The Third Day
Michael "Woz" Wozniak, 09.21.2000

Once again, the day started before the sun came up.  We had our motorcycle in impound from yesterday’s qualifying run and we were to get the opportunity to make our back up run bright and early on Thursday.  I was at the speedway so early today that I got to ride in with the U.S.F.R.A. officials who were arriving.  Like I’ve done every day I parked my Buell at the end of the long access road to the speedway since I’ve heard many horror stories about the corrosive properties of the salt.  It’s been good, since I’ve been able to hitch a ride in every day with someone new.  Everyone at the speedway is friendly and helpful.  The U.S.F.R.A. staff makes everyone feel welcome, and it’s almost a family type atmosphere.  More than once when I’ve thanked the staff for putting on the World Of Speed, they’ve responded by saying that they do it for us and they’re glad we’re happy.

So, it’s the third day.  It’s cool and Aaron immediately sets out to change jets for the cool weather.  The tire pressure is checked and Richard Nallin arrives to pilot the Buell for the second qualifying run for the record.  Team Elves is excited.  Most of the support group has arrived early knowing that the record run will be early in the morning.  By eight fifteen this morning we had the second run in and we were in the record books with a new Land Speed Record.

Aaron, Brian Nallin and Richard Nallin and Ralph immediately set out to transform the motorcycle in to the specifications needed to set the next record.  Art made a tasty breakfast of crab omelets wrapped in tortillas and Sarah who was a representative of the Bureau of Land Management was invited to breakfast.  She enjoyed it and we learned about the B.L.M.’s ownership of the Bonneville Salt Flats and some more of the efforts to restore the salt to its original thickness. A job well done by the B.L.M., and a huge undertaking.

At 12:06 PM Richard made a successful qualifying run for MPS-PG and at 1:36 PM he clinched the record with a return run of 156.067.  The new record averaged 157.284 that will stand until broken again.  We hope that’s a long time from now if ever.

Not to sit on their success, the team immediately set out to enter yet another class.  It’s hard to imagine the dedication that Aaron, Brian, Richard, Ralph and everyone else associated with the team has for this effort.  It’s wonderful inspiration.  Maybe now I’ll complete some of those projects that I once started that I never find time to finish.

While the motorcycle was being worked on “Landspeed” Louise Noeth visited the Team Elves pit.  Louise has photographed land speed records at several venues and has published a book or her work.  It’s available at the gift shop at the Stateline where we’re staying and last night I bought one and had Louise sign it for me.  She’s a very personable and knowledgeable person and it’s educational to listen to her.  She’s been around Bonneville, Black Rock, Mirage and some other speedways for a long time and she knows her stuff.  Team Elves presented Landspeed Louise with a commemorative T-shirt of the Team Elves effort. 

After working on the motorcycle, watching the weather change from calm to windy to almost rain to sunshine in the course of the day Team Elves sets out to set yet another record.  The qualifying run goes well, with the existing record beaten by a small margin.  Then the wind comes up and the decision to take the qualifying run is being made.  The wind gets worse and the qualifying run is taken.  Now the back up run needs to be made and the forecast of rain looms as a problem.  If the backup run isn't made and it rains, then what?  A top level decision is made and Richard once again mounts the Buell to make up his backup run.  The three cars ahead of him leave the starting line and none of them beat their speeds from earlier today.  Tension mounts and the Buell races down the salt towards the horizon.  After several minutes the radio broadcast confirms that this back up run is successful.  Three records set so far.  Within minutes of the motorcycle being brought back into the impound area after the third record was set, this was the record for the  APS-PG, the skies opened up and downpour hits the salt.  Everyone outside runs for cover but Team Elves was so excited that they didn't let the rain stop them from greeting Richard Aaron and Brian.  , now I have tomorrow to look forward to.  Another day and another two  records?  How good can this get?  It just keeps getting better.  I took plenty of photos, however I’m still apparently in the last century and using color print film.  There are several digital cameras here and they’ve taken plenty of pictures.  Henrik Bo Pedersen, our resident web hack has been updating the photo gallery daily and you should go there from the events page and check out the terrific photographs that have been taken during our visit to Bonneville.  Isn’t technology great?  Daily updates for you to view.  Not to mention that I’m here and you’re there and I get to tell you “I wish you were here” and if you ever get the opportunity to visit Bonneville Speedway for a Land Speed Record event you shouldn’t miss the opportunity.  I’m sure glad I’m here and since Landspeed Louise has placed me in the “Salt Virgin” category (at least that’s what she wrote to me in my copy of her book) the next time I’m here at Bonneville, I won’t be the virgin that I am and I guess that’s a good thing. 

Woz…

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