Howdy,
years ago the engine size/classes were changed, and people lost
their records. Case in point, while in inspection after a record run this
year, a guy came up to me and was discussing my car, (1.5 liter engine,
144.396) he stated that he had run a Alfa 1600 to 139 MPH in the MS(?)
class but lost the record when the classes were changed to 500 cc
increments. Same thing will happen if classes are changed/shrunk.
If this thread is a fishing expedition, my vote is to have it
remain the same, multiple classes have the best possible advantage to
attracting newcomers, with the newcomers varied interests in types of cars
and racing, multiple classes gives the best possible attraction to newcomers.
I'm in a class by myself at this time (H/GCC), and I work hard to
better my own record, just motoring down the course making multiple runs is
NOT what I feel racing on the Salt is about. From my reading of some
responses on this thread, I have to mention, just because there is no one
else in my class, I am STILL racing against time and trying to compete
..... I think we all are......
As to attracting more racers, more video on TV/cable, more
articles/books on LSR are needed to attract newcomers. HOTROD used to write
about the Salt, although I haven't read one in years, I understand they are
beginning to include more about us. This will help in the long run, as
somebody doesn't pick up a HOTROD, and immediately begin to build a car for
the Salt.....the idea takes time to grow within them.....so an
advertisement campaign would have to be directed towards the LONG run (ahh,
a good pun!) in wooing new racers to the salt. These ads would have to have
a consistent theme supporting racing on the salt, informing newcomers that
the comradery and the racing are worth the extra effort that racing on the
salt entails....we don't give no monetary awards, we give the pride that
goes with daring greatly, the achievement that if attained, we know we have
tried and succeeded or failed, but at least we have tried...
John Robinson, Mechanician
Mechanical Engineering University of Wisconsin
1513 University Ave.
Madison, Wi. 53706
608-262-3606
FAX 608-265-2316
Current World Land Speed Record Holder
Bonneville Salt Flats
H/GCC 92 cu.in. 1980 Dodge Colt
131.333 MPH set 1995
136.666 MPH set 1996
140.292 MPH set 2000
144.396 MPH set 2000
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