The Fourth Day
Michael "Woz" Wozniak

Once again this morning, I was up before dawn and I rode my 1996 Buell S-1 from the Stateline Hotel and Casino to the Bonneville Speedway.  I arrived even earlier this morning to insure that I wouldn't miss the spectacular sunrise that I've seen the past three days.  I was not disappointed.  It was a little more overcast this morning than the past few days however the clouds gave the sun a shimmering pattern as it peeked out from behind the mountains.  I was the first to arrive at the Team Elves pit however Aaron arrived shortly after me and we immediately got started on the Buell.  Team Elves had just one more record to set of the four we initially set out to get.  Aaron and Ralph, (Ralph by the way was celebrating his birthday today)  worked on the bike and it was ready to go as the accomplished motorcycle pilot Richard Nallin arrived to once again  put Team Elves in the Land Speed record books. 

It wasn't much after eight o'clock this morning that the Buell RR-1000 was blasting down the salt.  I was standing at the start line this morning and I've been amazed every time I've seen the motorcycle, not to mention every other competitor's vehicle disappear into the horizon after they've left the starting line.  I could hear the throaty roar of the Buell well after I'd lost sight of it.  I made my way back to the pits to hear the radio report broadcast by the timing crew that Richard had once again qualified for another record.  With the weather unpredictable Team Elves was allowed to run its back up run almost immediately after the first and Richard went even faster the second time.  This was the fourth record in four days.  This was the best case scenario that had been discussed prior to our arrival.  Like I said before, I can't remember any project that I've started that's been as successful not to mention fun, exciting, educational and historical all at the same time.  

I am personally proud of the effort made by American Sportbike Night attendees at this event.  Not to take away from all of the supporters who have come to Bonneville in Utah from all over the United States, however being one of the founders of American Sportbike Night I'm proud that Fireman Jim Higgins, Kevin Lee Thomason, John Chan, Rex Chaney and Jack Van Voast as well as myself made the journey from Northern California not to mention the supporters that couldn't make the trip but have contributed like Vik Anderson (aka  eeeeek) and all the rest who have supported Team Elves.  American Sportbike Night has become the premier Buell enthusiast group that holds consistent monthly meetings to discuss Buell events and has maintained a no rules, no dues, nobody in charge philosophy throughout its existence.  Everyone associated with ASBN has supported Team Elves and the success here at Bonneville is shared not only with the people here, but everyone at ASBN and I'm sure every Buell enthusiast and fan throughout the world.

As the fourth day progressed, Aaron Wilson himself had the opportunity to take his own motorcycle down that long straight white lane  bordered by two black lines that stretched into the horizon.  Aaron successfully obtained his Bonneville Salt Flats Land Speed Driver License by riding the Buell RR-1000 the required amount of passes at the required speed.  Then, with time left in the day the team decided to let Richard Nallin try to break his own records set earlier in the week and he did it breaking two of his existing records set yesterday.  It keeps getting better.

Lunchtime arrived and Art Bjornstad our Bonneville Salt Flats head chef put on another tasty lunch for the crew and the supporters.  We enjoyed the success of the team while enjoying freshly prepared meals right here at the heart of the Team Elves pit.  You could feel the emotion of celebration making its way into all of us as now six records had been broken.  Never mind that two of them were our own records, we were out there breaking records and it was terrific.

Landspeed Louise Noeth made an appearance to congratulate Team Elves in its accomplishments and fellow crewmembers of adjoining race teams also came by to congratulate us on our success.  

Finally, I have to commend Aaron Wilson's family for their support and confidence in Aaron.  His wife Susy is always available to help.  She has been here the entire time to support her husband in his dream and goal.  Aaron's two daughters Mikayla and Steffanie (oh yeah, tomorrow is Steffanie's 21st birthday too!) have been both supportive and helpful during the entire week.  Mikayla faithfully polished the motorcycle removing every fingerprint during the time it was in the pits.  Steffanie, Susy and Mikayla staffed the table selling support merchandise from morning until the pit area was cleaned up and put away for the night.  As a family, the Wilson family shined brightly as a model of support and integrity during my stay with them here at Bonneville.  I'm lucky to have been able to share this with them.

Team Elves' success is a result of people from all over the United States from New York to California, from Indiana and Colorado who believe that the Buell motorcycle is a special part of American history, albeit recent history, just the same, this 1987 Buell motorcycle which is an example of American ingenuity and engineering brought pride to all of us, and I hope to all of you.

Woz...

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