WTF

Simon ready to run on the long course with the streamliners. This morning Todd discovered that on Simon's last run yesterday evening something in the Silver Bullet engine broke.  The distributor won't turn so 2011 Bonneville Speed Week is over for Mustangs To Go/Landon Speed Racing. Yesterday all 3 drivers averaged around 198.5 mph with Thierry hitting a top speed of 199.  So close!  Todd kept saying, "We're only half of walking speed away from 200 mph." So close and still such a great rookie accomplishment - congrats to all! Thursday sunrise on the flats. Sweet Chevy Woody. The Flower of Scotland Streamliner on the long course.

Thursday 445pm update:  Thierry ran 199 mph but was missing boost so he just missed the 200 mph mark!  Todd was on his way to the pits to get the data about the run and try to solve the boost issue and maybe put on a little taller tire for the next run. ********** I talked to Thierry this afternoon and the Silver Bullet is back in business after pinpointing a problem with collapsed carburetor floats (brass).  They are not sure how it happened but they are happy to be running again. All 3 drivers are qualified in the 175 - 200 mph range and one of them hit 189 mph.  As we were speaking Thierry had to rush off for what I believe will be his first attempt at the 200 mph mark.  Here are the website results from Tuesday (click to enlarge):

Todd reports that yesterday Thierry was going for the 175 mph mark by mile 2.25 and 199 mph by mile 3 for his final license.  But the car had some issues, either engine or fuel/ignition and he had to back off at 177 mph. They got the problem pinpointed and Steve Strupp, mechanic for Jack Rogers, sent Todd to Team Jesel who were amazingly helpful and lent Todd necessary parts this morning.  So hopefully by now they are back on the race track pointing towards 200 mph again. La Bala de Plata Dos.  Photo courtesy of Thierry De Latre du Bosqueu.

BANGshift.com has some great 2011 Bonneville photos: Friday/Saturday Photos:  http://www.bangshift.com/blog/Bonneville-2011-Galllery-Friday-and-Saturday-on-the-Salt-and-at-the-Cruise.html Monday/Tuesday Photos:  http://www.bangshift.com/blog/2011-Bonneville-Gallery-Monday-on-the-Salt.html Simon completed his 175 mph qualifying run, so all 3 have qualified at this speed. Thierry ran his next qualifying level, going for 175mph by 2.25 mile mark and 199 mph at 3 mile mark for his final license.  On this run he had an engine or fuel/ignition issue at 177 mph and had to back off (and I'm assuming didn't make his qualification).  I hope to learn more later. Todd says Thierry's son is getting good at sitting in line waiting to run and also at packing the parachute after each run. Photos are from Todd and also Thierry's wife, Annick. Motobecane racer. Thierry ready to run. Simon, Thierry & Bruno  The De Latre fami...

Todd reports that all three drivers have successfully completed their rookie runs and had fun!  Thierry has just completed his second qualifying run at 175 mph.  I think the exciting part comes next - the approach to 200 mph.  Stay tuned! I'm pretty sure this is the 1968 Corvette that Todd went to watch last year Bonneville Speed Week.  Good to see them back!  Last year they forgot to latch the removable hard top and lost it during a speed run!  The flying hardtop of 2010, which they were able to repair and continue to run. 

The reincarnated Silver Bullet, built by Todd Landon / Landon Speed Racing .  Photo courtesy of bangshift.com. Todd is at Bonneville Speed Week at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah.  He rebuilt the Silver Bullet, a 1965 Mustang Fastback, as a land speed car, and he is hoping to crack 200 mph.  The Silver Bullet was a pedigreed La Carrera Panamericana, Targa Newfoundland and Chihuahua Express competitor before heading to The Flats.  Originally built by Todd Landon, it was piloted by the late Tom Silver and navigated by Dave Fuss. The Silver Bullet, multiple time class winner at Targa Newfoundland. Photo courtesy of Fabricio de la Cajiga. Tom Silver and Dave Fuss after a little mishap at the 2007 Chihuahua Express.  Photo courtesy of Fabricio de la Cajiga. The Silver Bullet now, #3720 at the Bonneville Salt Flats on 15-Aug-11. The Silver Bullet is entered on the 2011 Speed Week Pre-Entries as:   ...