2010 Mike Cook Shootout,Bonneville Salt Flats Utah.. Pics from the Pits Vol 3.

On Tuesday morning,September 21st,Charles Nearburg took out the "Spirit of Rett",a gas engined streamliner named after his son who died in 2005 of cancer,out for a quick spin on the salt.

He ended up with a 414.316mph Mile Average,not bad for a gas engined car(!!).

I really enjoyed talking with Charles for a bit,I wish I had some more time to talk with him.Rumor has it he`ll be back next year in the BGS class(Blown Gas Streamliner,I know,I know,there`s a hundred jokes in there),so I guess we`re looking at 450-500 mph speeds.

Congratulations Charles.

Murph

2010 Mike Cook Shootout,Bonneville Salt Flats Utah.. Pics from the Pits Vol 2.

So as we all wait for the last racing event out here on the Bonneville Salt Flats,the SCTA World Finals,here`s some more pics from the 2010 Mike Cook Shootout.

Nish and Mike Cook..

...and speaking of Mike Cook as I was taking this morning shot......

...I noticed a flashing blue light with what appeared to a truck just like the one that Mike Cook has....

...yep,that was Sr,but he got off with a warning.

Now,as an addendum to this story,later on that afternoon Sr. noticed a Sherriff car stuck in the mud over by I-80,so he goes over and of course not letting the mornings events bother him,proceeds to help the PO get hisself unstuck.So after getting unstuck by Mike the Occifer gets on the radio:"Hey, `member that guy you pulled over this morning for speeding,well guess what..",.

It`s all good,everyone was happy in the end.

 Drew Gatewood and Linda.

And Lindas dog "Tip".

Murph

2010 Mike Cook Shootout,Bonneville Salt Flats Utah.. Pics from the Pits Vol 1.

So after the excitement of Rocky Robinson and Team Ack Attack keeping us all on the edge of our seats( I really DO think Rocky and Mike Akatiff had it planned this way all along) while they did battle with the Salt Gods to claim the title "Worlds Fastest Motorcycle",I accumulated quite a collection of "Pictures from the Pits".I`ll be posting these up in the following days,and also letting you know of whats coming up on Wherethehellismurph.
I would also like to thank Peg Leg Craig and his wife Laura for their donation to the site,along with my friend Garth in Fl and of course Nancy of Landracing.com.Early in November before the El Mirage finals in Arizona which i`ll be covering,I am hoping to profile "The Flying Kiwi" and the Anderson family for the site,as it`s pretty big family affair.
I`m still camping at the "Bend in the Road", 4 miles from the "Boat Launch",the entrance on to the Salt,and will remain here through  World Finals,from October 6th thru the 9th.Slim and Nancy of Landracing.com will also be here at this event,giving you minute by minute coverage and race results.
So,thats some of whats coming up,meanwhile enjoy some "Pics from the Pits"

Amir with Steve Schmalz,builder of the "Speed By Spectre" streamliner.

Notice on the left the "Special" ice funnel for putting ice in the Intercooler.

I know it looks like a road cone,but that`s where the similarities end.......trust me.

The "Special" funnel in place......

Transfer of Ice begins....

The delicate operation of filling the intercooler.

I know,I know,it looks like a broom handle but it`s another "Special" tool..........trust me.

Ready for launch.

This is Amir after a 404 mph run,and he was complaining that "It just wouldn`t go any faster Steve"!!.

At least he has his priorities in the right order !!.

Hugs........Awwww.

I would like to extend a big thank you to the Speed By Spectre team for all their hospitality.

The legend himself,Kenny Hoover after I asked him to sign my tank.Kenny

is among the most experienced Landspeed drivers on the planet-literally.He`s a member of one of the most elite speed clubs in the world-the Bonneville 200 MPH Club.In addition he`s also a member of the Clubs 300 MPH Chapter.Having set or broken 40 landspeed records over the past four decades,Kenny Hoover is among the most respected landspeed drivers ever to compete.

It was a pleasure hanging with you Kenny,a real pleasure.

Murph