Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Well, we have had better days. Don made a run this morning to test a few theories but actually went slower with the engine flattening out on the high end. Since it was running rich, we all decided we wanted him to make one more run after leaning the jets down. The engine was pulling great ... best run of the week going ... then the "BOOM!" He will have to take the engine apart to find out exactly what blew, but we are hoping for a fix that won't break the bank! Have to fill in that information after we get home. In spite of not setting a record, we have had a wonderful time. The ladies were disappointed at not getting a run, but each of us was happy that it was Don that blew up the engine and not one of us!! We are all already planning on coming back next year. Don loves a challenge and this Ford Windsor is certainly that!

posted by Jane and Don McMeekin @ 9:21 PM 0 comments

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Can't report a new record yet, but not for the lack of trying. We made 3 runs today, trying new things each time. All of our improvements led to a little slower speeds. What is that about??? Don continues to drive hard and we have ONE final adjustment to make and try to break 174.02. After that we will let the ladies drive. We are having a great time and always love "playing around" on the salt flats.

posted by Jane and Don McMeekin @ 8:39 PM 0 comments

Monday, August 13, 2012

Monday hasn't brought a record yet! We have had two runs in the same speed range. But, I have to say that the mechanics are undaunted! Ever the persistent problem solvers, we already have a plan for tomorrow. We only need about 3 mph! Is that too much to ask???? There is always work to do in the pits, and there is ALWAYS salt to be cleaned off the car. I really miss John Rickey (and Jane) when it is my turn to wash! As always, we have the greatest crew. This year Ken & Marilyn are making their 9th Speedweek. Sue & Bill Martin are back again this year. Bill & Ken worked over the winter to turn our trailer from a virtual trash pit into a real race trailer. Please note the before and after picture below. Wish us luck for tomorrow. We have a new rear end gear coming tomorrow. :)

posted by Jane and Don McMeekin @ 4:10 PM 0 comments

Hello from the Salt Flats 2012 The McMeekin & Grimes team arrived on the salt Sat. morning after an uneventful trip from Ohio. That is good. We like uneventful on the trip out. Inspection went smoothly, as it always does due to Don’s diligence in checking out all the rules and regulations before coming out. Since there had been a rain storm on Friday, the road up to the start line (4 or 5 miles from the pits) was pretty wet, we decided to wait and start running on Sunday. Sunday, August 12 The crew decided that Don would drive for the record, since he knew the car and engine best. Our first run Sunday was a respectable 168.73 but since the record is 174.08 we needed to go a little faster … which we did the next run – 173.28. That is a little faster, just not fast enough. A third run yesterday of 168.84 and then we decided to call it a day. A little tuning in the pits & then home for the evening. Better luck tomorrow. The highlight of Day Two on the salt was the fan base! Carol & Earl Zarbock not only drove over from Salt Lake City to spend the day with us, but they also brought lunch. I tried to talk them into coming every day, but they do have lives back in SLC. We also had a visit from Bob Searles of Westerville who was out here with some college roommates. We love having adoring fans. Now if we can just get the Fan club to do a fund raiser!

posted by Jane and Don McMeekin @ 10:40 AM 1 comments