New challenger to the 500 MPH piston engine record:

[ack]

Rex

We are going back in October. After last years disaster we are determined to put on a professional event.  Myself Jamie Williams, Jim Knapp, Reg Cook and maybe AL Lamb are going back and paying for the event. We have hired a professional to organize the event in Bolivia. The National Sports authority is working with him and other government officials to promote the event. It will be a national sporting event with both FIA and FIM sanctions. We are offering anyone that wants to enter a fixed 10K entry fee. I may have room in our container for a sit on bike and some spares and would transport them no charge if anyone is interested.

https://www.boliviaspeedtrials.com/

[Rex Schimmer]

Thank you for your prompt reply, Ack. Many people consider the high altitude at Bolivia to be a detriment to going fast, that is a bit of a phalisy. The difference between Bolivia and sea level is the air density which, of course, means less horse power, but it also means less aero drag. The relationship between horsepower and air density and aero drag and air density is exactly the same (kind off). The aero drag difference is truly proportional but the engine horsepower difference is more dependent on your ability to tune for the altitude and also designing your engine for altitude helps, turbos, superchargers and nitro can help. Some of the things that don't change are rolling resistance and drive line efficiency. These are the same at sea level or 13,000 feet but they become a larger proportion of the total available horsepower to go fast, so obviously good tires, low friction bearings, efficient transmission and differentials are important.

Really looking forward to seeing what happens this year on the Bolivian salt!

Rex

[kiwi belly tank]

I would run there if I could afford it. There may not be much advantage at lower speeds but there certainly is if you're looking to go really fast. You can make up the HP loss at altitude but you can't do much about the aero drag at Bonneville or Gairdner especially!
  Sid.

[ack]

Yes, Bolivia is not for the typical Bonneville racer. That is unless you?re looking for a bit of an adventure. For those of us who want to set internationally recognized FIA and FIM world records it is the best place in the world for doing so. Once you see the salt there and realize the huge reduction in drag. you won?t want to run anywhere else. For electric vehicles or forced induction ICE?s that can make full boost it is the absolute best place to run and there is no chance that weather will affect the event.

[racergeo]

  Would be interesting if Marlo would go to Bolivia. Two cars at the same event with the same 550 mph goal. I think there is a way better chance of going 500+ in Bolivia then in the Au. sight.

[ack]

It would be the ideal place for him to run a 19-mile track as hard and smooth as a freeway. Last I talked to him he had a sponsor in Australia that was paying all the bills. You have got to go where the money is. On the other hand, if you are after these kind of records it is where you really need to be.

[Rex Schimmer]

The whole concept of having a 19 mile track is mind boggling. Just saying, 10 miles to get your speed up and 9 to slow down. Think about holding your engine WFO for 10 miles, if you averaged 400 mph for the run that would be 1.5 minutes at full power! You had better build you motors with long fuses.

Ack, any chance that the Speed Demon guys will be there??

Rex

[TD]

It would be the ideal place for him to run a 19-mile track as hard and smooth as a freeway. Last I talked to him he had a sponsor in Australia that was paying all the bills. You have got to go where the money is. On the other hand, if you are after these kind of records it is where you really need to be.

Would be great were the Target550 guys to post an update - anywhere.  I followed the build for years, watched the Oz / Covid fiasco, then... crickets.

I realize Freud (RIP) had a lot to do with their online presence but a making a Book of Face post really isn't difficult!

Tim

[ack]

Rex
Speed Demon is not going but Steve Watt is coming to help Reg. Well if you can?t stop in 9 miles you have another 20 or 30 miles of good salt in either direction.

[stay`tee]

The whole concept of having a 19 mile track is mind boggling. Just saying, 10 miles to get your speed up and 9 to slow down. Think about holding your engine WFO for 10 miles, if you averaged 400 mph for the run that would be 1.5 minutes at full power! You had better build you motors with long fuses.

Ack, any chance that the Speed Demon guys will be there??

Rex

Why would the Speed Demon want to go there when thay are "Getting It Done" on a supposedly ruff, short course at Bonneville 

[ack]

The whole concept of having a 19 mile track is mind boggling. Just saying, 10 miles to get your speed up and 9 to slow down. Think about holding your engine WFO for 10 miles, if you averaged 400 mph for the run that would be 1.5 minutes at full power! You had better build you motors with long fuses.

Ack, any chance that the Speed Demon guys will be there??

Rex

Why would the Speed Demon want to go there when thay are "Getting It Done" on a supposedly ruff, short course at Bonneville 

Because they would go 30 - 50 mph faster if they could make the same boost as Bonneville.

[slowalex]

For those that haven't been keeping track of this record attempt, there have been a few setbacks that have prevented Reg Cook from continuing this challenge in 2024, the most serious being the possibility that his tyres would not be safe past 500 mph.

https://cmrchallenges.co.nz/news/the-horrible-truth-177/

He appears to be planning 2025 with a possible trip to Lake Gardiner in Australia as a shake down, and Bolivia later in the year.

https://cmrchallenges.co.nz/news/progress-to-the-future-180/

[PorkPie]

No 500+ mph tire...

Well.....at first.....go 200 mph...than 300 mph...

since when is the Target 550 at the salt....2014....and what speed did the Target 550 reach since the
first try....

same for the Turbinator....it was mostly a try and error before they reached high speed....

between dreaming to go fast and going fast, is at first.....drive the racer....

[Elmo Rodge]

Thomas, I couldn't agree more. 
Wayno

[racergeo]

  Are you guys following CMR Bolivia. They are on the salt and have the necessary man power. Now if the have the horse power??? Reg Cook is a driven guy!!