2009 Bonneville Speed Week: It's a WrapBy Chad Posted 08/14/09
As the sun rose on the 7th day of racing at Speed Week 2009, hopes were high among teams, spectators, and SCTA officials alike that we would see a 400-mph measured mile from the Speed Demon streamliner. The Poteet and Main crew were smiling and hopeful, but certainly not cocky given their week-long parts breakage string. As they pushed George Poteet to the line, the crowd got bigger and bigger. The team already had a lock on the Hot Rod Top Time trophy, but Ron Main and George Poteet really wanted it to say 400 rather than their current 394 mph.
It took less than a mile to know the fate of the team as the rearend broke right after the 'liner left the push truck. George was not going to be happy, but at least they still got the trophy. It was a dramatic end to one of the most memorable and hard fought streamliner battles in history. One that included three of the top streamliners in the world, including three time winner Team Nish, tribute team Spirit of Rett, and first time winners Poteet and Main in the Speed Demon. Congratulations to them as well as all the competitors at this years Speed Week.
For complete results of the event, go to the web site of the Southern California Timing Association.
Speed Demon on its way to an aborted pass on the Friday morning of Speed Week
George Poteet, wishing for a 400-mph number on the top time trophy.
Here's a wrap of all the BangShift.com coverage throughout the week:
For the Thursday action and photo gallery, click here.
Photo Galleries by Scott Clark
Video: In-car camera of a 218-mph pass
Poteet and Main Speed Demon Runs 387 mph
Video: 248-mph Studebaker Blows a Turbo
Video: Take a ride in a 235-mph Corvette
385 mph: Nish Still in the Hunt for Top Speed of the Meet
Speed Demon runs 401-mph exit speed
Comments + Post your comment!
Written by WhiteMonster
Aug 16 2009
Great coverage, thanks all !!
Written by horsewidower Aug 14 2009
[quote author=studemax link=topic=14549.msg282510#msg282510 date=1250275884]
Thanks for the super coverage of all the fun on the Great White Dyno!
And for those who haven't yet been there - GO!
I went in '98 for the 50th and it was the most satisfying motorsports experience of my life.
It's gearhead paradise - 7 days of peace, love, and 200MPH!~
[/quote]
Absolutely, I went this year for the first time. It is incredible. In the last 11 years the peace and love hasn't changed but now its 400 mph.
I can tell you that you will hear engine songs that will make the hair stand up on the back of your neck. And you can stand right next to them when they fire up. I've never been to a major motorsports event that allows such relaxed access to the cars, even when they are staging. WOW. My ears still ring.
Written by JRoberts Aug 14 2009
Thanks for keep us up-to-date, Chad. Your reports were great.
Written by Remy-Z
Aug 14 2009
I missed 95% of it, and I'm dying to go back. GO. It's worth it.
Written by Speedzzter.blogspot
Aug 14 2009
[quote author=studemax link=topic=14549.msg282510#msg282510 date=1250275884]
And for those who haven't yet been there - GO!
I went in '98 for the 50th and it was the most satisfying motorsports experience of my life.
It's gearhead paradise - 7 days of peace, love, and 200MPH!~
[/quote]
I totally agree. The best gearhead "dream vacation" is to start out at Speed Week and end up taking in several events at the Monterey Weekend (no offense to the Woodward Dream Cruise).
Written by BluLightning
Aug 14 2009
Awesome coverage guys. I can't wait to get out there.
Written by xtremelky Aug 14 2009
Poteet is the man. I wanna be just like him when I grow up. That should read if I grow up.
Mike
Written by studemax
Aug 14 2009
Thanks for the super coverage of all the fun on the Great White Dyno!
And for those who haven't yet been there - GO!
I went in '98 for the 50th and it was the most satisfying motorsports experience of my life.
It's gearhead paradise - 7 days of peace, love, and 200MPH!~
Written by tiresmoke!
Aug 14 2009
Thanks for the coverage, Chad.........good to hear from ya again!
I'd always [i]heard[/i] about Bonneville thanks to the efforts of the late Gray Baskerville(limited, but still), and later on, DF........but figured it was for the most part a yawn-fest with an occasional V-8 scream.
I may have to plan a trip out that way next time to witness this for myself.
Bravo Chad........
I have always wanted to participate in Speed Week, just like in the Baja 1000...I want to compete with a "VERY" limited budget and set my sights on a full week of shooting for 200 MPH with JY stuff. In the case of Baja...it was just to finish the race in the alotted amount of time. You do not need to set records to put the world on it's ear....although it would be nice.
Really enjoyed the coverage and it made me feel like I was there. I have been eagerly watching all week.....even with my limited Australian Defence Force access. Good on you fellas!!!