Bonneville Speed Week 2011 Baddest Race Cars #5

The Fastest Car in the World – 300mph Sports Car

Does this long red something-or-other get your heart racing? It should!!

The long, slick nose see here cuts through the air with ease at a record shattering 305.596 mph. With the graceful design and three-large top speed, this 1971 Triumph GT-6 easily earns honors as Bonneville Speed Week 2011 Baddest Race Cars #5.

Feel slighted that, “This isn’t the fastest car in the world!?” Well, what is then?

Consider, for a second, this sleek, not-so-little Triumph flat out WHOOPED the Enzo Ferrari running in the same class. The Enzo, owned by RSL Racing Richard Losee, had the record from last year at a, seemingly soft (gulp), 237.871 mph. This year the Enzo crew, with their hired helicopter not far behind, topped out at less than two-bills…

Ripping the record previously held by an Enzo Ferrari, easily one of the fastest cars in the world, by about 65 mph… that’s hot enough, but truth is, the Triumph was ON FIRE on the record backup run! More on that in a bit, let’s learn about this car.

So what is it?

Look closely and you’ll see a 1971 Triumph GT-6. The SCTA class the Triumph and Ferrari compete in is C/BFMS. If you’re like me and still learning the classes, that’s a C engine (306-372 cu. in) in a Blown-Fuel-Modified-Sports car. Got it?

So your typical small block wrapped in a not so typical body.  From cowl back, the body’s all Triumph GT-6, but sports a clean 5 inch (totally legal) top chop. Looking the other direction it gets really interesting… Stretching to a total wheelbase and class max of 130 inches, the hood’s an aerodynamic masterpiece penned by Jim Cooke. Fab work went to Nicomia of Arizona. Nicomia’s a design and fabrication shop capable of, so it seams, a killer museum exhibit or a custom kitchen, or this race car nose! How’s that for diversification?

With all the go-fast on this car, it’s still just a “Grocery Getter” This is a photo taken through the stock back glass of the Triumph pasted on as a sticker.

Sticking with the body, I asked about wind tunnel testing. Owner/Driver Keith Copeland and crew chief Mark Hansen plan on booking time with my buddy David Salazar over at A2 Wind Tunnel. If you’re curious about wind drag and how it relates to horsepower, click the link. Being the curious engineer, I then followed up with, “Then how’d you set the length and angle of the rear wing? And how’d you choose the height of the wicker?” Mark licked one finger and held it up feeling the slightest breeze… “Like this”. So, I guess there’s some aero tuning opportunities!?

The interior of the Triumph is all business. (Click to enlarge all pictures)

The engine isn’t the NASCAR ready small block you might expect. When I asked, the team downplayed it somewhat… it’s a Brodix block and heads coming in around the middle of the C-class at 360 cubes. Twin turbos and an ice-charged intercooler raise the pressure just a little… The team does a phenomenal job of packing everything under the hood thanks to a custom made low profile intake manifold with Moran Motorsports electronic fuel injectors.

Surprise!

Something you might not have guessed from the front end design? This car’s a front wheel drive. As common as that is for modern cars, that’s nearly unheard of in racing, including Bonneville. MyRideisMe.com previously learned about FWD hot rods when we featured Bonner’s Bad Berkley, the current record holder in AA and A class /BGMS. That’s the same body spec as the Triumph, but running on race gas and bigger engines.

Salt built up in the front wheel opening where the power’s put down. The racing surface is packed pretty well, but off the track its sticky…

So I had to ask Keith and Mark about choosing to power the front wheels. Keith explained that for car-like classes of sports car and coupe, you can run either, FWD or rear wheel drive, it doesn’t matter. You just can’t have ALL wheel driver. Keith continued:

“I choose to go front wheel drive because I spun the back tires in 2008 and that did not work out very well.  We did some calculations and thinking about the handling and thought front wheel drive would work. Bonner Denton had also shown a car could go fast with front wheel drive.  When Mendeola was able to provide a nice trans axle package it cemented our decision. You might see more front wheel drive in the future!”

Mark added some easy to follow thoughts… “The car’s like a dart. The power and weight push the car at speed and the rear stabilizes everything. Rear wheel drive cars are like throwing the dart too… backwards.” I think these guys are right and there’ll be more super fast cars running FWD in years to come.

Building the car and race videos on the next page:

Speedweek Summary & Salt Flat Favorites

Speed Week 2011 – Bonneville Salt Flats Summary

Being out on the Bonneville Salt Flats for Speedweek is an amazing experience like none other. I always return with way too many pictures then I can post to the web and way too many thoughts than I can convey in my stories. So here it finally is – Grease Girl’s Speedweek Summary and Salt Flat Favorites for 2011!

Record Breaking Summary

This 63^rd Speedweek saw 160 records broken – 93 for cars and 67 for bikes. 21 new members gained entry into the 200 MPH Club, 6 of those being the 300 MPH Chapter.

Any of you less familiar with land speed racing may be surprised to find out the entire point of the sport is breaking a record! You aren’t racing against another opponent on the course or anything like that – you’re going in a straight line trying to go as fast as possible and break the record in the particular class racing in (The class takes into account engine size, fuel used, and the cars body design.)

Favorite Experience

Walking around the pits for someone who is on their path of learning about mechanics is akin to a physics student being able to go back in time and spend a week with Albert Einstein. The veterans are out there, putting their skills to the test. Ingenuity reigns, as cars try set ups and find solutions that may have never been done before. Every stop in the pits is an opportunity to learn something new.

Each year I’m there it gets harder to resist begging a team to entrust me with turning a wrench on their race car. And each year I’m there I resolve to one day build and bring a car of my own. Even though I haven’t reached that level of knowledge yet, I’m never disappointed by the willingness of salt folk to take time out and explain something new to me – sending me off with much more knowledge than I came with!

Favorite People

Its fun to see someone I love and who loves cars just as much as I do get to experience the salt flats for the very first time, so on the top of this list, is my boyfriend. He’d never been to Bonneville and he totally fell in love with it.

It was also a huge treat to return and catch up with friends made in previous years. The crews of: Norris Anderson’s #898, Old Stud Racing, Slippery Stude, and more. Then of course I’m always humbled to check in with the fabulous women in the 200 mph club such as Betty Burkland and Alison Dean-Volk. (I still haven’t forgotten about writing stories about these amazing ladies!)

Not only old friends were seen, but new friends were made. Specifically Skip and The Hudson Boys, Greg and his record breaking Salt 2 Salt Studebaker, and the whole team at Speed by Spectre.

Favorite Picture

While everyone was fretting that a storm over the salt would ruin chances of racing, to see the clouds roll in at the end of the day was a beautiful sight. Thunder boomed and lightening flashed over the floating mountain. The storm hit in force but luckily went by quickly. Rolling onto the salt the next morning looked like a real lake for a moment, but soon the water parted and dry salt appeared. In the process, I snapped this picture which is so perfect it almost looks like a painting.

Favorite Hot Rods

Being at Bonneville brings many more cars to look at then just those that are racing. It’s a rolling car show all week really, as roadsters and hot rods cruise the few miles between the pits and the starting line. I couldn’t seem to just pick one…so here’s a few on the top of the list.

This very cool old skool bellytanker didn’t appear to be racing – it was hanging out in front of the Monster booth (they give out free drinks!) Already in love with bellytankers, the nice blue color, moon discs, and cute little body of this one made wish I could tuck it under my arm and give it a hug!

This Hudson is in lieu of any Studebaker’s in this favorites list…I’ve already covered the Studebaker’s pretty thoroughly in my Speed Seeking Studebaker’s series! This Hudson Hornet still runs its Straight-8 and is just a really neat car!

I already shared one picture of this gold beauty. But everytime I look at it I smile, all that gold rolling over all that white. What looks to be a near show-quality car speeding down the salt tells me that people are still willing to actually *drive* their cars!

I couldn’t help sharing this one again as well. With a lot of obvious thought put into it – from the little sculpted rat on the radiator cover, to the small “hairs” sticking out of the tail. This rat rod isn’t an excuse to get away with shoddy workmanship, this one is just pure giggle-worthy.

Favorite Thought

Or maybe I should call it a dream. I’m not going to be able to continue just attending Speedweek as a Spectator. I want to build a race car. I want to drive down that flat expanse of salt and see how fast I can go. Maybe not next year…but eventually.

What about you? What’s your favorite salt flat thought or sighting?

 

Record Breaking Runs – Speedweek 2011

Speed Week 2011 Results – Bonneville Salt Flats

As Sunday was ending out on the Bonneville Salt Flats, lurking black clouds were rolling in and lightening was breaking all around. People were packing up their pit areas very well and getting off the salt. Was there going to be a storm? Would it halt Speedweek 2011?!?

There was a storm! The rain poured down not long after the racing area closed up at 7pm. Luckily though, it didn’t continue for long. Early the next morning as we drove out at the crack of dawn to see what Monday held in store – this is what we found.

Out at the starting line however, the salt appeared like it might be all right. Cars and crews were lined up for record-confirming runs. (Not sure what it takes to set a record at Speedweek? Read more about it by clicking here!)

Everyone waited around while officials made sure everything was in order for the fast times of land speed racing. After awhile a number of the crews were lead for a drive down the track to check out conditions for themselves. Returning with with reports of dry salt and low winds out at mile marker 5, time trials soon began.

First a motorcycle was off and then it was Norris Anderson and his already record-breaking Studebaker Pickup #898. On down the line the cars went.

Not everyone was able to confirm their records, but there certainly were plenty of high speeds and a number of record-setting results! Watch the video above to see and hear this in action!

The 1941 Ford known as the “Flying ’41″ # 2345 comes out of Gladstone, Oregon and is powered by a 525″ Chrysler Hemi V-8. Owned and driven by Tom Mersereau, it was up against a record of 179.490 mph in it’s AA/CBGC class. (AA indicates motor size and CBGC stands for Classic Blown Gas Coupe). The Flying ’41 completely blew the record out of the water with a result of 222.501! Good job guys!

The orange 1969 Dodge Charger known as the “Daytona Charger” #1001 is owned and driven by Lee Sicilio of Ft.Worth Texas. It runs with a 498″ Chrysler V-8 and was up to break a previous record in it’s A/CPRO class (Classic PROduction) of 239.904 mph. The Daytona Charger set the record with a result of 242.011.

Also setting a record that morning was this good looking 1968 Plymouth Baracuda #6969. With a 528″ Chrysler Hemi V-8 powering it in the AA/BGC class it set a record at 241.592 mph.

As soon as the people of the Southern California Timing Association (SCTA) get to it, the results will be posted on their website at www.scta-bni.org. Until then, I snapped a couple of shots of the record setting results for Sunday and Monday of Speedweek.

More Speedweek 2011 at Bonneville Salt Flats

Bonneville Speed Week 2011 Pictures from the Salt Flats

If you’re looking at this car and wondering… “What is that!??” then welcome to (said in your biggest fanfare voice) “Continuing coverage of Bonneville Speed Week!”

You’re looking at a future “Baddest Hot Rods of Speed Week” in the 71 Triumph GT6 decked out, maybe ironically, in red. It just so happens that this bad Triumph is also the “Fastest Sports Car in the World.” In a white gloved smack in the face to the Ferarri team and their Enzo and on-site helicopter, the Black Salt Racing team piloted by Keith Copeland made this front wheel drive, small block Chevy powered, C/BFMS (blown fuel modified sports car) throw down a 305.597 mph record on the salt flats. Wow! Know what else? On the back-up run, Keith was on fire at nearly 300 miles per hour! Much more on this beautiful hot rod disguised as a sports car, very soon.

It may be no contest for the “Best Push Truck of Speed Week” trophy when you see the cool Nomad above. The Bean Bandits always bring out fast cars and have a great time. See that guy in the red shirt? Well… to start the Ardun head flathead with a trick, vintage Hilborn injection system, you need to squirt some fuel right into the injectors. These things are made to run wide open, so they’re not the easiest to start… The engine fired up, but I guess a little fuel might have spilled over. THEN CAUGHT FIRE! Rather than panic, my cool friend asked for some water and calmly poured it onto the top of motor, careful not to get any into the motor. Fire went out, engine started up and away they went!

Got a spare engine? Shaen Magan of Bass Lake, CA came to Bonneville Speed Week to break his own record of 218.681 mph in a E/BSTR. That’s a street roadster, so it’s got to have headlights and rear fenders among other rules. When you see this car assembled, it looks like way too much motor for such a small car, but they’re doing something right! I caught this shot in the middle of an engine change.

From here, I just want to share a few shots of the cars I liked. The 1941 Ford Coupe runs in AA/CBGC which is an unlimited engine displacement “Classic” coupe. This good old ford destroyed the existing record of 179.490 mph and went 222.501 mph. Congratulations to Tom Mersereau on becoming a new member of the 200 MPH Club!

The Renck and Roberts, C/GR, gas roadster is out of Pueblo, CO. I met Bob Hull from the team and he was already a fan of MyRideisMe.com. Thanks Bob! Bob was also driving a trick 27 Ford Roadster over at the Nugget Car Show. Watch for a feature on that one soon. (I love catching starter Jim Jensen with his hands up signaling it’s time to go!)

Dig this long, lean Arias Hemi equipped lakester owned by Blanchard – Bacik and York. The lakester class is an old and very competitive class with a current record of 334.219 mph!

Saving the best for last… this is my buddy Jeamie cruising the 932 B/STR up to the starting line. The “My 3 Sons” racing team consists of Dan, Jeff, Jeamie and Dan Strachan from Moville, Iowa. The car was built so the whole family could have fun racing. They built a beautiful car and except for a small mishap with the jack, they were having a blast making runs around 150.

I still have more photos to edit and upload. Anything you’re looking for, leave a comment and let us know!

Day 2 – Speedweek 2011 at Bonneville Salt Flats

Speed Week 2011 Results – Bonneville Salt Flats

Out at Bonneville Salt Flats there’s been racing all weekend as Speed Week 2011 is well underway.

The days are flying by during Speed Week 2011 as land speed racers race all types of vehicles down the Bonneville Salt Flats.

Streamliners make up some of the wildest (but fastest) record breakers of the bunch.

Cars that have more of a stock body (or modified like this one) are common as well. This 1953 Studebaker is one of my favorites – but then again I’m a little partial since I drive a Studebaker myself.

Seeing these cars is one thing – hearing them is another. In case you’ve never experienced Bonneville Speedweek for yourself, check out this video. It gives you a sample of starting line take-offs – the Studebaker, a streamliner, and a motorcycle.

One of my favorite kind of racers are belly tankers, like this one. This belly tanker is especially unique in that the driver is fully enclosed. The driver nearly lays down inside and looks down past their feet and out the clear part you see at the nose.

Roadsters are a popular land speed racing car as well. It’s when I see these roll down the line that I’m reminded of the pictures I’ve seen of the early days out on the salt flats.

Not so nostalgic is this exotic Ferrari. Its cool to see an exotic out here at Speedweek, but I’ve gotta admit that overall these fans would favor a hot rod.

As the racers shift their way down the course, they hope for record breaking speeds. They also hope not to break anything, read all about that by clicking here.

If they’re lucky enough to get record breaking results, they’ll head over to impound. Once there, they have four hours to fix or modify anything needed and then it sits there until the following morning when they’ll make a second pass to confirm their record. This Salt2Salt record-holding Studebaker is at it again…we’ll see what the results are Monday morning!

The preparations for Poteet and Main’s streamliner “Speed Demon” look a little more complex as they disassemble these turbos inside impound.

Of course not all the cars out on the Bonneville Salt Flats are there to race. It feels like you’re in car heaven to see all the amazing spectator’s hot rods floating across the salt to and from the pit area. Check out more spectator rods by clicking here.

Not everyone is into rat rods – but I think this Salt Flat Rat roadster is fantastic!

Whatever’s racing off the starting line, it’s fun to watch. I’ll be out of bed at sunrise tomorrow to catch the record-breaking runs…and getting even more salty.

Until tomorrow – happy trails.

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