Greetings from my room at the Stateline ;)

It's a good event, a nice sized turnout. This event gets bigger every year.

We pulled in yesterday at 1:30 or so and the closest trackside spot was probably a quarter mile from the the tech/registration/impound area. Second row was only fractionally closer. Third row didn't appear to me to have enough room for a truck/trailer setup. So a quarter mile away we parked.

Registration was only open for pre-entries, so we did that, it went quickly, and then got tech'ed, which was also painless. We were sipping Fat Tire well before 4:00. Denis cleared the salt about 5:00 though.

Rick at ERC fuel wasn't open for business on Saturday, so we pushed the gas class bike (1350cc Buell S1) down to him this morning, only to learn he wasn't going to open until 10:30. Pushed it all the way back. Rider's meeting was at 11:00, so shortly before that we just took the truck & trailer down to the fuel truck figuring we'd get fuel, attend the meeting, get in line, and go. But there was a long line to get fuel. We were in that line probably a couple hours.

So finally we get in line, and despite the separate course for the RWB's, we were in it most of the day. We finally got to go about 3:00.

We staged both bikes at the 2 mile (a Buell S1 in 1350 M-PG and my RR bodied Buell S2 in 2000 MPS-PF). Sent the gas bike with my wife Susan riding, then the fuel bike with me onboard.

The gas bike has run 167ish multiple times, but she only managed 158. When I talked to her, she described lots and lots of wheelspin. Said it was in the limiter easily and moving around a lot. The limiter is set at 7800 rpm, the bike power peaks about 7500 with 137hp.

On the fuel bike, well, it was a handful keeping it hooked up and going straight. Several times I had to back out of the throttle ever so gently just to keep control. Then I'd roll back into it until it scared me again. About halfway through the timed mile I had a big gust of wind that moved me over. I had to back out a bit and counter steer and give it some english and roll back in.

Anyway, I went through with a 203.8. I had a conservative tune in the bike and really had it set up for a 210ish speed. So the conditions didn't kill me all that much. I have to admit, though, I was a bit surprised by the conditions, after the all the talk about the course being fine. The pits are absolute mush. It's a mess. The drive between the boat ramp and the pits is rough and slow and much of it is wet. The course is smooth but there's just no bite.

So after we met up again at the 7 mile and got all loaded up, we had to make some decisions. Both of us actually qualified on our records, despite being well below the capabilities. Susan's class record was 146 something and my class is open.

But we were short on time, with a scheduled 5:00 shut down. Turning around the fuel bike is complicated and time consuming, it needs an oil change and refueling (it runs nitromethane). The gas bike is relatively straightforward. So we talked about it on the way to impound and decided we'd run the gas bike only, and maybe park the fuel bike for a few days until the course improves.

We checked in at impound and then moved some ballast from the fuel bike over to the gas bike, hoping that'd help her get some more bite. I really didn't want to move to a taller gear, the bike was already a handful, I wanted to get it to hook up instead.

We got sent back to the 7 mile at about a quarter to five for backup passes. A storm was brewing in Wendover, we could see it, and it was getting windy. She returned into a 21mph head wind according to the time slip and could only muster 150. But the wheelspin was much better. Anyway, the average was 154, so we put it in the bank, pending a tear down which we'll do at the end of the event.

So we're going to screw around with the gas bike for a few days. It should go much faster. I'd like to get some good non-wind influenced data before deciding on a gear change or whatever. But there's much more in it.

Then if the course gets any better, maybe bring out the nitro bike again on Thursday or Friday, maybe even put some more juice to it.

I have lots of pics but no way to upload them. Long story. I have to go down the street and get on the Econo Lodge's wi-fi. I'm too tired. Maybe tomorrow.

I'll try to report in daily and give a little update if anyone is interested.

I didn't get a lot of other people's times because they're only read off periodically, but I did notice Jason McVicae turned a 223 on his first pass with his turbo Hayabusa, and I believe that was unfaired. He must be hooking it up a lot better than me.

http://www.nrhsperformance.com/images/susy161.jpg

Here's an old picture of Susan on her Buell S1. It's about the same now, we've stretched the swingarm a bit since this pic was taken is all.

Here's some more pics from today:


http://www.nrhsperformance.com/pictures/dickey.jpg
Ron Dickey's bike (Ron owns Axtell). Dick Hilferty in the background, Mr. Redshift cams.

http://www.nrhsperformance.com/pictures/mpf2000.jpg

http://www.nrhsperformance.com/pictures/visionone.jpg
http://www.nrhsperformance.com/pictures/visiononeengine.jpg
http://www.nrhsperformance.com/pictures/visionone2.jpg
Strangest bike at the event!

http://www.nrhsperformance.com/pictures/sprint2.jpg
How many of y'all know what THIS is?

http://www.nrhsperformance.com/pictures/disckeypitbike.jpg
Ron Dickey's pit bike ... notice the engine

http://www.nrhsperformance.com/pictures/triumph.jpg

http://www.nrhsperformance.com/pictures/zbrr.jpg
An XBRR

http://www.nrhsperformance.com/pictures/DSCF1571.JPG

http://www.nrhsperformance.com/pictures/vmax.jpg

http://www.nrhsperformance.com/pictures/gates1.jpg

http://www.nrhsperformance.com/pictures/xb.jpg

http://www.nrhsperformance.com/pictures/sprint1.jpg
Another of the mystery bike

http://www.nrhsperformance.com/pictures/grays2.jpg
A really sweet, well prepared, beautiful Buell S2

Just one more ...

http://www.nrhsperformance.com/pictures/memory.jpg

I started land speed racing in 2000, as part of the collective effort known as "Team Elves".

Since we started, these are the members and supporters of Team Elves that we've lost.

Hans Idzerda was a fine Dutch gentleman and good friend who recently lost his battle with cancer. Buell M2 owner. God Speed, Hans.

WOW !!

Thanks for the report and the Pics !!

Looks to be nice and warm there Huh ??

So today we got in right when they opened, and got ready and had the bike in line at a little after 7:00. At the Bub meet, your physical position in line doesn't matter, you check in with the pre-stage guy and he puts you on a list in order and you go in that order.

We got sent to the 2 mile at about 3:00, and we got on the course a little after 4:00.

By 4:30 we were in impound, claiming the pass. She went 163 this time. The extra ballast helped. Still spinning the tire and getting into the rev limiter.

Unfortunately, there was just no time for a change considering the 5:00 course shutdown.

The return pass didn't happen until almost 6:00 though. She reported lots of wheelspin and only managed 159. So we claimed a new record at 161 and change.

Not at all sure I'm going to pull the nitro bike back out, I still don't think the course is there yet. The motor only has so many passes in it and I'm inclined to save them for hopefully better conditions at WOS or Finals.

Here's some pics of my bride and her bike ...

http://www.nrhsperformance.com/pictures/s1susy.jpg
http://www.nrhsperformance.com/pictures/s1.jpg
http://www.nrhsperformance.com/pictures/s1b.jpg
http://www.nrhsperformance.com/pictures/susysmiling.jpg

More pictures of bikes ...

http://www.nrhsperformance.com/pictures/w3.jpg
http://www.nrhsperformance.com/pictures/591.jpg
http://www.nrhsperformance.com/pictures/4444.jpg
http://www.nrhsperformance.com/pictures/krugger.jpg
http://www.nrhsperformance.com/pictures/s1c.jpg
http://www.nrhsperformance.com/pictures/wheelchair1.jpg
http://www.nrhsperformance.com/pictures/21.jpg
http://www.nrhsperformance.com/pictures/xbrrgraphic.jpg
http://www.nrhsperformance.com/pictures/buildoffbike.jpg
http://www.nrhsperformance.com/pictures/cxturbo.jpg

http://www.nrhsperformance.com/pictures/vincent1.jpg
http://www.nrhsperformance.com/pictures/rd350.jpg
http://www.nrhsperformance.com/pictures/woodman.jpg

http://www.nrhsperformance.com/pictures/xrd.jpg
http://www.nrhsperformance.com/pictures/bennetts1.jpg
http://www.nrhsperformance.com/pictures/cx.jpg
http://www.nrhsperformance.com/pictures/hdtmarines.jpg
http://www.nrhsperformance.com/pictures/cb350s.jpg
http://www.nrhsperformance.com/pictures/bike30.jpg
http://www.nrhsperformance.com/pictures/indian.jpg

http://www.nrhsperformance.com/pictures/victory.jpg
http://www.nrhsperformance.com/pictures/vincent2.jpg
http://www.nrhsperformance.com/pictures/52.jpg
http://www.nrhsperformance.com/pictures/wozniak.jpg
http://www.nrhsperformance.com/pictures/zukis.jpg
http://www.nrhsperformance.com/pictures/confederate.jpg
http://www.nrhsperformance.com/pictures/ironhead.jpg
http://www.nrhsperformance.com/pictures/rr1650s2morning.jpg
http://www.nrhsperformance.com/pictures/trumpet1.jpg
http://www.nrhsperformance.com/pictures/dynojet.jpg
http://www.nrhsperformance.com/pictures/gt80.jpg
http://www.nrhsperformance.com/pictures/wheelchair2.jpg

aaron,
i know you have specified before, but how is your wifes bike set up?

Wow Thanks for sharing Aaron

Great article & pictures.Thanks alot!

smackie, it's an 82ci motor, 3-13/16 bore by 3.600 stroke. Works out to 1348cc. STD heads that we did (obviously). Red Shift cams. Mikuni carb. Pipes I designed and made. Makes about 137hp on gasoline. I could make a little more but it would hurt the aerodynamics. Long story. The little bike goes like stink, she's whooping on a lot of bikes and people who should be faster. Susan is very aerodynamic, that's a big part of it. 5'2 and 95lbs.

I'm having a good time teasing my good friend Ron Dickey, as well as Dan Baisley who's riding for him. They're in 2000cc M-PG, Susan is in 1350cc M-PG, and she's beating them.

Now, don't get me wrong, it's all in jest. Ron is the best motor guy I've ever known and he's mentored me enormously going way back many years, and Dan is a great guy and head porter as well, certainly one of the best in the business. There's no disrespect. But this their first time here. When they get their arms around that thing it'll be a monster. They don't have with them all the sprockets they need also. But in the meantime, it's fun to tell'em how a girl is whooping on them with a smaller motor :)

There are others, too. The pic above with the two guys by their Japanese bikes, that's my good friend Brian Johnson and his dad. Brian has a GSXR 1100 and his dad has a new Kawasaki Concours with the ZX-14 motor. Both are running the "Run whatcha bring" category. Well, both are just over 150mph. So here we have a couple of faired bikes, high tech DOHC fancy metrics, and a girl on an unfaired pushrod bike running gasoline is kicking their butts. It's too funny.

I love it! Looks like a blast! (Not the bike, the event!)

Thanks for sharing.

NICE pics.

Hopefully you'll be able to bring out the Fuelbike. I'd love to see what it's capable of...

It's funny, Looking at those pics, it looks like "SNOW" but everyone is in short sleeves. :)

BTW is that mystery bike a Rickman ?

No, that's not a Rickman, but it's a good guess. Any more takers?

The event got shut down early today due to weather, and we didn't get a pass. It remains to be seen whether the event is over or not. It's raining right now in Wendover as I type this.

Pics from today ... I try to take pictures of the more "interesting" bikes, which there are LOTS of here ...

http://www.nrhsperformance.com/pictures/hrd.jpg

http://www.nrhsperformance.com/pictures/rolls.jpg
Now HERE's a classy tow rig!

http://www.nrhsperformance.com/pictures/rollsfront.jpg

http://www.nrhsperformance.com/pictures/noonan.jpg

http://www.nrhsperformance.com/pictures/stormy.jpg

http://www.nrhsperformance.com/pictures/yellowcushman.jpg

http://www.nrhsperformance.com/pictures/boretech.jpg

http://www.nrhsperformance.com/pictures/hilfertybranchdickey.jpg
Dick Hilferty, Jerry Branch, Ron Dickey, Don Pettey

http://www.nrhsperformance.com/pictures/yamahaflattracker.jpg

http://www.nrhsperformance.com/pictures/anothervincent.jpg

http://www.nrhsperformance.com/pictures/noonansbike.jpg

http://www.nrhsperformance.com/pictures/scootster.jpg

http://www.nrhsperformance.com/pictures/hoosier.jpg

http://www.nrhsperformance.com/pictures/kaz.jpg

http://www.nrhsperformance.com/pictures/valeriestrailer.jpg

http://www.nrhsperformance.com/pictures/wildbilltattoo.jpg

http://www.nrhsperformance.com/pictures/blackcushman.jpg

http://www.nrhsperformance.com/pictures/redcushman.jpg

The Ack Attack streamliner, powered by twin Hayabusa motors, each with a turbo. Makes 900hp. It ran yesterday but lost bite on it's backup pass, went into a tank slapper, and pencil rolled at nearly 300mph. The rider, Rocky Robinson, is fine. Can't say the same for the liner.

http://www.nrhsperformance.com/pictures/ack1.jpg

http://www.nrhsperformance.com/pictures/ack2.jpg

http://www.nrhsperformance.com/pictures/ack3.jpg

http://www.nrhsperformance.com/pictures/ack4.jpg

http://www.nrhsperformance.com/pictures/ack5.jpg

http://www.nrhsperformance.com/pictures/ack6.jpg

http://www.nrhsperformance.com/pictures/ack7.jpg

http://www.nrhsperformance.com/pictures/acktapedup.jpg

http://www.nrhsperformance.com/pictures/acktapedup2.jpg

Best guess for mystery bike is an Aeramacchi 250 single made for harley in the 60s and 70s..

Second best guess is moto guzzi single.

That's right! But I think that particular one is actually an original factory racer, at least that's what I was told. Not one of the SS250's or SX250's.

these are great pic. hope to see more i have allways like the salt best of luck and thank you

That's right! But I think that particular one is actually an original factory racer, at least that's what I was told. Not one of the SS250's or SX250's.

Hey hey okay! It is a cool looking bike and does look the part of a factory bike.

So many sweet bikes. I hope the salt gets better for you guys. Good luck and keep em on the tires.

God I would like to be there...

edit: I've been all over google looking for Warner Riley's 196 or 200mph naked nitro burning sporty from about 1970. See if any of the oldtimers you know can tell you about it and maybe give a link.
Thanks,
Steve

I finally found some stuff about Warner's and Leo's bikes. Pics of Leo's bike too.

hdforums.com/archive/threads/1958-sportster-chopper-558037-1.html

landracing.com/forum/index.php?topic=81.msg19800

Cool thread, thanks for the pics.

Sounds like you are having a great time!

Aaron,

Congradulations to you and your wife on the new record. :clap

And, the rest of Team Elves of course!:clap

so what was the final results? any more records?

Well, we tore down Susan's S1 on Wednesday evening to put her 161mph average in the bank. We had tried something on Wednesday but it slowed the bike down, so Monday's passes turned out to be the fastest.

On Thursday morning we put the nitro bike back in line. I made a pass and found much worse conditions than I had encountered on Sunday. I only went 197 and I scare the bejeezus out of myself in the process, there were two or three times I thought it was going to spit me off. The traction was just terrible and with the ruts and the wind, it was all I could do to control the bike. I was out of the throttle a LOT, trying to keep it straight.

Being as it was the last day, I went ahead and made a backup pass. I was quite a bit more cautious, I did not want to wad it up, and went through at 188. So we took the bike to impound, did the teardown, and put a 192 average speed into the books.

While we were tearing it down, a woman crashed her Hayabusa on the course. Same deal as me, just not enough bite, and with the ruts and all, she just lost it. She had been running in the 190's up to that point. Anyway, she broke 7 ribs and punctured a lung. I feel somewhat fortunate to get out of there with an intact bike and body.

Over the weekend, I put both bikes back together, including a rebuild of the heads and replacing pistons, rings, & cylinders on the nitro bike (very high wear items on nitro). Worked until late last night finishing them up and loading the trailer. Then this morning we headed out here again, for USFRA's "World of Speed" event. We got tech'ed and registered and I'm typing this from my hotel room.

The salt is substantially better than it was last week. I would not have believed the salt could improve that much in just a few days, but it did. So I'm hopeful we can go back to more normal speeds, something north of 210. But you just never know about this stuff. It's a very short life motor and it could go away at any moment. We'll give it our best shot. I'll check in nightly with reports.

Info on this event: http://www.saltflats.com

Also: http://www.landracing.com has lots of live reports

Oh, I should say too, we won the "Fastest American V-Twin" prize, which was worth a grand (about covers my spark plug budget), and Susan won $500 for having the fastest bike running Amsoil. So really, overall, despite the relative softness of the records we set, we can't complain, nothing's broken or hurt and we got a little money back. It's just always disappointing when you know you can go so much faster but the conditions just won't allow it. Maybe this week.

One more pic I meant to share:

http://www.nrhsperformance.com/pictures/Bub%202007%20pics/gettingeaten.JPG

This bike belongs to my good friends Bob and Eric Bennett, who own Bennett's Performance in Signal Hill, CA. Great guys and excellent racers.

Notice how the shark is eating my bike. There's a story behind that. Normally we don't run in the same class, they run gasoline and I run fuel. But a few years back, I put my bike on gasoline and came out to this event. Well, we worked hard all week, and they worked hard all week, and at the end of the event, my best speed was 192.3, and there's was 192.2! So the graphic in this pic is to put me on notice that they're coming for me ;)