B-Video from Doug
Posted: Tue Apr 30, 2013 6:56 am
Thanks Bruce! For all interested, here's a quick rundown on the breakout of Land Speed Racing:
This movie appears to be from the BUB event (Aug 25-29 this year). If you are a biker, this is an all bike event. The FIM (International Motorcycle Federation) has an observer here for certifying World Records (if you pay extra for the certification).
http://www.speedtrialsbybub.com/2013_ev ... -2013.html
The SCTA-BNI (Southern Calif Timing Asso. - Bonneville Nationals Inc) sanctions Speed Week (Aug 10-16) and the World Finals (Oct 1-4). This is the "BIG ONE" with over 500 vehicles (cars, trucks, and bikes) in August. It is approaching the 70th running in the year or so!
http://www.scta-bni.org/
The USFRA (Utah Salt Flats Racing Asso) controls their event Sept 7-10. USFRA records are certified by the SCTA and are included in that record book. The USFRA also has their own record book for non-SCTA classes (racing bar stools, etc) - a fun event!
http://saltflats.com/
Mike Cook has an annual (newest event) "Shootout" for cars and bikes that want to get an FIM or FIA (FIM for Automobiles) certified world record in specific international classes. It is Sept 12-16 this year.
http://landspeedevents.com/blog/
Why are the dates so close together? The Bonneville Salt Flats are under water most of the year, finally drying by August (usually) and "going wet" again as early as October (the World Finals have been rained out 2-3 times in the last 5 years). This is not bad as when the lake bed floods, the salt dissolves and then reforms when it dries out. This means there is a "new" racing surface every year. It also means that the SCTA surface preparation crew has the job security of redoing it every year. As the salt dries and heats, it expands and creates expansion bumps on the surface. The guys (and gals) going 300-450 mph don't like that so a road grader sets out 3-4 side by side alternates for each of the 2-4 courses each year. The USFRA also uses these courses.
Mike Cook has his own course as does BUB.
So much geography, let's not get into politics! --- Doug