Thanks to Nick3 and Sum for kind words on my #91 lakester. I went as nick's guest to WF in 96 to my first LSR event. I really enjoyed it. Bought a Studie but it came out so straight and rust free, could't bring my self to race it! Built a Jr fueler and then realized I was getting to old to chase all over to Goodguys events. Sold it and determined to become a LSR'er. I have hundreds of mag articals from the 50's till current on the cars and personalities. A few years ago I took a suit case full of Bonneville racing News a dozen Hotrods and two books on aereodynamics and went to 'Stralier for a month to visit my daughter. I was most influenced by a Hotrod article about Jim Fueling. I drew out some top and side views of the car and came home and built it about 90% as I planned. I originally was going to run in Fclass with a 180 in Pontiac SD 4 cyl [that is 4 sale]. Somewhere along the line my goal became 300mph and I decided to go for it! Soon I had a bbc engine in the car but soon realized I first had to get some licenses. So in went a de-tuned licensing motor. That right, I honestly believe that If I stayed in "C' I could get that record to about 285 on a good track. A "B" class bbc is going in this winter and somewhere down the line I hope to Get the Seth Hammond B/FL record, If someone else doesn't beat me to it.
The journey hasn't been without a few pitfalls, as I have the distinction of having been politely tagged by Lee Kennedy at all three events I have attended. My first run down the track in 2006 netted me a record 224mph "first' run and when I did it again two runs later I was on my way home. At Speed Week this year I hit the 4 mile marker after blowing a tire and the resultant spin damaged my car and lead to the second entry in my log. However that run convinced me to go to WF's as I was over the record with a mile to go! And even at WF's on my back up run I lifted at 4 1/2 mile cause I hit the maker and steered back on course and still got record, but chutes didn't come out and Lee sent me home! Car now has nose pushed in about 6inches. Basic problem is one of visibility issues. Front wheel drive requires air scoop in my line of sight and at world finals they didn't put down the black lines and I couldn't hardly tell wear I was with wheel spin and side winds I was quessing. Actually had a panic attack (first time ever in 50 years of racing) oh, I been scared but at least I could see!
I am now convinced that my basic platform works and the 30 some changes I have already made are successful. I am now going to try to refine my car with smoother fiberglass panels and improve the aero in a few areas. Thankfully a freind from HSkool is a fiberglass guy. I also have a plan to eliminate the hood scoop. That should make it a little less scary to drive. lol The last thing Lee Kennedy said to me was "George we got to quit meeting like this". Amen