Bill Wundram’s column, in the QC Times today, mentions local car guy Al Elmore. He’s a member of local car clubs and travels with his wife Marie to several car events each year. They have a really nice 39′ Studebaker, and an equally nice Franklin coupe. Seems they went along with Wundram on a cruise ship to Alaska. Al was a participant in the ship’s version of “American Idol” and came out on top. We honestly didn’t know he was a singer. Good job Al. Of course with you and Marie on board we’re sure everybody had a ball.
Cliff Gullet, 47, died Wednesday during an attempt to break another motorcycle land speed record at the Bonneville Salt Flats. He lost control of his 500cc streamliner at around 239 mph during an attempt to reach 400 mph. He already set some world land speed records, but wanted to be be the first streamline motorcycle to break 400 mph.He was the owner of Team Bozeman Motorsports, a motorcycle dealership. He always told him team that if anything happened on the Salt Flats, he wanted it to be quick and lingering. He died doing what he loved, and will be missed by many.
That’s the good and bad news, comments on just about anything are welcome.
The picture is of a streamline bike. I know it doesn’t look much like a motorcycle, but it only has two wheels.
September 6, 2008 at 1:37 pm
how does someone hold a motorcycle steady at a speed of 400 mph? It has to experiencing lift off issues way before that speed with the light weight of a motorcycle.
September 6, 2008 at 4:20 pm
scoundrel,
The fastest I’ve ever went on a bike is 160 mph, so I’m not sure. It was a streamliner, meaning it had a body. I’ll try to post a picture of the bike.
September 9, 2008 at 12:35 pm
LOL, you are right it does not look much like a bike. But I doubt if a more normal bike could be controllable at those speeds. My understanding is that even “cars” that attempt land speed records have trouble holding a line.
September 9, 2008 at 1:08 pm
scoundrel,
The speed is just one part of the problem. Most people think the salt flats are perfectly flat, which isn’t the case. Someone who raced there once said it was like trying to get traction on ball bearings. I’ll stick with the dragstrip.
September 9, 2008 at 1:09 pm
scoundrel,
The speed is just one part of the problem. Most people think the salt flats are perfectly smooth, which isn’t the case. Someone who raced there once said it was like trying to get traction on ball bearings. I’ll stick with the dragstrip.