Introduce Yourself

[Magneto]

Magneto from Stafford Virginia. Checked out the Motorcycle Speed Trials in 21, as a spectator. Caught the bug and now working on a bike to run in 22.

[bearingburner]

Loring Me. is closer than Bonnevile . They time you at 1 mile and 1.5 miles. It's asphalt so no worries about poor
surface conditions.

[Stan Back]

. . . but it's not Bonneville.

[JayD]

Hey hey!

My name is Matt, my first time land speed racing was World Finals 2021, came away with a record and a new addiction. Just now joining the forum because there's so much I don't know, and I want to take a stab at 200 next year.

My first question is going to be about finding "race use only" motorcycle tires in older style sizes. All I can really find is modern slicks. Not looking to start a full-on discussion here but I'd appreciate a poke in the right direction if anyone has any sources.

Thanks! Looking forward to getting to know y'all!

[Stainless1]

Welcome Matt, how about a little more info... and what are older style tires...
What record are you challenging at over 200?  What record did you break?

[JayD]

Hi! For the tire sizes I'm hoping there's someone out there making race tires in sizes like 4.00-18 / 3.25-19, but from asking around in the meantime it seems like tire availability is going to dictate wheel size, not the other way around.

The record I have my eye on is APS-Omega, or if I don't get a faring together in time, A-Omega. I came away from the salt this time with M-Omega and MPS-Omega, but I was limited by, you guessed it, tire rating.

[Stainless1]

Matt, you might do some searches here but I think you are going to be stuck with 17 inch rims... but that is not a bad thing.  You might want to look at goodyear top fuel front runners... I think Sparky determined those were made for motorcycle rims when he was experimenting with them on his lakester. 
Start a build thread...
I remember your bike, we were pitted about 5 pits away from the Vesco's... little red, white and blue  lakester.

[JayD]

Ah, good tip, thank you! I'll get a build thread started as soon as I get some time to sit down and make one. Much appreciated! I think I remember seeing the lakester out there!

[BoardTrackRacerBuilder]

Hi all UK based (Swindon) amateur 'vintage style' bike builder tuner

I have built a bike based on the old board track era styling with 1940's J.A.P 600cc sidevalve engine bored out to 733cc and a ton of other modifications on a 4 speed Burman with NEB race clutch
Currently have it stripped down after the last beach event to makes some frame upgrades and fit a supercharger

Not sure how it would fit into any land speed category but really my aim is to make it faster by doing all the work myself and running it at any events that will have me.

Interested in hearing from other single cylinder flathead racer/tuners and info on the supercharging bit Im doing now and info on any potential events along with considerations for scrutineering etc

Cheers

Sam

[manta22]

Welcome to this group, Sam.

BTW, wasn't the bike that T E Lawrence was fueling up in the first scene of "Lawrence of Arabia" a JAP?

[BoardTrackRacerBuilder]

Welcome to this group, Sam.

BTW, wasn't the bike that T E Lawrence was fueling up in the first scene of "Lawrence of Arabia" a JAP?

Thanks Manta  I wish it was the same bike I believe that was a well sought after Brough superior which was a land speed  record holder of its time 1924
This is the same make of engine J.A.P but a single flathead version rather than the OHV twin used in the Brough

[manta22]

Thanks- I know next to nothing about motorcycles but the "JAP" stuck in my mind for some reason.

[Escue]

Hi to everyone. My only experience with Land Speed Racing has been with ECTA when they were in Wilmington. I plan to learn everything I can from all of the experience and expertise on this forum. I’ll be looking for information to help build a production gas coupe.

[TheBaron]

Hello and Welcome "Board Track Racer"

Plenty of help available here among land speed racers....

Supercharging questions I can help with and I suggest you order a SCTA rulebook as soon as you can as it will be invaluable in setting up your bike.

Check out my racing partner's blog as there are ton of pictures and info on how we setup our race bike:

red-baron-racing.com

Cheers,

Robert in California

[Jalopy Greg]

Hello everyone,
     Greg (52) here from Camarillo, California.  About 13 years ago I drove my 34 Ford out to El Mirage to watch the races and got the bug.  I got home and tore my car apart to build it right and safe to race.  Life happened, other cars happened, marriage and 3 young kids happened, and now I am back on track and building the car.  My friend and I chopped it 5 1/2 inches and put a full cage in it.  It currently has a SBC with a 671 Blower on it, followed by a T56 trans and a 9" rear end.  It's an all steel car and I believe I will be racing in Comp Coupe because of the chop and engine choice. I plan to race for fun not to be competitive, but time will tell.
     I have been trolling the forum for a while getting info for the build, and yes, I have read the rule book dozens of times.  I have found Land Speed Racers to be a very informative bunch and am appreciative of all the info I can get.  I attended Bonneville for the first time in 2020 and can't wait to get my car finished.