Alfa Odyssey at Bonneville - Day #5

[DBesic@domain.elided]

8/17/99

    The crew arrived at impound at 6:30 a.m. to prepare Bonnie for her record 
run.  Under SCTA rules, only minor maintenance is allowed: change spark 
plugs, torque head, tighten belts, check tire pressure and top of the gas 
tank - no additional tuning or modifications are permitted.

    Anxious to beat the record, the crew quickly performed the necessary 
service work and Bonnie was pushed to the starting line.  (Although the 
movements of our adrenalin-charged driver and crew could be described as 
"swift" and "efficient", Jeff Gordon's over-the-wall pit crew would have 
nothing to worry about in a head to head match.)  Nevertheless, Bonnie was 
first in line to make her run for the record.  Were we that fast or were the 
other race teams just slow??  (Answer:  The other teams were slow.... for a 
very good reason.)

    Rookie Mistake #2.  Overnight, the SCTA folks had graded the track to 
smooth out bumps and fill in ruts.  This process left a 1/4" to 1/2" layer of 
moist, fluffy salt on the surface, similiar in consistency to cotton candy.  
This stuff created just enough rolling resistance to deprive Bonnie of the 
record.  Speed: 141 mph.  The old record continues to taunt us.

    Keith Martin (Driver #3) of Sports Car Magazine arrives at the track with 
his entourage and is immediately registered and suited up.  He is only able 
to turn a 124 however, and fails to qualify for his comp license.  Huh??  
Maybe there weren't enough turns on the course - you know these sporty car 
guys....  Sorry Keith.

    The smaller diameter tires arrive and are quickly mounted and balanced.  
The 1" smaller diameter should give us an additional 500 rpms which would put 
us in the power band we need.  The extra battery is removed and the tank is 
left at half full to reduce weight.  The team elects Mike Besic to take the 
next run, hoping to qualify for another record run.

    On the last run of the day, Bonnie performs beautifully and Mike is able 
to turn a 145.699!!  Once again the old record is broken and Bonnie goes to 
impound to rest overnight.  Nobody sleeps....

Darren Besic

------------------------------

End of alfa-digest V7 #975
**************************