Hi all -
I scheduled a business trip to CA to coincide with the NAE guys appearance at El Mirage to test the car. Having seen its first runs at the WA airport in March of 05, I wanted to see how things were progressing. They have the magnetic brake system installed, there are more computer systems online to monitor and eventually control the car's operation. As always, there are bugs to find and fix.
The entire NAE crew are super - taking the time to greet you, show stuff to observers, and genuinely appreciate your interest and support. This being my first trip to El Mirage, I was amazed at the racing surface. A bunch of Sidewinders club members took on the job of Course Marshalls - walking the course to pick up stones that could be potential turbine wreckers, and warning unsuspecting drivers off the race course. Great job, guys!
I had a good time meeting people - Landspeed Louise and George Calloway were a lot of fun to talk to, and I saw two from back in my drag racing photo days - top-notch photog Bob McClurg (a little heavier and grayer than I remember him from 1978, but then so am I....), and the great Paula Murphy, still as gracious and friendly as she was back in the days of running her Miss STP fuel funny car at Conn. Dragway. Wow, that was 35 years ago!
The NAE runs were conservative, but with that much time and money invested, you don't want to try anything crazy. The hydraulic system was acting funky, and since it controls the steering as well as other vehicle functions, it's not a good idea to take a chance with it at race apeeds. Unlike most NASCAR, NHRA and F-1 teams, there is no "backup car" in the top of the hauler.
I wanted to post a photo of run #1 in the User Picture Post, but I had to re-up first, so I'm waiting for my confirmation code. I'll post it as soon as I can.
Good Luck to Ed, Keith, John, Tim, Bill, Big Ed, Ber-nard, Russ, Cameron, and all the other Team members.
Clay Taylor
Moodus, CT
