences and heartfelt sympathies to the Gullett family and friends during this difficult time," the organzation said.
Gullett had set two land speed records with his Streamliner during this year's Speed Week at the Salt Flats and was aiming to set the record for the fastest two-stroke, two cylinder motorcycle in history.
An investigation into the crash is ongoing.
Source:
http://www.montanasnewsstation.com/Global/story.asp?S=8953336
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(http://cdn-2.psndealer.com/e2/dealersite/images/team-bozeman/cliff1190.jpg)(http://cdn-2.psndealer.com/e2/dealersite/images/team-bozeman/leeann1190.jpg)
Cliff and Leanne Gullett
Team Bozeman Motorsports
http://www.team-bozeman.com/
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I didn't have the honor of meeting him but did see his accomplishments on the net. A huge loss to his family and friends. We pray for them all, God Speed and my he rest in everlasting peace.
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Cliff loved his experiences at Bonneville, and just a little over a week ago, he was so thrilled to have set three World Land Speed Records, one of which broke a 50 year old record set in 1958.
Yesterday morning he expressed to me his excitement at the prospect of setting yet another record, and we are extremely hopeful that his runs will be ratified by the governing bodies.
The Costella-Gullett Race Team, as well as the Sponsors; Team Bozeman Motorsports, V-Sept Sales & Service, K&T Performance, SCS Vinyl Works, Scorpion Helmets USA and Mountain PBE Supply, Inc., offers their most sincere sympathy and condolences to the entire Gullett Family, including his wife, Leanne, and his son, Casey, age 10 and his daughter, Nicole, age 15.
The family has established the Cliff Gullett Memorial Fund for distribution to Cliff's favorite charities.
Memorials and contributions may be made to:
Cliff Gullett Memorial Fund
c/o First Interstate Bank
Gallatin Center Branch
2023 Burke Ave
Bozeman, Montana 59718
1-406-556-1058
Memorial arrangement have, as yet, not been made, and will be posted here once determined.
The Team Bullett Race Team thanks all those who have expressed their sympathies and concerns for Cliff, and his family.
As the General Manager of Cliff's motorsports dealership, Team Bozeman Motorsports, I can tell you how devasted all of his employees were to hear of this tragedy.
We are comforted by the many comments from the Race Community, and wish you all records speeds, and safe runs. I know Cliff wishes the same for all of you, as well.
Funeral arrangements and memorial services will be noted here as they are solidified.
Curt Lance
General Manager
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Cliff was one of the nicest guys you could ever meet and a class act. He will be greatly missed. My thoughts to out to Leanne and their kids.
Billy Nichols
Utah
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I spoke with Cliff several times, he seemed very dedicated and passionate about his work.
My condolences to his family and friends.
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I have been really good friends with Cliff and Leanne for at least 10 yrs, and I will say that it has been a great pleasure knowing Cliff. So many fond memories, from the camping trips to his cabin, to going out riding 4-wheelers with him, to just being friends. Cliff We love you and will miss you. Our prayers go out to Leanne and the rest of the Family!!
The Watkins
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GOD SPEED Cliff and condolances to his family and friends.
Gary DCWATERJET Z
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Goodspeed,Family in our prayers.
terry
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This is a huge tragedy and our thoughts and prayers are with Cliff's family and team.
Godspeed Cliff. :cry:
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Godspeed from your friends in Bozeman, Montana. Thanks for facilitating my entry into the sport of LSR. You will be missed.
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I am another one who was never fortunet enough to meet Mr. Gullett, I have been able to watch him make a few passes during the last 2 years at least.
God Speed Cliff and my thoughts are with his Family and Friends at this time.
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R.I.P.
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Louise Ann Noeth (a/k/a Landspeed Louise) just sent this photo and asked that I post it. It was taken this year -- don't know at which meet, but it shows the #7070 liner being pushed off the line.
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http://www.billingsgazette.net/articles/2008/09/05/news/local/18-record.txt nice article on Cliff in Billings Gazette
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My condolences to Cliff's family and legions of friends. RIP
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http://www.billingsgazette.net/articles/2008/09/05/news/local/18-record.txt nice article on Cliff in Billings Gazette
That was a great article! This was interesting and admirable;
Gullett was attracting a lot of attention racing conventional motorcycles early in his career, Tesinsky said, enough that Costella, a man with more than 35 land speed records, sought him out. Other racers would have given anything to race a Costella machine, but Gullett almost turned the offer down after Costella announced that no children or women would be allowed in his impound.
Gullett's son, Casey, had always been a part of the racer's pit crew. If racing with Costella meant excluding Casey, Gullet was ready to stay small time.
"Cliff put his hand out to Jack and said, 'It's been nice knowing you, but my family comes first,' " Tesinsky recalled.
So how did that get worked out? Was the family able to continue to be on the crew as is common in our sport?
Debbie
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Talk about coincidence, I am a uhaul dealer and today I checked in a trailer that came from Bozeman.
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So how did that get worked out? Was the family able to continue to be on the crew as is common in our sport?
Debbie
Debbie,
Im sure it all worked out. Cliff's son Casey was just an outstanding young lad. The family was part of the crew, it was hard to find Cliff around without son Casey. Also doesn't hold true for the 5050 liner with Erin being part of the crew. So it was just something that was said but held no true meaning. Jack had some bad experiences in the past with kids (not his) and girlfriends (not his) but crew members when he was running Neb III.
Jon
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So how did that get worked out? Was the family able to continue to be on the crew as is common in our sport?
Debbie I don/t know about this. Jack has had a female rider at El Mirage. His wife Kekio used to come to the races until she got tired of it. I don't know about kids, but I find it very hard to believe Jack said no women in the pit.
[/quote]
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My condolences to the family and friends of Cliff. :cry:
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Thanks for the clarification guys! I can certainly understand not wanting out of control kids or ditsy chicks in the pits! Heck sometimes I don't want my own family in my pits! :-o Sounds like it worked out in the best possible way and I bet they both learned a lot from it. It's encouraging to hear he held his family in such high regard as to walk away, albeight temporarily, from the opportunity of a lifetime! I can't even imagine the pain the family will endure over this but it would have been worse had there been disdain over the racing arrangement. I can't help but think of the phrase "only the good die young". I never had the chance to meet him but its clear he was one of the good ones!
Lets all keep the good stories and anecdotes rolling! It really does help to add a smile here in there throughout the grieving process and I bet the family would love to continue to hear how many lives Cliff touched in such a positive way even if a lot of us didn't get to meet him!
Debbie
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Jack has nothing against kids....it was just so, so as Jon wrote....that in his own NT III time he had some "bad" experience with kids playing in and around the car.
The current situation means for him that he had to take care for 3 or 4 racers to the same time.....
To Casey I have to say, he is a right guy, like his father.....I wouldn't be surprise when would see him in some years himself on the starting line....following his late father.
Last year I gave Casey a small photo album which I had with me to show some people picture from the SW 07.....as a memory for his 2007 time at the salt......sometimes so things starts a virus.....which called Salt Flats.
Casey was for Jack never a problem.....Jack's problem was always when kids start to use the racer as there play ground.
By the way, Keiko, Jack's wonderful wife.........she had to stay away from the salt by health issues....otherwise she would be still at the salt. If you be on Keiko's and Jack's place in San Jose....the hospitality from Keiko is out of earth.
I couldn't stay long with not increasing my weight by a pound per day...... :-D
Also I have to say that it was Keiko, who all the years support Jack doing his racing activities...with out her I don't know what we had seen from Jack....may be never NT IV (Yellow Submarine).......so as she said to me one day at her place.... when I send Jack in the workshop he stays young........
I hope Jack is doing ok after the tragedy with Cliff.........it would be a desaster if he would step back now.....Jack, I like to see you at the WoS or at the WF....be back at the place where you belong.....
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CLIFF GULLETT MEMORIAL SERVICES
MEMORIAL SERVICES ARE SCHEDULED FOR 11:00 AM ON SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 13TH, AT 11:00AM AT THE GRACE BIBLE CHURCH, LOCATED AT 3625 S. 19TH AVE, BOZEMAN, MONTANA, 59718.
A MEMORIAL RECEPTION FOR CLIFF WILL BE HELD AT 2:00 PM THE SAME DATE AT THE BROKEN HART RACH, LOCATED AT 73800 GALLATIN ROAD IN BOZEMAN.
THE FAMILY HAS REQUESTED THAT ATTENDEES RIDE THEIR MOTORCYCLES, ATV'S OR OTHER MOTORSPORTS EQUIPMENT, REGARDLESS OF MAKE OR BRAND, TO THE MEMORIAL RECEPTION IN A "LAST RIDE" TRIBUTE TO CLIFF.
REMEMBRANCES ARE SUGGESTED TO THE CLIFF GULLETT MEMORIAL FUND, C/O 1ST INTERSTATE BANK, GALLATIN CENTER BRANCH, 2023 BURKE ST, BOZEMAN, MONTANA, 59718.
THE FAMILY WILL DISTRIBUTE FINAL FUNDS TO CLIFF'S FAVORITE CHARITIES.
YOUR COMMENTS AND STORIES OF AND ABOUT CLIFF ARE BEING GATHERED INTO A MEMORY BOOK FOR LEANNE, CASEY AND NICOLLE.
CURT LANCE
GENERAL MANAGER
TEAM BOZEMAN MOTORSPORTS
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The story was picked up on the home page of Yahoo!
It takes a tragedy like this for the sport to get noticed nationally. Too sad. It is nice to see him remembered, I wish I would have had the opportunity to meet him.
My thoughts and prayers for the Gullett family.
Jim
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We do not have a choice of when, where, or how we die......
We only have a choice on how we lived......
kent
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As Cliff's brother I would like to thank all of you for the thoughts, prayers and kind words. If you had the experience to meet Cliff you can understand why he has touched so many. His family, not only direct relation, but also friends, employees, and acquaintances are truly proud and respectful of Cliff and all he stands for. You will never hear me talk of Cliff in the past, because he will never leave us. Thanks Cliff, you have made proud. We love you.
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It's nice to have you with us.
I noticed your handle. Are you a Ducati racer? I sure love those bikes.
Dave
http://www.roiadsters.com/
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It's not often that the first impression people present is one of integrity, but that is exactly what Cliff represented. Cliff and his brother Doug, welcomed us to our first big LSR event on the salt five years ago. They put up with lame questions and rookie excitement with nothing less than enthusiasm. You didn't see Cliff without Casey close by and it was a pleasure to meet Leann and Nicole for the first time last year during Speedweek. The sparkle in Cliffs eye will be sorely missed.
We have the family in our thoughts daily.
Jill and Dave Iversen
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I had to wait a few days to write this.
When I read the first post about the accident I had a bad feeling that increased until the terrible news finally arrived.
I didn't sleep much that night.
I read about death all the time. Car accidents, plane crashes, Irag, you name it. You can't connect with those reports because you don't know the person. I guess to get through the day you have to do that.
I've been a huge fan of Jack Costella for a long time and have looked over every inch of the liners.
I didn't know Cliff very well other than to say Hi. He certainly didn't know me. I'm still depressed and angry.
We can't just let this pass without action. This sport isn't worth dying for. Nothing is. I hope that a full investigation will lead to some change that will better protect the driver or find some way to prevent tumbling when a streamliner loses control.
My condolences to the family and team.
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I didn't know the man. I can't write some wonderful eulogy for him. But I did know his enthusiasm and belief that he would ride the Worlds Fastest Motorcycle. And I believed him completely. I never thought he wouldn't succeed. So I can only agree with Dean. This hurts. I hope there is something to be learned from the pain.
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Just got back to a computer from the Bub. We were at the International 3 when it happened.
Cliff was a racer to be admired. He was friendly with all and loved to talk about racing. As Kent said, we can't pick how or when we leave, but we can pick how we live while we are here. Cliff did it right!
My family's thoughts and prayers go out to Cliff's friends and family.
For some more disturbing news... someone stole the picture Cliff signed for the Salt Flats Cafe on Friday evening. The owner would like to have it returned. If anyone sees it or knows what happened, it needs to be returned to the Cafe. Pictures in the cafe are fond memories for all of us, give it back!
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I hope the picture will find his way back to the wall of Marcelo's - unfortunately, it's not the first time that picture was stolen from there.....
But I write for a other reason - a lot of people had never the luck to meet Cliff. He was a racers racer like Don Vesco or Carl Heap.
Someone who has a big heart and the need for speed at the Bonneville Salt Flats - if he could help, he did. And he understand to open the throttle.
When I read on Thursday night the news here on landracing (at first I was deeply shocked) I was thinking, why? - but I knew also, that Cliff was someone - like me - who was living now and he done what he liked the most.
For him, living on the edge, living for going fast. He enjoyed to go fast, so as we all do.
For me, I will keep him in my mind as one of the nicest guy I ever meet - someone with a big human thinking in the today so ego thinking world.
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I've got a good bunch of Cliff Gullett stories that bear repeating, and will someday soon. In the meantime, here are a couple of photos Nancy and I took at World Finals last year. The first one shows Cliff and crew gathered around as Cliff was presented with his 200 MPH Club red hat. Notice Casey, standing with his back towards us, just this side of the bike:
(http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii147/SeldomSeenSlim/100_0655.jpg)
And this one is Casey working on the front wheel of the 'liner, in impound. No question -- Casey was part of Cliff's crew!
(http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii147/SeldomSeenSlim/100_0654.jpg)
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:cry: :cry: :cry:
I almost have the same photo.
(http://lh6.ggpht.com/jerickson01/SMXSKonCC9I/AAAAAAAADlc/u60-YQCSTcM/s400/P1060419.JPG)
(http://lh5.ggpht.com/jerickson01/SMXS5NUL5hI/AAAAAAAADl8/pww27TKX4ic/s400/P1060416.JPG)
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It is my great honor to say that I had the privilege to know Cliff and see him race. I was working the 3 mile when the accident happened and that moment will be forever etched into my mind. Cliff was the real deal and the world is a little less brighter with his passing. All of my prayers go out to his family, crew and friends.
Bob
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Keith & I were very saddened to hear this horrible news. Please know our thoughts go out to all his family and friends. Cliff will be missed throughout the racing community!
Donna Wagner & Keith Copeland
Black Salt Racing #768
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Cliff joined the Speed Record Club last year, and we met at Goodwood Festival of Speed, 2008. He had come over with Jack, and at BUB spent quality time with us recalling the adventures he had been on in England. He told us about their special relationship, and how their friendship had grown through the racing partnership. The Bullett team were true professionals, who always went out of their way to be polite and responsive. To them it was never a trouble to go out of their way for a photo. We spent hours with them at mile "0" on the afternoon Cliff ran 229mph, and then several hours more the next, fateful, day. I was impressed with Cliff, Leanne, Doug and Troy. I have felt empty since, but have no bad feelings because of the enjoyment they gave me while I was in their company. I echo Kent's statement, and send my prayers to the whole team. Gabriel.
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I never met Cliff, but I know Jack. We spoke for quite a while the other day and as you can imagine he is in the middle of some serious "back and forth" about his design ("square edged cars"), his cars ("there's still a few of them running") and what he will do next, or if in fact he will do anything different or even possibly if he will do anything at all. As they left the salt I believe Cliff's wife encouraged Jack to not let Cliff's death affect what Jack did.
Please know that my report about Jack is only from a moment in time and that in these sorts of times one's thoughts for the future can wander with abandon.
This morning I had a rather spooky thought. A year or so ago Kent Riches and I were chatting and the subject of Burt Munro came up. Kent jokingly referred to Burt's VERY soft 1000CC S-F record (Aug 1967 183.586mph) as the Haunted Record, recounting the difficulties, crashes, engine failures, etc., that had befallen him (and I think a couple of others) as they tried to go past this "simple" number.
Well, while speaking with Jack before speedweek he mentioned, "Yeah, we're even going to go after Burt Munro's record." I'm pretty sure he was talking about Cliff's liner and given the numbers he was doing with that two stoke, putting in a 1000cc motor and going 183.587 should have been a cinch.
Hmmmm.....
God Speed, Cliff
Y'all keep the shiny side up so when Cliff looks down he'll know everything is cool.
Jim
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Before I left for the salt I turned in my monthly column I write for MotorcycleUSA. Oddly, this segment was about Jack Costella, his machines, and of course his association with Cliff and Nebulous Theorem VII.
When I returned home I found the article had been held back. I contacted my editor and he asked If I could add a little something about Cliff in addition to the article I'd already written. For those of you who care to have a look, you can find it at:
http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/Article_Page.aspx?ArticleID=7064&Page=1
After you're done reading it, leave a comment and maybe share a memory on their forum so others can read about Cliff and his accomplishments both on and off the salt.
Thanks
Rocky R
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I wanted to share this tribute to Cliffs landspeed racing accomplishments. I apologize for not fully recognizing the many that contributed to his love of the salt and the success he enjoyed.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=68DuzPRH3pM
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I have it on good authority that Jack is having a very rough time. We need to keep him in our prayers.