Shootout 2009

[Glen]

great shots Rat

[Seldom Seen Slim]

Okay, Bub thinks they can return to the start and make another try -- even though they know they're running short on minues to make a full two-way pass before dark. 

Missile is about 15 minutes from making a run.  Most of the body panels are back on the car.

I'm wondering, too.  The Missile engine is fast-idling, but the sun is fast-setting, too.  The
Bub bike is back in their pit.  We're all waiting for something to happen.

[coloradodave]

The suspense is killing me....

[Seldom Seen Slim]

Bub is done for the day-- the switch that deploys the chute in case of an incident has failed -- they'll replace and try again tomorrow.  Still waiting to hear what the Missile will do.

[Freud]

80 people are logged on now.

FREUD

[RayTheRat]

great shots Rat

Thanks, Glen.  I feel pretty blessed that I get the chance to do this.  I could be at home on the couch in front of the toob...no...never mind.  I'd just have to shoot myself if it got to that point.

They just locked the course down for the Missile.  Here's a shot from about 3 minutes earlier.

Curtis (the driver of the Missile) is just putting his gloves in.  Otta run pretty quick.

[Seldom Seen Slim]

They're pushing the Missile onto the track right now.  Remember -- this is going to be a test and tune run -- to seat the new rings and give it a low-speed run, according to Curt Halvorson, the driver.  I'll post and then modify the post -- want to let you know something's happening.  Don't fall asleep yet.

The sun is getting low over the mountains.  Still lots of light - but I'd sure not want to be in a liner racing towards the mountains on a return run.  Keep this in mind for tomorrow night.

Missile engine is running.  Canopy is down.  Car is underway.

Dang that thing makes a bunch o' smoke.  On his way.  Sounds like the torque converter is slipping -- now is out of hearing range -- maybe just waiting to lock it up.

Through the two -- loking good.

[Seldom Seen Slim]

Mormon missile speeds:

Moving fast at the 4.

By the five, into the measured section.

277 entry

276 mile

Third gear run only.

There -- a fine test run.  And not all that bad for holding it back to third, hey?  Chute's out at the nine and the car is slowing.  Slowing well and looking good at the 11.

[Glen]

Jon, thanks for the live run. Are you done fo today?

[Seldom Seen Slim]

Not done 'til Mike Cook says we're done.  I've got my thoughts, though -- nobody else to run, and the Missile didn't qualify -- but
until Mike says go home -- we're still here. 

Well, Mike says they're going to re-ice the Missile and run it back this way.  Stay tuned -- go have supper or something.  Eat an extra helping for us -- we're still out here.  No guess on time -- still, it's only a half-hour 'til the course is in shadows.

[t russell]

thanks Jon.
terry

[Bobby c]

Thank you soooo Much for all of this Damn fine coverage!!!!
This site is almost as precious of a resourse as the salt herself!
 
Waiting with baited breath to see what tomorrow brings!
Bob

[Seldom Seen Slim]

Np more runs.  Done for the day.  See you at about 8 tomorrow morning.  Over and Out.

[Texican]

If you can believe wunderground; they say that between 0600 and 0900, wind will be minimal.. good luck!!!

[RayTheRat]

Shots of the Missile's launch.  Pretty dramatic...at least to my eyes (cough, cough.)