The First Day, 09.19.2000

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The First Day
Michael "Woz" Wozniak, 09.19.2000

As I was driving along the access road that leads to the Bonneville Raceway at dawn this morning I got to see the sun rise over the largest expanse of flat white surface that I knew existed. The sky was turning orange and red from the blackness of night and all I could think about was the history made over the past century at the very place I was heading. Racing at Bonneville started in the late 19th century. Records were made as early as 1914, but growing up I was familiar with the Land Speed Records of Craig Breedlove, Art Arfons and the like.

I was lucky this time, as I was a part of a team comprised of Buell enthusiast gathered from across the land. We weren't the first on the salt, but it was close. Dawn turned into morning and we had picked a pit area close to Tech Inspection and registration. Team Elves had arrived at Bonneville and we were setting up shop. The dream has become a reality. I was at Bonneville, I was helping with a Land Speed Record, and I was with a group of the most friendly helpful and energetic Buell folks that I think exist outside of the factory itself.

The Buell RR-1000 was taken from the trailer and it was the first time I've seen it in person since the Homecoming in June of this year. It had been transformed from a beautiful production showroom condition motorcycle to an exquisite example of a Land Speed Record race bike. Sponsors were proudly displayed on the bike and when I heard it start I was impressed with the sound of the power.

Tech inspection went well, and our place on the salt was well entrenched in the rows of competitors who arrived all morning. We were ready and it was terrific.

Aaron Wilson has done a remarkable job making this effort come to life. I met him last night at the hotel and we drove in together. I couldn't any be any more proud of the accomplishments of Aaron and the entire Team Elves effort.

Throughout the day team members arrived and pitched in. The encampment took on a professional look with tents, tools, and even the chef who set up what could be a gourmet restaurant to take care of the team members. This was terrific. And this was only the first day.

Team Elves is after four records, but as far as I'm concerned they've already set a record that will be hard to beat. We've come to Bonneville to compete. We've gathered forces from around the Country to do it and I'm having the best time of my life out here in a history filled venue that up until now was only a dream. Fulfilling dreams is definitely a record hard to beat.

Woz...