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
