Well my protest, which was more of a hunger strike than anything, is now over. My loving husband (aka This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) has put me back to work. He resorted to bribery, and I caved.

Here’s the latest and greatest from impound:

- #99, class E/BGC, John Raines – driver. John went 252 mph today, smoking the 214 record he was pursuing. Many of you are already familiar with John’s car, but he updated it this year by including twin turbos.

- #462 Hot Rod Magazine car, Dave Frieberger – driver. Dave ran his car in an open comp coupe class today, with a top speed of 248 mph. Dave will be backing up this record tomorrow morning and plans to switch over to the altered class later in the week.

- #117, class F/GS, Terry Lucas – driver. The existing record in this class is 221 mph. Terry ran 230 mph to take him into impound today.

- #44, class B/BFL, Fred Dannenfelzer – driver. The current record for this class is held by Joe Law at 338 mph. Fred ran 343 mph today, qualifying for impound and taking over the spot of fastest vehicle of the meet so far.

- #623, class XO/BFL, Terry Haines – driver. The existing record in this class is 193 mph. Terry ran a record qualifying time of 205 mph today.

Jon and I took some time to cruise through the pits during the wind-related racing delay this afternoon. We stopped by the George Poteet pits to check up on the Blowfish. Unfortunately, they broke the motor and won’t be running it again this week. They are currently in line with their other vehicle, the Speed Demon, preparing for it’s maiden voyage on the salt.

Our next stop took us by the Yacoucci pits. Rick ran into a little “speed demon” of his own after running his J/BFS on course #1. Some clumps of salt on the course jacked with his suspension causing the rear-end of his streamliner to come up off the ground and breaking the chain. But it may have turned out to be a lucky break, if there is such a thing. While changing the chain in the pits, they found a blown piston. John Noonan hooked Rick up with Scott Horner who will be bringing out some new pistons from L.A. They plan to be back up and running tomorrow. Rick is going after the 234 mph record currently held by Ken Hardman. Rick hit 230 mph on his run today, before his break in the first mile.

We had a chance to stop by Mike Manghelli’s trailer, too. I paid a visit to Mang’s White Goose Bar (est. 2000) while I was there, although I opted to partake of water in lieu of the many other available libations. It was only 3:30, you know, and I’m not a college kid anymore. The White Goose Bar is a tradition on the salt. It originated with daily servings of home-brewed beer for the crew, but now includes a well-stocked bar available to other racing teams on the salt of proper age. No freeloaders, though. If you want to drink, make a donation to the kitty to keep the bar going for everyone else.

Allison Volk at the 200 MPH Club stand was nice enough to give me the updates to the membership list acquired since the start of this meet. Lynn Goodfellow, running in class B/DS, joined the club with a 240.062 record. Also joining the club this week was Donny Cummins by setting a 208.800 record in his D/BSTR. And Donny Ferguson III, who is already a member of the 200 MPH Club, joined the ranks of the 300 MPH Club today.

The wind continues to wreak havoc on the racing events this after. Racing restarted around 3:30, only to be shut down about an hour later when the wind speeds picked up again. The lines are on hold as I type this, with all eyes on the sky as racers await the passing of this little front. No rain so far, and we all hope it stays that way

August 12, 2007 Afternoon

Been out of it for a few hours, we are on a wind hold. Wind has been been from 11-18 mph, and very gusty. There is a wind storm coming thru Wendover that looks worse. So the courses are on hold, no racing. The SCTA is doing course repairs and course sweeps right now while on hold.

The course setup is going very well. Basically it's a first come first serve. This is due to both courses being long and short courses. This system on the two course scale is working perfect. And before the wind shutdown, everything was moving very smooth.

Will have some speeds for you coming soon. We are stuck in line with most others. My writer for this meet, Keilani, was on strike. We have been working all morning and afternoon and all she had to eat and drink was Monster Energy Drink which is a MAJOR sponsor of this event. I ventured over to the Schnell B/MP #9843 Team who were making some sandwich's and I asked if she could have one. They complied and we got her one, she is now feeling much better and is now off strike, she will be doing the next update.

You can check out current results page to keep you occupied. (Click Here)

August 12, 2007 Morning

Jon and I made our way to impound this morning around 6 am. The entire area was buzzing as people prepared their vehicles for record return runs. They got all of us in line and ready to roll at 7 a.m. sharp. Between my crew chief and tow vehicle responsibilities for #209, I was able to record some of the record return times. Here’s what I have for you for today’s first update:

- #641, class MPS-BF2000, Jason McVicar – driver. The record for this class was 136 mph. Yesterday Jason ran 197 mph, and the times I recorded today were 192 in the quarter, 198 in the first mile, and 204 in the middle.

- #1641, class MBG-1650, also Jason McVicar – driver. This class had an open record. Yesterday Jason ran 197 mph, and today his times came in at 189 in the quarter, 193 in the first mile, 195 in the middle, and 178 in the last mile where he shut it down. Jason qualified for two records and is back at impound.

- #2130, class G/GALT, Doug MacMillan – driver. Doug ran 168.9 in the quarter and 171.5 in the first mile before pulling the chute. The existing record for this class was 160 mph. Doug ran a 167 yesterday.

- #760 Team McLeish Bros., class CSC 1000, Derek McLeish – driver. This vehicle was going after an open record. Their speed yesterday was 161 mph. I caught two speeds over the radio for them today, 179.516 and 182.588. That should take care of the open record in that class.

- #608 Dauernheim-Biglow, class AA/GL, Don Biglow – driver. The existing record for this class is 266 mph. Don ran 279.6 yesterday, but they were a turn-out on course #1. I see the vehicle made it back to impound a little later in the morning.

- #268, class APS-PF1000, Joe Amo – driver. The existing record in this class was 207 mph. Joe made it to impound yesterday with a top speed of 241 mph. Today Joe ran 214.977 in the quarter and 209.837 in the first mile before shutting it down due to some handling problems – described by Glenn Barrett as a “tank slapper.” An accurate description according to my later conversation with Joe. However, his speeds today were enough to get him back to impound for the record.

- #3350, class 1650 APS-VG, David Pilgrim – driver. David went 139.7 yesterday on an open record. His quarter and first mile times were both 141+.

- #1225, class 1000pp, Roosevelt Lackey – driver. Roosevelt went 186.987 yesterday in pursuit of a 185.882 record. Roosevelt’s times in the quarter and first mile today were both in the 188s.

- #931, class MPS VG 1000cc, Paul Friebus – driver. Paul went 122 yesterday on an open record. I only caught the first mile speed for Paul today at 123.666.

- Ferguson Racing went 306 mph yesterday in pursuit of a 295 record. Don Ferguson’s times for today were 264.146 in the quarter, 276.069 in the first mile, 295.182 in the middle, and 300.486 in the last.

- #468 Goodfellow Crushers, class A/DS, Lynn Goodfellow – driver. Today’s speeds for Lynn were 222.347 in the quarter, 226.713 in the first mile, 236.576 in the middle, and 240.141 in the last. I don’t have Goodfellow’s times for yesterday, but it looks like there were going after an open record.

- #2626 STD Racing dodge pickup. Today’s times for the team were 184.942 in the quarter, 189.946 in the first mile, and 197.514 in the middle.

- #280 McMeekin Bros., class E/GALT, Don Williams – driver. Don went 218.773 yesterday in pursuit of a 216.44 record. Don’s times today were 192 in the quarter, 202.475 in the first mile, 222.760 in the middle, and 233.563 in the last.

- #859, class APS-gas, Cathy Butler – driver. Cathy went 133.2 yesterday on a 133.168 record. This record had been in effect since 1975. I say “had” because Cathy’s times were in the 138s this morning, setting a new record for the class.

- #363 Cook & Cook, class B/GALT. This firebird looked like it may have had some problems burning oil and was a turn out.

- #82, class B/CBGC, Jim Snyder – owner/driver. This vehicle was going after a 197 mph record. Jim’s times today were 194.752 in the quarter, 199.754 in the first mile, 206 in the middle, and 207 in the last.

That’s all I have for now. Good job everyone. Keep those records comin’!

August 11th, Evening 9:26 PM

Time for more updates from impound. This time the intrepid reporter was our beloved webmaster, Jon Amo. I am only responsible for the interpretation. After a full day on the salt, I wussed out around 4 o’clock and went back to the hotel for a shower.

- #4449 the Jesel pickup, class C/BMP, Jimmy Barton – driver. The existing record is 158 mph. Today Jimmy ran 241 mph. (Holy smokes! I think he more than qualified on that one.)

- #675, class XXO/GALT, Bill Harris – driver. My note-taker neglected to write down the existing record, but I can tell you that today Bill ran 183.597 mph.

- #1 Barnyard Bearcat, class F/GS, Jeanne Talbot – driver. The existing record is 221.490. Jeanne’s run today was 227.839. Jeanne was also the SCTA points champion in 2006, for you trivia buffs out there.

- #2130, class G/ALT, Doug MacMillan – driver. The existing record is 160.103. Doug’s run this afternoon was 167.718.

- #280 McMeekin Bros., class E-GALT, Don Williams – driver. The existing record is 216.44 mph. Don’s run was 218.773 mph.

A few other little fun facts from today: there were 285 total runs on the salt; six vehicles that spun out; two vehicles broke the 300 mph mark; the last bike of the day ran at 7:00 pm; and due to all the water by the access road, there was a 15-20 minute waiting line to get off the salt. Quiz your friends over dinner.

Skip Hedrick was the other streamliner over 300 (close to 301), and had parachute problems and some type of action was taken. The road onto the salt is still water, and really bumpy. Historically this generally gets worse as the week goes on and may just hinder the International course for future events this year on the salt.

August 11th, 2007 Afternoon 2:41 PM

Here’s what I have so far:

- #268, class APS-BF 1000, Joe Amo – driver. Existing record currently stands at 207 mph. Joe’s run today was 241 mph, including a sudden, brief detour directly through the 4 mile marker (oops!)

- #641 Scott Guthrie Racing, class MPS-BF 2000, Jason McVicar – driver. Existing record currently stands at 136 mph. Jason’s run today was 197 mph.

- #1641, class MBG-1650, Jason McVicar – driver. This class currently has an open record. Jason ran a 197 mph today. (And that’s not a typo. I think 197 was Jason’s lucky number today.)

- #859, class APS-gas, Cathy Butler – driver. Existing record is 133.168 mph, and that record has stood since 1975. Cathy’s run today was 133.2 mph. This was her first pass on the salt with this bike.

- #746 Broken Spoke Special, class A-VF 1000, Dave Iversen – driver. Existing record is 110.360 mph. Dave’s run today was 121.6 mph.

- #1225, class 1000pp, Roosevelt Lackey – driver. The existing record is 185.882, currently held by their team. Roosevelt’s run today was 186.987. Roosevelt will also be racing his second bike on the salt later today. And Roosevelt recently celebrated his 70^th birthday. Very impressive!

- #931, class MPS VG 1000cc, Paul Friebus – driver. This class currently has an open record. Paul’s run today was 122 mph. Vehicle #931 is a 1937 flathead. This is Paul’s second year racing on the salt.

- #3350, class 1650 APS-VG, David Pilgrim – driver. This class currently has an open record. David’s run today was 139.7 mph. This is David’s third year on the salt with this vehicle. He has a car, too, that he plans to begin racing on Monday.

- #760 Team McLeish Bros., class SCS 1000, Derek McLeish – driver. This class currently has an open record. Derek’s pass today was for a 150 licensing run. He went 161 mph “on the brakes”. If all goes well, they plan to run as a car later in the week.

- #1952 “Old Crow”, class V4/BGL, Bobby Green – driver. This class currently has an open record. Bobby went 103.7 mph today. This is Bobby’s 6^th year on the salt.

- #898, class AA/MP, Norris Anderson – driver. Norris currently holds the record in this class at 193.471. His run today was 197.2 mph.

- #66 BMR Racing, class D/GR, Alan Fogliadini – driver, Douglas Robinson – owner. The existing record for this class is 213.820 mph. Alan ran 214.219 mph today.

- #608 Dauerheim-Biglow of Flemington, NJ, class AA/GL, Don Biglow – driver. The existing record for this class is 266 mph. Today Don ran 279.6 mph.

- #75 Ferguson Racing in XXO/FS, Don Ferguson III - driver. The exisisting record for this class is their own record of 295.222. Don ran 301 mph from the 4-5 mile and exited at 306 mph and is high time of meet so far.

That’s all I have for now. Sounds like there have been quite a few spins today on the courses. Great runs everybody, and good luck on your return runs tomorrow. I hope to see you all back in impound.

August 11th, 2007 - Morning

No more sleeping in for me anymore. Today is the first official day of racing. Jon and I arrived at the salt bright and early this morning. The two Amo bikes are in line on long course #1 and prepping to go.

The driver’s meeting was held at 9 am this morning. Here’s the brief scoop on the meeting (Please forgive me for any misspelled names – in an effort to get the update online as quickly as possible, I did not have time to verify. Some are outright guesses on my part, and that’s just how it has to be for now):

- Welcome one and all to the 59^th annual Bonneville Land Speed Trials.

- Chapel service will be at sun-up in the impound area on Sunday morning.

- Scott and Dana Wilson from Monster energy drinks are sponsors for the event this year. Their sponsorship covered the cost of hats and shirts. They also have drink stations in the pits and racing line areas offering complimentary sport drinks. I’m working on one of their orange-colored juice drinks right now. Very tasty.

- Pick up your trash! Treat the salt like you would the floor in your own home. And if you throw garbage on the floor in your home, shame on you. Don’t do that here. (Not mentioned at the meeting, but something I want to include – please be considerate when using the port-o-potties and don’t leave any presents on the floor, seat, etc., for the next person. That’s just nasty.)

- Someone swiped the BNI sign last year. Double shame on you. Although the BLM did not hold the SCTA-BNI responsible for the theft, the BNI board presented Glen from the BLM with a $1000 check – the amount it cost to replace the sign.

- Larry Volk from the Save the Salt Foundation and the 200 MPH club spoke briefly. The foundation is still making efforts to get a mining agreement signed. Their efforts to preserve the salt are working, and the efforts will continue. Regarding the 200 MPH club, there is a booth set up near the registration area where you can get your tickets for the banquet this year.

- Dave Frieberger from Hot Rod magazine also spoke briefly. The January issue of Hot Rod magazine will have the coverage from Speedweek this year. Also, email Dave if you have any SCTA pics from the 30s and 40s. You can get his email address from the magazine. Dave also presented the top speed trophy. This year it went to the Burkland’s, with a top speed of 398.807. Way to go, guys!

- Prozac (Bob Sikes) spoke next. He had the honor of presenting the Bob Higby memorial trophy for 2006. This year’s recipient was Mike Cook. Receiving this trophy is an honor, and Mike is very deserving. Mike has been coming to the salt for approximately 40 years. He holds numerous records. During his tenor as SCTA-BNI President, he has established a solid safety-first reputation. Congrats, Mike!

- ERC is the spec gas for the event. Your tank must be sealed by an official. Thanks to Rick with ERC for the many years of support.

- Jim Latin and Mike Cook went to NHRA to request more press for this event. One of the roadblocks has been the lack of available rooms. Mike met with John Hanson of the Peppermill, Montego Bay, and Rainbow Casinos. Upon meeting with John, and conducting a board vote, the current plans for Speedweek next year are to start racing on Monday instead of Saturday. John agreed to release 500 more rooms for racers with this new schedule. They will also try to keep room rates the same as weeks prior to the event, instead of jacking up the rates and gouging some racers as certain establishments like to do. John also agreed to avoid scheduling any tournaments (keno, poker, golf, etc.) during speedweek. We want to make it so Speedweek in Wendover is THE event of the week.

- Mike Cook introduced the new President of the SCTA-BNI, Jim Latin. Jim thanked the staff and volunteers for getting the two new courses set up and completed in just one week. (a blue map of these courses can be picked up in the registration area)

- We will be running dual courses with both short and long course timing capabilities.

- Vehicles always turn to the outside of the course you are racing on. The middle area should be for emergencies only. If you pull to the middle and you aren’t supposed to, all you do is hold up the meet and irk everyone else in line. Plus, it’s dangerous. Pay attention.

- I am inserting another “pay attention” note here, as well. PAY ATTENTION TO WHAT YOU ARE DOING WITH YOUR CB RADIOS. Numerous times a day, channels get jammed because somebody either sits on their mike or puts it who knows where. Please don’t do this. Much appreciated.

- We had over 500 pre-entries for the event this year. We all need to cooperate with officials so we can get everyone through in a timely manner.

- Course one gets into some deep mud past the 7 mile marker and you could very easily get stuck. If you need to more room, stick to course two.

- You have one hour after making a record speed to get your vehicle to impound. No lolly-gagging. Once you are in impound, you have 4 hours to work on the vehicle. If you get your record speed and end up in impound toward the end of the day, well, you’re sort of S.O.L. Racers, crew, and spectators must leave the salt at dusk. No exceptions.

- The pits open at 6 am. Impound will be cleared out by 7 am. Racing will start at approximately 7:15 with record runs going first. You must complete your backup record run on the same course you made the initial run. You start on course number one, you need to stick to course number one for your backup run.

- You must be on/in a licensed vehicle and be a licensed driver to operate any type of motorized vehicle in the pit area. No kids on scooters, etc.

- Don’t ride in the back of pick up trucks while traveling around the pits and racing areas. It’s illegal off the salt, and it’s not okay here, either.

- Racing is scheduled to start today at 10:00 am (and it did. It took me a little while to get this all typed up).

August 10, 2007

The sun and fun on the salt continues for day two. The weather so far has been phenomenal. If the diminishing “not-so-great” salt lake and the improved conditions in the pit areas aren’t proof enough, then my glowing cheeks and shiny pink shoulders should be. I’ve been coming to Bonneville since 1995, and I somehow manage to start the week with a sunburn each time. It’s practically a tradition.

Well, I am sitting in the impound area, but not reading the book as I had predicted earlier. I’m been making my way through the impound area speaking with the racers who made it here today. Some people had already left their vehicles when I started making my round, and some people pulled in after I sat down to type this, so I know I don’t have everybody. Sorry for anyone I missed. I’ll try and catch you next time.