Introduce Yourself

[tallguy]

Welcome Roy. As Stan will tell you eventually, there are a TON of motorcycle classes, and a lot of them have open records. Especially if you like small displacement, pushrod bikes. In any case, I think it's more fun to build a bike that you can potentially set a record with - so since you have no limits at this point, I suggest you pick something open, and relatively cheap. good luck, Dean

Hello Dean (and the others who responded)

I have decided to attend 2024 Race Week without my movie camera or a filmmaking colleague. I'll be able to absorb and immerse myself completely without the worry of getting good sound or making sure the image is in focus.

My update. I found a shop! A handful of motorcyle enthusiasts are sharing a big garage. A motorcycle lift table opened up. Lots of exerienced wrenchers there.

I was thinking I would wait until I returned from Bonneville before finding a bike to build. But with Stan's and Sabat's advice about smaller displacement, pushrod bikes echoing in my head, I've kept an eye out. I came across a 1970 BSA Starfire 250 for sale. Partial basket case/roller. Small displacement, pushrods, single. I know nothing about that bike. I just joined BritBike forum and am waiting to have my account approved.

Any comments on its suitability?  I like the idea of a single. One carb, two valves, one plug. Curious to hear from anyone.

As always, thanks in advance!

Roy

Roy, for what it's worth . . . some of the less-popular classes of vehicles may have records that are represented by relatively
low speeds -- or even not-yet-tried speeds.  If there's an existing class that nobody has yet run in, the first set of runs in
that class could guarantee a record (if no rules are violated).  That's called "cherry-picking".  A long time ago, I read about
a motorcyclist who saw that a certain "partially-streamlined" class didn't have a very challenging record.  So he taped a funnel onto the front of his bike, and called the funnel a fairing.  This may have helped him get an easy record.

As far as I know, the number of engine cylinders is not defined in a class.  So a twin may compete against a bike that has 4 cylinders.  A 250 twin generally doesn't produce as much horsepower as a 250 4-cylinder engine, even though being narrower could be an advantage.  For aerodynamic reasons, I kinda like the idea of a narrow engine (such as a Harley v-twin), but horsepower also counts for a lot.  I suggest you not be shy about asking questions regarding rules.  I think the rules committee folks -- as well as a lot of others on this forum -- are willing to help get those questions answered.

[manta22]

We are interested in turbine engines and the Class 1 and 2 look like something we could be competitive in.

This is my fantasy. Class 1 turbine is 25 years old and I'm sure a lot of cool small turbines have hit the market since. Please do a build thread!

"Cherry picking" easy or non- existant records like the guy who taped a funnel to his biuke as a fairing may get a record and have his name in the book but he will know what he did. I can't imaging being proud of such behavior- especially in one's self.

[fissionspeed]

"Cherry picking" easy or non- existant records like the guy who taped a funnel to his biuke as a fairing may get a record and have his name in the book but he will know what he did. I can't imaging being proud of such behavior- especially in one's self.

It's just my opinion of course, but I reckon if you're smart enough to design and build a streamliner around a turboshaft engine, figure out how to keep it in one piece, and go faster than the last guy to do that, twice in a row, you should be proud of it.

[Bass]

Great-looking car -- I'm anxious to see it!

Thanks! I know we've met before, but I have my doubts that you would remember....I'm not good at introducing myself. 

Does Lee Tillman still have your old street roadster?  And is he bringing it out to Speedweek?  I always enjoy seeing it.

[Stan Back]

Yeah, Lee still has the 29 Roadster -- 76 years a hot rod.  Not sure of his plans this year.  It couldn't have gone to a greater guy.

[Tman]

Howdy y'all.

I've lurked here on the message board for over a decade, and for various reasons I have never posted here.  I've finally decided that is/was dumb, and I should participate more.   I check the board almost daily.

I built a unblown fuel roadster (car 199) over 2022 and the first half of 2023, debuted it at Speedweek and got to make my rookie run in it last year.  I crewed on Ed Stuck's 299 blown fuel roadster for 15 years prior to that.  It's safe to say that I'm a roadster guy.

I live in Dallas, TX but teamed up with my friend Albert Eshenbaugh from Phoenix to run in the F/FR category.  We are going to be running the car again at Speedweek this year, with a Dale Emery/ Rodeck 392 Hemi...running only one bank...with a Webster cylinder head.   All the roadster records are tough records, so we have our work cut out for us.

If you see the car out on the salt, I'm likely nearby.  Please feel free to come up and say hello.

-Brian Bass

Good to see you here Brian! I should be at Speedweek helping a new to my friends REMR this year and will say howdy.

[Fanofspeed1846]

Hey all. Going to be my first time attending speed week & so excited. Spent a good chunk of my career in events surrounding motorsports but looking forward to switching up asphalt for salt.

I'm actually looking to be connected with a few teams that will be racing with dark blue or silver streamliners (attached images for what I'm looking for) - I work at a brand that wants to support. A bit last minute but if anyone knows of any teams with those colors would appreciate the reply!

[TrickyDicky]

Eh?  Would that be Speed Week 2025?

[Stainless1]

Eh?  Would that be Speed Week 2025?

Or World of Speed next week, or World Finals at the end of the month
I would attend to see how it goes...
Tell us more about your motorsports background... Hey I know a guy with a red, white and blue lakester...

[Seldom Seen Slim]

Hmmm...  Is he real - or is he Memorex?

Here's the email addy for this new racer: 

    ayha.izmeth@ulysse-nardin.com   (I modified it for security)

However, maybe - maybe - he's legit.  Take a look at the website:

https://www.ulysse-nardin.com/

[Fanofspeed1846]

Legit! For the race coming up next week. Any help is appreciated.

[Stainless1]

Utah exit 4 on I-80, follow the signs to the end of the pavement.... grab a pass from the folks at the gate and keep following the signs to the pits.  It will be all the trailers and cars about 3 miles north.  Information at USFRA website and on the World of Speed thread on this website... lots of info on this website... it all reads ad free...
Inspection Wednesday afternoon and all day Thursday, Racing starts Friday and ends Monday
Drive the speed limit in Utah and Wendover... 45 on the access road going to the salt. 

If you are bringing your fast street car, look at the 130 Club rules on the USFRA website.  You have your only chance to race a street car on the salt at this meet.   

[Bad_Decisions]

Hey everyone!  I figured I would throw an introduction out there.  I've been wanting to attend an event on the salt for a while now and just haven't been able to make it happen.  I was able to stop by on a recent trip to see the salt but was about a week behind the completion of the World of Speed event.  I've already got Speedweek on my calendar for next year. 

I've been involved in powersports for quite a while and have enjoyed doing all the engine/transmission building and fabrication myself for each project.  I've been reading through some of the build threads on the site and it's pretty inspiring.  After reading through the rulebook, I'm planning to build a belly tank lakester for a first project.   I'm just getting started on gathering up parts and will probably start a build thread where I can ask questions and post pictures of progress as well.



 

[murphys_revenge]

Hi everyone, i just joined today.

My names Lerenzo, i'll be out of the military with free time next year!

Ive never competed in organized racing, I learned about Land Speed Racing last year and it stuck with me.

I have a 475 HP set back, 383 stroker swapped 1971 LeSabre with TH350, factory 2.73 gears. Its been stripped of everything that doesnt help it go faster. The boys joke that its "The fastest LeSabre on the north side of Springfield Mo." I just call it "The Brick."

I have a dream to get it to the salt and attempt the 130 or 150 MPH clubs at least. 

I have a sneaking suspicion that it will be the first open headered LeSabre to roar down the salt! The name I see on the side is "MX981", the project number for Murphy's rocket sled testing.

Thats my intro, I have to say you guys do some really cool stuff!

[theazoldcrow]

Welcome to our wacky world !   When you get to the Salt,,,,, check in at the Holsum "Bred Truck" parked at the left side of the Bend in the Road,,,,, Yell out,,,, Where's Crow  ?,,, and the Bend in the Road Gang will give you a hearty welcome !    Looking forward to meeting you !    Crow,,, P.R. dood for " The Bend in the Road Gang !"