September 17 - 20, 1998: Each vehicle is classified into average speed categories
where the object is to cross the finish line with an average speed for the distance of the course as close as possible
to your speed category. The catch is there is a minimum speed of 30mph less than your target speed at any point
on the course, and a tech speed (speed you cannot exceed without being disqualified) for each speed class. We'll
be entering the 135mph speed class this time, thanks to firesuits from Dynojet Research and Motowear International,
which has a tech speed of 165mph.
Put on by the Silver State Classic Challenge, Inc. the event is run on Nevada Highway
318 between Lund and Hiko Nevada. It's not a straight run either, with some turns, bends and even "The Narrows"
throughout the course. It's designed to be safe yet fun for all who enter.
With Sean O'Leary as my navigator again, we are planning to put the Dynojet Racing Trans Am WS6 through its paces.
Stay tuned for further developments!
The RESULTS are in!
The race is over and we finished 1st in our class! The car performed flawlessly and we didn't have any problems.
Since this event was scheduled to host the inaugural "Public Highway Land Speed Record", media coverage
was great. Car & Driver, Autoweek, Mens' Journal as well as ESPN2 and the BBC from Europe were all there. We
went through the flying mile speed trap at 154, not yet up to top speed. I should have known to put my foot in
it sooner, but the car was still accelerating when we got there. Well, there is always next time.
With the 1999 events around the corner, it looks as if my navigator Sean O'Leary will be stepping down to drive
his own car in the event. My Dad will be flying out to navigate for me. We'll also probably step up to the 140
or 145 class, just to add to the excitement.
Click HERE a reprint of an article
in POV Magazine about the September '98 race.
