[elky] Re: Bonneville Salt Flats Racing Report
- From: Mary McCarthy <printces@xxxxxxxxxxxx>
- To: elky@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
- Date: Fri, 30 Sep 2011 16:25:13 -0700
that's pretty good for a stock pickup. Glad you had a good time.
I'd prefer build to buy because any yahoo can buy, it take talent to
build. But that's just me.
Mary
Part 2:
Jim graciously offered to let me make runs in his '09 Colorado. This
is the truck he and Ray raced last year. I did not want Jim to rush
through his runs (since each driver had to make his 5 runs before the
next driver could race). We worked together to get the truck ready to
race, taping the seams, removing extra weight: passenger seat, camper
shell, bed protector, side mirrors, etc.
Jim made a couple runs with the speeds at 108MPH. We were trying
shorter tires to get more gear, but it looked like this was reducing
top speed. We swapped the stock tires back on, I guessed he would run
111MPH, and he did. Jim also tried a run where he shifted to 5th
gear, but this also dropped top speed. Jim hot lapped his last runs,
he wanted to make sure I got to run.
We went back to tech to get my registration. This was quick and I was
in line ready to make a pass. Although the line wasn't long there was
a wait: someone had dropped parts on the track, then there was a car
stuck on the return run waiting for it's tow truck (I don't know why
this stopped racing). When I finally got to the front of the line
there was confusion about my registration, they had Jim listed as
driving, so I had to get out of line until they figured it out.
Finally I got to run:
2/10 mile: 73.7 MPH
1/2 mile: 97.6 MPH
130 Club: 112.5
then
2/10 mile: 73.8 MPH
1/2 mile: 97.7 MPH
130 Club: 112.9
The next morning it was very windy and overcast, but eventually the
wind subsided enough to run, I was 3rd in line, here are the 3 runs:
2/10 mile: 74.3 MPH
1/2 mile: 98.2 MPH
130 Club: 113.9
2/10 mile: 74.3 MPH
1/2 mile: 98.6 MPH
130 Club: 114.1
2/10 mile: 73.5 MPH
1/2 mile: 98.0 MPH
130 Club: 113.3
The time slips read "130 Club" rather than "1 mile" since the distance
is a bit longer than a mile, but the MPH is derived by the time
calculated to cover the distance, so the length is not important.
There were "1" signs on the track that tell you when you're done,
which are actually beyond the timed distance: they do this because in
the past people would let off at the "1" signs and end up with a lower
MPH. The 114MPH run probably had a tail wind.
Our new friend Bob (also racing a 4 cylinder / 5 speed Colorado), Jim
and I discussed how a Colorado could get into the 130 MPH club. My
thoughts are it will take a turbo, and since there are no kits
available you'd have to fabricate everything. Also the compression
would have to be lowered from the stock 10:1. Lastly I'm not sure you
can program the stock ECU to compensate for boost. Adding up the
costs you wonder if you would be better off starting with a different
platform... like a 3rd generation Firebird? These are aerodynamic,
have a huge aftermarket, and can be powered by almost every GM engine
built: small block, big block, LS, turbo Buick...
Which brings up another topic: which is best: build or buy your race
car? Bob was kind enough to loan out his fire extinguisher and helmet
to a family with a brand new Camaro SS. They had no problem running
130 MPH twice, thus getting into the 130 MPH club (with 2 different
drivers). We were thinking guys would be happy to pay to rent a 130
MPH capable car... Bob told the family about the idea, and they let
him race the Camaro, no charge (other than the registration fee). Bob
had to tap the brakes to stay below 140 MPH. So we found out what's
even better than building or buying your race car: borrow one!
Ray was frazzled. When you think about what he had on his plate it is
understandable: getting to the salt, getting the Monte ready to race,
racing the Monte, planning to have others race the Monte, AND taking
photos of the racing: it is too much.
It was such fun to meet and hang out with everyone... I hope to do it
again someday. I found out the East Coast Timing Association has
events in Ohio and is planning one in North Carolina...
Chris
Rules: Please play nicely with others.
-List members page (text & pic links):
http://www.myelcamino.net/eclist.htm
-List members page (all pics):
http://www.myelcamino.net/ec_list.htm
Other related posts:
