Goodbye to the Salt
We woke up to rain this morning, but headed out to try to get a final run for Kenny Grimes. The course was very wet, but the weather appeared to be clearing. The sun did come out, but we all agreed that we should pack up while the packing was good. Looking back, we accomplished all that we had planned to with nothing left undone. If the weather had been sunny, Kenny would have had a chance to run over 150 for his "C" license, but we will save that for another day!
All our crew members are heading home, Rickeys to FL (eventually), Grimes' and McMeekins' to Ohio. We have had a wonderful time here this week and will always remember our adventure. Our memories of how well we did will always be affected though, by the death of our friend, John Beckett, on Sunday. His car rolled over going 200+ mph. John was one of the reasons that Don and his brother became involved in Bonneville racing and he will be sorely missed.
Please be sure to ask us to see our picutres of our trip out here next time you see us!
Thanks!
Jane
Another Eventful Day
Back to the salt flats at dawn to try to back up the run I made yesterday. This time I ran 150.280. That is quite fast enough for me! It was much cooler being 8:00 in the morning. Beautiful, quite morning - good driving weather. Next it was crew member Ken Grimes' turn to drive. He had to get a licensing run in and ran 146+. I think he had a good time.
All is going very well with our car and our crew. Lots of fun and lots of interesting cars!
Thanks for all the comments and encouragement.
Jane & Don
New Record!
Well, he did it! This morning he went faster than yesterday - 157 mph today! So Don has earned his 4th Bonneville record. WOW! It is an incredible experience. We arrive as the sun is rising ... get the car ready to run and then go. There are few sounds except engines warming up - the air is crystal clear - and the new day is beginning. Kind of surreal and very beautiful.
Then it was my turn to drive. To get a license to drive here you have to go between 125 and 150. Since I didn't have a working tachometer, I didn't know how fast I was going. It didn't seem real fast ... but it was 149.667! Pretty fun! I get to drive again tomorrow morning at 7 am. Then I am turning the keys over to our crew member, Kenny Grimes, for his turn on the salt. Everyone on our crew has been incredible. Jane Rickey donated one of her sweatshirts to me so that Marilyn Grimes could cut off the waistband to make a sweatband for me! Sandy Mc held the umbrella to keep me cool as I waited in the car for my start. Thankfully, my worst fear (stalling at the line in front of at least 200 people) was not realized. Needless to say, it was over pretty quickly - a 3 mile course at 149 mph. You can do the math, I ALWAYS HATED story problems in math.
More tomorrow.
Jane
Good Day!
After all the drivers' meetings in the morning, we got the car in line for our first run. Don took that little Ford Flathead engine down the salt at 156 mph! That qualified the car to run at dawn tomorrow morning to back up the record run. He has to average the two runs together to set a new record. The previous record in our class was 130.058 - so we are very hopeful that he will be a new record holder at this time tomorrow.
Maybe the reason we did so well is that we had our whole crew working hard all day. Thanks to Dick & Sandy McMeekin, Kenny & Marilyn Grimes, and John & Jane Rickey! The picture is of the car in the impound lot. You have to leave your car there so that they know you don't somehow alter your car before the backup run the following day.
We will keep you posted on how he does.
Jane & Don
Passed Inspection
We passed inspection with flying colors!! After ONLY 4 hours in the line waiting, Don & I both passed our mini-fire drill. That means we were able to get out of the car quickly as though the car were on fire. We had to put on our uniforms, helmets, etc. and simulate the procedure for shutting down the car, and then get out. I do think I got out faster than Don did! The inspectors were impressed with the car - spent only a few minutes on the technical stuff. Those McMeekin brothers can certainly build a fine car!
Tomorrow we hope to get an early run in. Just hope the engines starts! and runs well!
Later, Jane & Don
Arrived in Wendover!
Arrived safely today and are planning on going out to the salt flats tomorrow to have the car inspected. That way we will be ready to run on Saturday.
Our other crew members, Jane & John Rickey - Kenny & Marilyn Grimes arrive tomorrow!
Later,
Jane
Almost There!
We are about 7 hours outside of Wendover and should arrive tomorrow! Our trip has gone well so far. Yesterday we stopped off in Knoxville, Iowa to visit the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame and Museum. The racing boys had a great time looking at the history of those cute little sprint cars. Sandy & I weren't quite as entertained, but enjoyed all the pictures and cars - didn't spend a lot of time looking at the engines.
We are all anxious to get to the salt flats and have the car inspected -- racing starts on Saturday. I hope that I will be able to find a connection in Wendover to keep you all posted!
Jane
Departure
Well, we think everything is ready to go! The car is in the trailer, the clothes are all packed. Now if the weather will cooperate and not rain on the salt flats, we should be able to run next Saturday. We are thrilled that Don's brother, Dick, and his wife, Sandy, are going with us to enjoy the Bonneville experience.
I hope that I can find a way to post our results here. If not, check out www.landracing.com - then go to Bonneville results and look for Car #280.
Later,
Jane & Don
