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 On Tuesday, 19 August, we got an update on Chico's Bonneville progress. However, we had to wait a day for the results the following day before posting a news update. The next day we had to wait again. The reason was that each time Chico made a pass on the Short Course, his speed was potentially record setting numbers. This meant, according to SCTA rules, the car had to be put into the Impound area to make another run the next morning.
There wasn't much to report the first day as it was a slow start. The second day is when the action began. The following are memos for a three day period as noted at the Bonneville Salt Flats.
18 AUG (Monday)
1st pass: As Chico shifted into third gear, the car lost traction (to spin).
2nd pass: The blower broke!
19 AUG (Tuesday)
3rd pass: 180.499 mph
4th pass: 184.208 mph
That was enough for a class record speed. Tomorrow, 20 AUG (Wednesday) morning, Chico is set to run the 3 mile Short Course (also known as the return run) and if he manages the speed of the 4th pass, it will be enough to beat the class world record of 181.709 mph set in 2006 by Linsmeyer Motorsports. That means Chico will be a new world record holder!
It used to be that the car had to make a return run within one hour of completing its first pass, but that rule has changed. Now, when a car is going for a record return run, it must check in to the Impound within an hour of receiving the time sheet results. The car is kept there until the next morning and doesn't go back to the pit area.
Update: 20 AUG - Day 3
Chico's Return Run, 20 AUG (Wed)
Results are in! The official announcement has yet to be confirmed but here is what we have.
3 Mile Course (Short Course)
184.204 mph
196.458 mph
Official announcements have not been made but these speeds are more than enough to break the old record. There is another run scheduled for tomorrow (21 AUG) which may result in even higher speeds. The LSR is returned to the Impound again.
The SCTA posts records and results on their website. The links below are for each day and sorted by car number. Scroll down until you reach Number 533 for the details.
18 AUG:
http://www.scta-bni.org/SCTA-NewWeb/Bonneville/SpeedWeek_08/down_18.htm
19 AUG:
http://www.scta-bni.org/SCTA-NewWeb/Bonneville/SpeedWeek_08/down_19.htm
20 AUG:
http://www.scta-bni.org/SCTA-NewWeb/Bonneville/SpeedWeek_08/return_20.htm
Final Update: 21 AUG
Results have been posted on the BNI website. As for the results of Chico's last run (today), it will have to wait until next News update. In the meantime, enjoy some of the photos in the gallery below.
Update and latest information posted in the next MOON NOOZ featuring Chico's report!
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