Bonneviile Update #5

[DBesic@domain.elided]

Alfisti -

The Final Push.  Yesterday saw the installation of the exhaust system (3" 
dump just in front of driver's side rear wheel), the brake system (How many 
times have you seen an Alfa with a parachute?), the driveshaft assembly, the 
fire bottle and a billion other little items.......and Bonnie fought us every 
step of the way.  Around 11:00 p.m., we discovered that the stock brake 
master was not working properly.  Mike borrowed a Tilton unit and after 
uttering a string of cusswords that would make a sailor blush, Bonnie 
relented and we were able to achieve a rock hard pedal.  Craig Bielat mounted 
the "moons" (convex aluminum dishes) to the custom made wheels to improve 
aerodynamics and Rick Dunleavy, a fellow vintage racer, assisted Bonnie's 
owner, Dick Kreines, with the accumulation of tools and spare parts needed 
for the trip.

Finally, at 2:00 a.m., when our supply of patience (and beer) were running 
dangerously low, Bonnie was complete.  The blown 1470 motor had been 
installed but a full systems check was necessary.  With his loyal crew 
standing around like expectant fathers, Mike hit the starter button and fired 
her up.  Let me just say (in my worst Italian accent): "She's a no lady!"  
She's a snarly bitch that demands, in a deafening roar, "Look at me, damnit!" 
 You can barely hear the whine of the supercharger over the ear-splitting 
exhaust note.  I think we set off a car alarm six blocks away.  I hope to 
someday regain full use of my hearing.  Man....

By the time you read this, Bonnie will already be on her cross-country 
journey to the Salt Flats near Wendover, Utah.  Dick Kreines and Craig Bielat 
(Driver #2) will follow tomorrow in the support vehicle/push car and Mike, 
myself and the rest of the crew will fly out on Friday.  Okay, what are we 
forgetting...???

Darren Besic and
Mike Besic of Besic Motorsports

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