The Goldenhawk Streamliner Project

BC Mourns Ski Racer

2012-01-20T21:12:00.000-08:00

R.I.P. Sarah Burke

Our thoughts are with her friends and family. Taken so young from the world by training accident.

JACK THE RIPPER

2011-12-29T13:33:00.000-08:00

Jack, "You got a biscuit treat"?

"I Love this Candy cane treat"!

Back OFF it is mine!

OK I am loving and cute again, what's next?

Santa's Pasture is in Wolframe's Front yard

2011-12-29T13:12:00.000-08:00

You know your life is good when you wake to this scene,
Front yard ornament is a real deer!

One of four that hang out all night in Darcy & Colleen's front yard.
"That is so Christmas"

Senior pilots, old planes and other flying things

2011-12-29T12:59:00.000-08:00

Visit with Earl McMillian (vet pilot WWII bombers)

In Winnipeg I visited my brother in law Earl, he was in Deer Lodge Hospital for some tests, for lunch and a good visit. He will be going home in a couple days.
Then I toured the Western Aviation Museum. It is in sight of where 51 years ago I joined the RCAF in 1960.

Ed Shadle will recognize this engine Ala NAE

A real BLUE ANGEL?

This Flyer is one of many visiting my sister and brother in laws place in Ste.Anne Manitoba.

Return to my Roots

2011-12-29T12:32:00.000-08:00

Christmas Bells are ringing.

Your always welcome where ever you go on the prairies as the folks are just plain friendly. I will be in Winnipeg, Ste Anne, Manitoba and Kenora with my family.
Merry Christmas and
Happy Holidays to all.

Merry Christmas 2011

Welcome HEADS UNLIMITED the cylinderhead specialists

2011-12-29T12:22:00.000-08:00

Ted Robinson loaded the engine blocks to take to HEADS UNLIMITED IN SURREY

Hey, as the end of the year was closing in, our luck changed, a new Race engine machine shop sponsor came on board. Alf and Dave have been performing precision machine work for the automotive trades and race engine builders for years at
HEADS Unlimited in Surrey, BC. 604-584-9976 10657-135A Street
They are not the type of fellows to brag or blow their own horn, so the GOLDENHAWK will do it for them!!
Finding this kind of shop is a fortunate event because many of the better know builders of race engines seem to get nervous when they hear about the amount of power we need to develop and how long our engines have to run flat out at Bonneville.

Dave Arnold at Heads Unlimited made perfection in head prep seem like childs play.

Their logo says it all!

Fall Cleanup has begun!

2011-10-20T12:19:00.000-07:00

Ted Robinson is smiling as he lifts the wounded engine out of the chassis. We will rebuild this one with fresh race pistons (Mahle High Performance ) and bore, hone and balance. We will check the pump at NW Fuel and the cam at Colt Cams.

My job is to keep the engine from hitting anything. Very technical so I have a special pry bar!

We trimmed the trees away from the tent and Ted is seen here pressure washing the accumulated organics that form over the past 7 months.

Edward "Ted" Robinson - Welcome to the Salt Team

2011-09-24T11:05:00.000-07:00

He's originally from Nova Scotia, a millwright by trade, Ted has been in BC for the last ten years. here he is welding new casters on the heavy duty engine stand donated by my neighbour.

Ted and Barklee get along great, maybe because TED is so kind and scratches his back.
I look forward to Ted's contributions to the Goldenhawk and hope he can come to Bonneville next Speedweek.

Ed Sahle get 200 mph club RED hat in Original Fast Guys Lakester

2011-09-24T10:51:00.000-07:00

Ed is just about to run for the record,
his son Cameron is waiting for him to quit mugging for the camera.
CONGRATS to ED and the whole crew!

2011-09-24T10:28:00.000-07:00

Larry visits Roy Lewis, the first man over 300mph with diesel power in 2006. Then Roy had one Cummins 6BT but now has two. Roy is very humble guy and that somewhat hides his brilliance. He will be the man that goes takes the record back to North America at over 350mph is my bet.

Would this called a 12TBA 48valve Cummins?

The stretched car sure looks like the original, Nice work Roy!

Prepare to run.

At the starting line.

waiting for the course to be 'locked down" for Roy's run.

Teething problems kept the Chassis Engineering Special from its potential 400mph speeds.

Larry and Dennis's Awesome Adventure

2011-09-24T10:09:00.000-07:00

Leaving Lynda

Everyone says "this is awesome totally Fu**'n awesome!"

Larry has his eye on the car body?

Dennis admires one of five hundred hot rods at Speedweek.

Some show car people say "I wouldn't take my car out on the salt."
Racers understand that there is a car wash and perhaps rain on the way home!

Mega Motor

Check out this load.

Grandad had a SAAB and it didn't look like this.

Larry "Almost my Cousin" goes to Speedweek.

2011-09-24T09:24:00.000-07:00

Always my first thrill of Bonneville,
as you break over the hills and see Wendover and "the salt flats"

The next great treat is arriving at the Bonneville Sign and being welcomed by non other that the cheerful ambassador to speed events, "LANDS END LYNDA" and her Daughters. She has many other volunteers to assist her but she is a constant. Each year the "Hawk has arrived she has already secured the Nitrous bottles for us and greets everyone on the team with big hugs and smiles.
Thank you to all the volunteers that make Bonneville the fastest place on earth.

Lands End Gate worker welcomes Dennis Hicks (almost my cousin 2) .Dennis is well known as a Funny car owner driver and now has a front engined dragster for nostalgia racing.

"DQ"'s gallery

2011-09-17T13:45:00.000-07:00

Very cute creation.

New car from ITALY went 300+ mph with Chevy Indycar engine. Good job!

Cummins in a Rat Rod

Randy loves the Studebakers!!!!!

Ranger relaxes with Cameron or A boy and his best friend out for a ride.

DQ and Cameron spent Speedweek on the Salt

2011-09-17T13:37:00.000-07:00

Cameron and DQ bring the camping toys to the Bend in the Road each year.

Thanks to our friend and team mate DQ for sharing some of his pics from Speedweek.

Cameron dressed in Speed demon colors poses with his friend. Cameron has his birthday at Bonneville each year.

Gears & Rears change front drive ratio

2011-09-17T13:23:00.000-07:00

Ken Rouble, X-BSA motorcycle racer and
Norton Commando S owner/enthusiast

Ken Rouble, decked out in his Goldenhawk team shirt, gestures to the sign on the building.
Gears and Rears, we put our trust in the quality work of ROD FARROW for the changing up the gear ratio of our final drive from the original 2.50:1 to 3.50:1 with a spooled centre carrier. This change in gears means that the car could run over the current AA/DS record of 318mph and keep the engine rpm in a safe range.

Aurele Gagon (L), Ken, Justin Howat(R) roll out the drive assemble to load.

Thanks to Tony Rodrigues for his assistance and to Aurele for good wishes.

BMR # 66 Team's, Alan Fogliadini set new record

2011-09-17T11:12:00.000-07:00

One of the best the fastest hot rods in the world!

Congratulations to the BMR Team, GREAT JOB!
These guys were our guiding angels as we struggled to get the new Goldenhawk through tech inspection as a new streamliner in 2009. As I recall, Alan had spun at over 265mph in the early morning and once he was out of his fire suit came right over to our pits to oversee the changes being made. He never even mentioned that he had run, much less spun at that speed. The man is very cool. Thanks again and it is great to meet such unpretentious people.

Alan Fogliadini, is Mr.Cool when he is driving this racecar,
He set 288mph Record at Speedweek 2011!

Correction re: Dan Dempsey

2011-08-24T10:44:00.000-07:00

Randy:

Great to meet you in Abbotsford and thanks for the plugs on your blog. A couple of minor corrections: I was SB 9 (one of the solos) in 1980-1981 and commanded the Snowbirds as SB1 in 1989-1990.
The name of my book is "A Tradition of Excellence - Canada's Airshow Team Heritage" and it can be ordered via my address above or online at www.CanadasAirshowHeritage.com.

Thanks too for the T-shirts Randy. They are excellent.

Best of luck.
Dan

Team Leader
The Discovery Air "Hawk One"
Powered by Orenda
http://www.hawkone.ca/
Ph 250-661-0702
D.V. Dempsey
High Flight Enterprises Ltd.
1174 Sloan Terrace
Victoria, B.C.
Canada V8Y 3C4

www.CanadasAirshowHeritage.com

SPEEDWEEK 2011 is over but not life!

2011-08-20T12:30:00.000-07:00

Well Speedweek is over and the results are posted on the SCTA-BNI website (you can use the Link on this blog). I have been following the progress on line and dismissing all the reminders that my computer was programmed to alert me to this year, from loading day to packing up yesterday. We would be heading home today and be tired / broke and discussing all the things that transpire in the 10 days adventure of Bonneville that satisfies our Salt Fever.
If you have not witnessed the awesome sunrises, the clear blue sky, the roar of mighty engines , the scream of a wide open entry at the 4 mile mark pushing 400mph or the sunsets, the wonderful camaraderie of the competitors, crew, staff and fans, you must attend. Do it next year! Don't wait, for your bucket list will be buried with your other good intentions!

Live this time not the some time.

SEE YOU ON THE SALT 2012

Amber at Night Run

2011-08-20T11:47:00.000-07:00

Amber is my niece from Calgary. She took up running about a year or so ago to keep fit and has got hooked on the sport. She works in a banking office so the opportunity to keep fit must be created. Good luck Amber!

love, Uncle Randy

3rd 5K down!!! This was the best race EVER!! It was a lot of fun, and running at night is a whole new experience. Can't wait to do this one again, hopefully it comes back to Calgary next year!!
Amber

Colt Cams the leader of diesel technology!

2011-08-20T11:34:00.000-07:00

Geoff Bardal owner and camshaft expert is excited about the advancement he has made in cam design even in the two years since Piers Harry built the first Cummins 3.91 bt for the Goldenhawk. It's hard to believe it could get better!
Colt Cams is on board to grind up that new cam profile for next upgrade of our engines.
But you don't have to wait, you can order yours now 4 or 6 cylinder 12 or 24 valve technology by following the link on this blog or calling 604-856-3571 and speak to the man directly!

Ilona Bardal (Geoff's partner) and Mya the guard dog/pet pose in entrance to the new spacious Colt Cams machine shop. Maya looks like she wants to know why she didn't get a Goldenhawk team shirt. "Well Mya we will consider four arm holes in the next batch."

She was explaining the cut away of the Cummins and telling me about a photo shoot for a magazine, they were invited to attend (and be published in article) in Oregon. The article will feature Colt Cams as the best horsepower choice for your Cummins, 12 or 24 valve engine.
(About the shirt and model; As Rod Stewart says "You wear it well")

Now dat's a NOSE JOB!

2011-08-20T01:01:00.000-07:00

I hope one day the new upgraded Goldenhawk will have this shape of nose. Kevin has most of it drawn now just need time and talent to build it.

Dan is the most sought after Man at airshow!

2011-08-20T00:56:00.000-07:00

I meet Chris Adams to discuss photo procedure that brought back a lot of memories of my youth as RCAF photographer in Saskatoon.

It is always a thrill to sit in my favorite aircraft and always have to curb a little jealousy for the guys who fly the F-86 Sabre Jets.

OK I am ready, crank it up!!

The pilot of the HAWK ONE, Dan Dempsey got his honorary GOLDENHAWK RACING TEAM status and shirt. FYI, also Dan was once team leader, pilot of a SNOWBIRD #9 (one of the solos ) and commanded the Snowbirds as SB1 in 1989-1990.

After leaving the air force he has been flying passenger jets out of the far east.
He is also the author of a great book " A Tradition of Excellence - Canada's Airshow Team Heritage" edited byour friend Vic Johnson the editor of Airforce Magazine. The book is really a must have for every Canadian and airshow fan

and it can be ordered via online at http://www.canadasairshowheritage.com/

Dan & Randy discuss the Bonneville experience and are joined by team photographer Peter Handley. I wonder if I could get my old job back?? Not too likely.

Dan is here with "Smoky 2' He was the man responsible for making the red white and blue smoke made famous by the RCAF GOLDEN HAWKS.

Smoky2's wife was with him and she was a Fighter operations person in the RCAF also.
Smoky is telling Kevin how to make smoke for the streamliner and has promised to send us the formula and ingredients list.

HAWK ONE and GOLDENHAWK Teams meet

2011-08-20T00:17:00.000-07:00

It was early Sunday morning (13 Aug 2011) that we were to meet the crew of the A/C from Discovery Air. It did take but a minute for AME Chris Adams to get in race car uniform. Chris travels with the plane to keep it running in top shape and to fix any little snags on tour. He also does full PR duties. He is a very easy going and personable representative of our once again renamed, Royal Canadian Air Force

Thanks! Chris for the help to place the stairs and move them for the pictures.

AME Chris Adams was on hand to meet us for the photo op.
But first he had to upgrade his attire .

Kevin trying not to grin!

"Wave Kevin, wave to the camera"

Kevin says not much room for roll bars and helmet, but he'd love to fly it,
sorry only one seat.

You just have to love the smile on his face.

Tractors, the original dyno-meter

2011-08-14T15:38:00.000-07:00

Richmond BC driver Mr.Ball (?) owner of South Arm Excavating was very strong contender with a couple of John Deere machines.

I couldn't resist the temptation to attend the Classic Tractor Pullers meet in Cloverdale on Saturday. I was not disappointed as I watched many of the old tractors that I had grown up operating for the farmers in Saskatchewan. This 830 John Deere brings back many memories. They were very robust and could pull a very big load without ever stopping except for fuel and the driver to pee.

Check out the tail light. Do you recognize it? Then you may be old.

New canopy lift system

2011-08-14T15:10:00.000-07:00

Frank from Strutwise, (Kevin's neighbour and a sponsor of ours as well as a Truimph landspeed racer), and I are discussing a new system to open the automatically canopy with the release of the latch. This will improve safety and make escape from the car quicker.

More to come as we progress.

Jack Williams now in Aldergrove, BC

2011-08-14T14:55:00.000-07:00

Check out the shirts! it is an honour to have Jack wear it!

Jack is pressing the 80 year marker on his race through life and is still going strong. preparing to open Museum in Aldergrove. He has a myriad of toys and is going to make a nice place to host his many friends and his old favorites. Among his collection is an original Hemi 'Cuda, sprint cars and several front engine dragsters. Jack gave me my Christmas card, it is a photo of his oval track sprint car in his living room in Burnaby.
When you drive into Aldergrove watch on the north side of the Fraser highway and you will see the cars in the show room. Drop in and say hello. I am sure you will find him working on something special like I did. He was assembling a very clean flat head Ford.
Great to see a legend in his own time!
Good luck and good heath Jack.

New(est) Landing Gear is complete!!!!

2011-08-14T14:32:00.000-07:00

Would you believe that I actually did the final work on the build of the gear? I had to open up the centers of the wheels so they would fit over the Dodge hubs. It took a couple of hours with the high speed grinder and Harvey kept me company. He was likely amazed to see me actually work.

Landing gear almost finished

2011-08-14T14:22:00.000-07:00

As you can see Harvey Dyck is preparing the last of the parts to make the tow rig for the tandem (fits under front of car which is towed backwards) landing gear. This tow rig when not in use under the car will attach to the front (steering) gear and form a trailer configuration allowing it to be towed to wheresoever it is needed. Hopefully not to pick up the wreckage!
A special thanks to Harvey and Kevin for building the needed equipment.

Thieves Strike Goldenhawk

2011-07-26T19:58:00.000-07:00

Today when someone went over the six foot high chain link gate at Kevin's and made off with his welding equipment. This will cause harm and no doubt some delay. The good news is that is all they took.
Anyone hearing of a new red welder for sale cheap, let me know or report to Surrey RCMP.
Too bad the big dogs were in the house at the time.

Landing gear upgrade

2011-07-26T12:09:00.000-07:00

These photos show it in place with the wood deck fitted and the jacks and gear in place.

The landing gear will be road tested and then disassembled, all the parts taken into Burnaby for Brian & Myles Johnson at Apex Finishing ltd.to put their signature powder coat touch on them.

Tandem Jeep for new landing gear

2011-07-26T11:25:00.000-07:00

Mike Klaus and Kevin Knox have built a new jeep for carriage of the front of the car. It is made up from 2 Dodge mini van rear axles, (thanks to Ralph's Auto Parts on Scott Rod in Surrey).
Combine with Steel from Aggressive Tube Bending crop bin and the designs by Diversions 3D (http://www.kevinknox.com/) and precision cut by Frankforth Water Jet in Port Kells. During the build process Kevin was prepping and pre-fitting the pieces and Klaus was welding them up very expertly so as to not allow it warp.

Kevin says it is plenty strong!

GOOD JOB GUYS!

Harvey Dyck pleased with new jack system

2011-07-26T11:12:00.000-07:00

Harvey has built fittings that allow the standard heavy duty jacks to lock into the chassis sockets and allow us to safely raise or lower the car without damage to the body. This is necessary because you can't get an ordinary jack under the car when it is on the ground as the clearance is less that 2 inches.

Report July 26 2011

2011-07-26T11:01:00.000-07:00

It has been two months since I last reported to you my faithful fans and I am sure you are by now thinking "He's gave up" "They are not doing anything on the project" Etc.
Well although it seems like we are steady on the course, (or trying to get back on the course), it is a time in the project where all hands are busy making a life with family and trying to keep the wolf away from the door in these financially difficult times. However, we are still picking up support and new sponsors in kind almost every week.

One of our areas of limbo is the engine situation, as we have hopes that our engine sponsor will be able to allocate the high performance version of the Cummins 3.9BT(A) that is the platform of our race engine. We have all the speed equipment and and almost all the parts to rebuild our failed engine #001 and we have a spare core to machine and build a backup but a new one would mean less work and strong new parts are included.
This photo was taken before the car was stripped of the old landing gear and the turbo piping was removed and taken to KOOL COAT for ceramic coating.

Unsatisfactory Condition Report

2011-05-31T20:02:00.000-07:00

Unsatisfactory Condition Report or UCR as my retired RCAF friends and those serving in the Canadian Armed Forces will recognize the term as something, "not good "! Caused by driver error.
In our last run at Speedweek 2010 we suffered an exhaust failure and a small fire resulted in critical wiring and hoses being cooked. The result was we never, started the engine until this spring. It took a small shot of ether to fire up and there was an unusual amount of white smoke. We decided to tear it down to investigate the problem. But first, at the suggestion of some friends with diesel knowledge, we performed a "HIGH IDLE TEST" ,which I was not normally prepared to do but for the fact the engine had to come apart anyway. Now let me describe this high idle test, it just means that you open the throttle to see how many rpm it will turn. Not something I have even dreamed of doing with an engine, race prepared or not.
So, prior to tear down, Werner equipped with a laser tachometer and me managing the throttle, proceeded to find out that the valves floated at 4780 rpm. Not high for a light weight gas motor but quite high for a heavy duty diesel. When it pushed oil out of the crankcase breather, we knew that there was a serious problem.

#3 Cylinder showing damage to piston and scoring of wall.

Evidence of Valve contact #1 during Hi Idle Test and detonation (melting piston) .

When we tore it down we found that during the run at Bonneville, I had fed it way too much nitrous for the available fuel at that moment. I also in frustration with the lack of speed, I held the nitrous buttons down for a long time instead of doing what I knew was the right thing, release the buttons instead I was trying different overdrive setting hoping it would take off. When you add nitrous no increase in power is evident means no fuel. It is that simple!! My fault entirely. lesson two don't listen to people that tell you to do what you think is just wrong, unloaded engine at full throttle is bad move!
Damage: 4 pistons to replace, 4 intake valves to replace, cylinders will have to be bored .020 oversize and the cam shaft checked by COLT CAMS for damage.
I am embarrassed to admit all this but it is only the second time in all my racing days that I have lost an engine.
Landspeed Louise warned me, "It is not like drag racing, Randy and your a rookie out here!" I agree.

"Landspeed Louise" Honoured (Again)

2011-05-31T19:05:00.000-07:00

May 28, 2011, Indianapolis Motor Speedway–

The 2010 All American Racing Writers & Broadcasters Association (AARWBA) Contest winners were announced at the annual breakfast held in the shadow of the famed racetrack’s turn two. Now in its fourth decade, the annual competition attracts entries from across the nation as well as from around the world.

“LandSpeed” Louise Ann Noeth has earned two first place finishes: the first for Magazine Column Writing and the second for Magazine Technical Writing.

Both honors were awarded for her long-running, monthly Fuel For Thought column in the Goodguys Gazette. “Attitude, Gratitude, and Talking Race Cars” which ran in December 2010 earned the Magazine Column Writing top slot in the nation. For the Magazine Technical category win it was the January 2010 column, “Brain-Bucket Beef,” that judges gave the nod.

AARWBA President Ms. Dusty Brandel noted, “I loved to see the lady journalists finally getting proper recognition for all their hard work.”

In the male dominated motorsports world it is significant to note that women swept all three slots in Online News Reporting, finished one-two in three other categories and earned a total of 17 “podium” finishes overall for 2010.

Special note: This master word-crafter has always been supportive of the Goldenhawk Project and is the first media person to pop by the pits each year at Speedweek to wish us well. All of the Salt team and many of our sponsors treasure her beautiful book, BONNEVILLE SALT FLATS. I suggest you find a copy as it is the best book about landspeed racing.
Visit http://www.landspeedproductions.biz/ to learn more about our favorite photojournalist!

Model "A" hood ?

2011-05-31T12:35:00.000-07:00

The first side panel is in place and hinged. Kevin is mastering the technique of dealing with the myriad of dimensional changes in the car.
AND he hasn't sworn once at me for the design.
You will notice that the hood now opens much the same as many cars from earlier years. Back in the day when repairs were made with hay baling wire and ingenuity.

Checking for clearances.

2011-05-31T12:27:00.000-07:00

Kevin is checking to make sure all the hood panels open and close properly and with an even gap between them before proceeding to hang the second panels, the side panels.
It should be noted that this is a very challenging task due to the ever changing dimensions of the car. Remember to be aerodynamic it is 6 degrees of centre as it goes back from the nose to the tail. Therefore each panel is unique!!
Notice the canopy cover to protect it against damage on the road or in the shop. It was made by Craig of DICK'S UPHOLSTERY in Richmond BC. and is doing a fine job after 21/2 years.

Diversions in Aluminum Begin!

2011-05-31T12:18:00.000-07:00

Kevin is trial fitting the first hood panel to the strip he mounted on the centre line of the car.

Now he has the first hinged panel installed, Tina (wife) is doing quality inspection. It passed!

Body #3 by Knox

2011-05-31T12:05:00.000-07:00

This time Kevin (http://www.kevinknox.com)/ is changing the material to aluminum, .1000 thick and bent to his specifications exactly by LONESTAR Industries Ltd. http://lonestarstainless.com/ Langley, BC.

Goldenhawk on UTube

2011-05-31T11:49:00.000-07:00

These were edited by Micheal the Jeweler in Aldergrove, BC. Thanks, you did good considering it is your first attempt at video editing. Micheal does custom jewelry check out his website too.

#1-The footage is courtesy of Mark Brazeau of http://www.landspeedracingvideo.com/
Be sure to order your copies of the full years of coverage at Bonneville.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zh4YRHAMIAE&NR=1

#2- Yuri Tofini of AGGRESSIVE TUBE BENDING steers the car to the start line and Werner is pushing in his "bling lil dodge" pickup for first run in 2009.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0xvy32WoVNo&feature=related

#3-Thanks to our musical sponsor TROOPER http://www.trooper.com/ They wrote this music years ago but it is appropriate for the Goldenhawk Racing team and "for my money the world's best rock band."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iK56P6vGwBc&NR=1

#4- This is from 2010 Speedweek and the last run we made. It shows Dean's footage from the pits and the aftermath of the exhaust ignited fire.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zEqjxoHsGIg&NR=1

#5- Forming the nose at Plastec in 2007 this was the first piece to be vacuum formed from Kevin Burnett's handmade plug! Shown are Kevin B, Pat Colgen and Barry Clarke on forklift. (Barry is the owner of PLASTEC in Port Kells,BC.)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S9In_cGvGnA&feature=related
You may have seen these most are from 2009 Speedweek.

Regards,

Randy

Check out G'Hawk on ARP blog

2011-05-31T10:54:00.000-07:00

Thanks to ARP our engine is securely fastener to with stand the high rpm we are demanding from the Cummins 4bt. I would definitely recommend anyone building engines or race cars to use AMERICA RACE PRODUCTS anywhere that requires extra strength and clamping forces.
click here
http://arp-bolts.com/pages/Contest_Display.php?_ID_ApprovedNumber=00007

Diversions Designs Nitrous Sheild

2011-05-31T10:45:00.000-07:00

During tech inspection at Speedweek 2010 last year, there was some concern about the placement of the nitrous lines. Some inspectors did not consider the mandatory DJ Safety,(SFI 4.1) explosion blanket on the automatic, covering the torque converter to be adequate. The reasoning was that it still is subject to: "All fuel lines in the area of the clutch and flywheel shall run though heavy steel tubing or outside the frame rails regardless, of the presence of a scattersheild.". Considering the nitrous is actually not fuel, or that there is no flywheel or clutch in the car, we still moved things to pass inspection. As a person with many years of observation of the changing rules in NHRA particularly, I understand where most of the rules originated and also why they remain albeit not always clarified as things change or are added.
Therefore Kevin and I decided to avoid future arguments and build a 1/4 inch thick addition to the frame that places the lines outside the frame and still protects them from any form of explosion. Note the GREEN Shield in the rendering. Once again, it always easier to change the car than the interpretation of the rule book.
I would like to thank the Safety and tech inspectors for their diligence and dedication to our safety!

Death in the Landspeed Family

2011-05-14T12:05:00.000-07:00

It is with great sadness that we learned of the passing of Bill Summers. Bill passed away in his sleep earlier this week. Bill was not only our hero, he was also in touch with me from time to time to check how things were going and to offer advice.He was still active in racing and was preparing a new lakester I have no further information at this time.

My sympathy to his family and close friends.

Nikki is our new T-Shirt model

2011-04-30T12:08:00.000-07:00

Nikki is Dean and Tish's Eldest daughter, she has graciously agreed to model our new team shirts for us. These photos were taken by Dean and are just proofs to check the colors. Watch for the official one soon.

She is a beauty and I think will be a natural model!

OK all you guys, she has a boyfriend and her dad is a nice but biker type, you don't want him to hurt you!!!!.

Engine Start up for 2011

2011-04-30T11:44:00.000-07:00

It was very smoky in the tent when we barked the little Cummins to life. We had good oil pressure and the twin turbos cranked out 20lbs of boost just by holding the brake and blip ping the throttle. We have been checking all the systems and everything seems OK. There was some minor issues with a fuel pump lever that had vibrated loose last run and the water tank pump failed. It distorted from the heat of the fire I guess but now thanks to International Boat Repairs, and owner Efren Pilay we have a top quality made in America pump.

Amber is a runner.

2011-04-30T11:35:00.000-07:00

Some of you may recall My niece Amber from Calgary she was here to see the car just before Bonneville 2009. Well she has taken to running long distances. Here she is completing her first big race on St.Patrick's Day. (She is#1070)

Exhausting Fabrications

2011-04-30T11:29:00.000-07:00

Klaus getting ready to add the fresh NITRO LUBE from Jason Rite

Meet Harvey, he has been assisting on the exhaust and cleaning up damage from smoke as well as refurbished the shift air system.

Kevin is buttoning up his latest exhaust pipe reconfiguration. This one will not cause any fires!
It took a bit of brain storming and a few Heineken to design but it is simple and very stout.

Lindie and Rich race Quads / win 24 hr Enduro

2011-04-30T11:17:00.000-07:00

Rich and Lyndie with some of their toys!

Rich flying at sand dunes.

Another toy note the blower sticking out the hood.

Rich behind the shades.

Playing in the Water

Welders at large.

2011-04-30T11:03:00.000-07:00

I would like to welcome Lindie and Rich to our support team. Rich is an excellent welder and operates his own mobile business. He is assisting with welding of the heavier parts that Kevin, Klaus and Harvey are not set up for, he welded the big joining manifold after Kevin machined it. We build everything from scratch and often use crops from our friends in the fabrication industry like Aggressive and Lone Star Industries.

KEVINKNOX.COM does only precision work.

2011-04-30T10:55:00.000-07:00

Kevin Knox Diversions number one guy likes to get it exact and has fun doing it.Here he is installing his latest creation, the "TWINS", a Holset HX40 & a HX53. he is checking for clearances to the hood.

16 February was Moving Day

2011-04-30T10:40:00.000-07:00

Ken with his new Dodge Cummins 3500HD towed the trailer to his place and we pit the car in its new home. Thanks to a generous sponsor we were able to buy a brand new 20'x40' proper heavy duty enclosure and it is large enough that Kevin's truck fits in and allows us plenty of room to work on the car. It is also great light and it is ten steps from the welder, lathes, milling machines and Kevin's tools of which there is numerous, like everything!

Relaxing in new "shop" and Barklee is inspecting.

Old Tent was leaking and had collapsed from snow.

2011-04-30T10:28:00.000-07:00

As you can tell this is not good storage for Million dollar racer. Over the winter we had no alternative but to leave it in the tent at Werner's and as a result the corrosion and deterioration to electrics is still being dealt with daily.

The Good Old Days

2011-04-30T10:22:00.000-07:00

This is Steve's Stude in action, some of you old racers will remember it. Also click on the "DRAG SCOOP" news to see it larger.

Steve's Stude Gasser Restoration.

2011-04-30T10:17:00.000-07:00

Klaus introduced me to a nearby neighbour, Steve. Steve has a wonderful garage with plenty of neat stuff, hot rods, trucks, camaros, new and old, motorcycle, bicycles and the best on is this Stude Gasser from the sixties. Check out the neat hauler!

Runs like new.

Goldenhawk linked to Studebaker

2011-04-30T09:59:00.000-07:00

It is amazing just who you meet from Craig's list add for volunteers. The first guy to show up was Mike Klaus seen here driving the classic convertible by Studebaker. Klaus as he prefers to be known as is a rabid collector of these great cars. You will be see much of him as he is full on the team along with his buddy Harvey. Both of them are fabricators and very good at the trade in any material. Welcome aboard !

Kevin Knox / Diversions /Frankforth

2011-02-12T21:33:00.000-08:00

Kevin @ his lathe.

As you can see Kevin Knox and Sean of Frankfort Waterjet have been cooking up a new manifold for the twin turbo setup. It is near complete but I don't have a photo of the welded unit.

So you think you've seen it all?

2010-12-27T23:29:00.000-08:00

http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/archivepix.html

Click on this link. Then "save it to your favorites".

You will go back again and again

there is just no way to take it all in at one or ten times.

It is the most information in one place on the Internet.

Enjoy and when you are interested in the universe your TV will be never on.

I wish this technology had been available when I was a child.

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2011

Love to all.

Randy

Randy's First Hawk

2010-12-27T21:40:00.000-08:00

It was spring of 1962 in Barrie Ontario, near camp Borden that I found a beauty on a used car lot. It was a 1958 Studebaker Silver Hawk (the photo is a Goldenhawk). it was extremely fast but at the time I wanted drag race power and this V8 automatic equipped car would not smoke the tires. And it was a different color, not red or black but Black Cherry and Beige, just a little too classy for a 19 year old RCAF photographer. So 10 days later I traded it back in even for a RED & BLACK 1957 Oldsmobile with a 371 cubic inch Rocket J2 V8 and 4 speed hydromatic transmission. it would smoke the tires anytime and pass everything but a gas station.

(It was not one of my wisest choices but that's what kids do.)

mine was not convertible

Memories at Christmas

2010-12-27T21:25:00.000-08:00

Not all my memories from this time of year are happy. Back in 1965, on cold dark rainy night while traveling rather quick on a Vancouver Island twisting mountain road, made slick with oil dripping from logging (chip) trucks, in a car with bald tires, worn shocks and not equipped with seat belts, I lost control. The result was a slide, over correction and backing into a solid rock wall at about 55 mph, was that, this pretty 57 Pontiac was turned to junk. I was thrown out and bounce along in the rock ditch ahead of the wreck praying it would stop before I did! Good ending I was not injured and the car was still sort of drivable but severely bent in the middle, later the car was hauled to the scrapper. Remember, seat belts save lives and this was a lucky break. I always wore one after that.

"DURANGO KID" HAS GONE TO THE DOGS!

2010-12-27T21:07:00.000-08:00

Cameron, our friend from Durango, has a new puppy. We all were canvassed to submit names and the one he chose was ............"RANGER"!

I just love the look on the old dog's face, it seems to say,

"Well I guess I have two of them to look after now!"

Kirk Plummer passes at 50yrs.

2010-12-26T13:24:00.000-08:00

I have known Kirk all his life, his father, my nephew Dale was my idol, mentor, teacher and my big brother when I was growing up.

I was part of Lorna and Dale’s wedding day and it was Lorna’s mother Carrie that let us know when she gave birth to their first son:

KIRK DALE PLUMMER

13 NOVEMBER 1960 – 14 DECEMBER 2010

Kirk was involved in a single car crash, Abbotsford BC. He was ejected from the vehicle through the passenger window and suffered multiple injuries to his brain and spine. He was in a coma for 12 days before passing away. He was alone in the vehicle at the time. Black ice is believed to be the cause of the mishap.

In his memory,

I implore everyone to wear a seat belt!

Seven years after ?

2010-12-05T22:18:00.000-08:00

Today we celebrated Doug Menges' retirement from a long career with the gas company. And at that same time I was celebrating seven years to the hour of receiving open heart surgery. Thanks to the skilled healthcare personnel I am here to write this. Not only am I here but I have never felt healthier, younger, yes but not healthier!
The point of this is to confess the motivation behind the Goldenhawk Project, and that is; while awaiting and following the surgery I was surrounded by people that felt they had not lived life to the fullest. I, on the other hand was content and prepared to accept whatever the future would bring because I had lived my dreams and pursued my passions without fear of the future and without money as my God. Thanks entirerly to my parents, Bill and Lula (Lulu) Pierce. It was at that time I was motivated to set a land speed record and to include others in the process, that they too might have an adventure that they otherwise would have missed. This is not a noble or unself act just my way of life.
Thank you all for reading this and most importantly thanks all of the people who have been touched, contributed or are influenced by this project including my love Wendy.
Sincerely yours,
Randy

Point Grey's Teddy reunited with Peggy

2010-11-27T17:54:00.000-08:00

Peggy & Teddy at home in Talow Gardens

Point Grey Teddy

Teddy was Peggy's (Wendy's mother ) loving companion for 5 years. When Peggy went into care Teddy was adopted by our friend Walter.

Walter has loved and pampered "Teddy" for the last 6 years. Walter cooked special meals for him walked him daily and Gary T's Pub even built a special patio so that they could hang out at the local pub together. I always visited the pub with my dogs and so did several other friends. Teddy had a life of privilege and happiness. He will be missed by Walter now that he has gone to join Peg.

Dave and Calvin & Record Lakester at World Finals

2010-11-23T22:25:00.000-08:00

Hey All,
I don't know if you guys heard this....
We had extensively rebuilt our lakester last spring to include a covered cockpit and full body extension at roll cage height to the rear of the car... and also included the installation of a Dodge Nascar R5P7 engine. well, did not perform correctly at Bonneville Speedweek this past summer. It seems that the car was not handling correctly- specifically, the car seemed to be jumping sideways in either direction pretty much at random. Calvin Dirks, who has been driving for the last few years, was saying that he was afraid to go any faster than he was going- about 180 MPH. We tried several things to straighten it out- all to no avail. As much checking as we could do at the salt seemed to indicate that we had a bent rear axle housing, making the rear tires toe out by perhaps 3/16".... This was a recent built, 6" wider axle than we had run in the past. And we had built it ourselves .... so I guess we messed it up on the housing jig somehow. To say the least, we too left Bonneville feeling a little dismayed.
So, a couple of weeks later, Steve, Calvin and I had a meeting about the car (and we had beers too, of course). The discussion centred around what exactly was wrong. We decided to build yet another new rear axle housing, using all new Currie components. (Currie is a Bonneville person incidentally).... This time, the housing checked out perfectly for alignment. After installing it in the car, we also decided that our transmission needed to be looked at as it seemed to be "clicking" too loudly as it was turning. We discovered that we had two identical gear pairs (ratio and appearance wise anyway) that we somehow mixed up one main-shaft gear from one pair with the cluster shaft gear from the other pair. We have a mesh checking jig on which we test these gears and discovered that there was no gear backlash on the "pair" in stock and that "pair" also clicked loudly when turned together on the jig. Upon disassemble of the transmission, the gears were swapped around, and on the jig, they worked correctly- now with backlash and no more clicking. The transmission was reassembled and put in to the car along with the rear axle re-installation.
This was about mid September when all this took place... as the work progressed a thought of one of us was spoken out loud.... "It sure would be great if we could take the car down to the Wold Finals and check it out to make sure we fixed the problem".... Funny part of that was- We were all thinking it!
So, we emailed in an entry, and credit card info to pay for it of course, and then the next week, we got ready to go. The weather was looking to be a bit on the inclement side and we kept our collective fingers crossed, so to speak. We made it there late Wednesday morning- discovering that there had been rain overnight. However, the meet had already started by then and cars were running..... The area back toward the highway was under some water and the cars had to be pushed through some sloppy stuff to get to the starting line but the starting line and the course WERE in otherwise good shape!. We got through tech that afternoon just in time for another squall to roll through, so we made no run(s) the first day.... this was not such a bad thing really as we were all tired and I was still having ticker trouble.... after a nonstop drive to Wendover and being at the salt all day, an early to bed evening was definitely in order.
The weather more or less co-operated overnight with little rain and none hitting the course. After fuelling and sealing the tank we made our first run on Thursday afternoon. Calvin got the car up to 245 MPH and was ecstatic that the car was going straight! We made a second run and the car went 264 MPH! We called it an early day again on Thursday and went back to town by 5:00PM. After a few beers, we were talking (in hushed tones, of course- the Gods of speed seem to frown on presumptuousness) about making the car go faster. We made our third run on Friday, early in the afternoon..... The car went 275.65+ MPH which qualified it for the record! The old record was 273.400 MPH...... at the end of the course, when we got to Calvin and the car, though, something was amiss..... two things actually.... one of our front tires had gone flat and the parachute had gotten all torn up during deployment, although it had brought the car to a stop. We have a draw bar that we plug into a trailer hitch receiver welded into the front of the car (covered by the removable nose of course). So, several of us grunted the car up on to the truck trailer hitch and we towed the car to impound. Several of the boys did everything they could to ensure that we were good to go the next morning while I disassembled the spindle mount Cragar Supertrick wheel to change the tube (and yes I had spare tubes!)..... Record runs the next morning saw us there well before daybreak (the meet WAS in October and the daylight hours are fewer than during Speeweek).... Under a lot of vehicle headlights we, as well as everyone else, got ready for the big event. The oil was heated and the pressure was primed, the engine was started and brought up to operating temperature and we were ready to push down to the starting line. As our turn came up, the driver was suited and put in the car, the engine was fired again, seven bags of ice were added to the cooling system (we use 10 or more during the hot weather) and we were ready to push off.... As the car was pushed to 65 MPH, and Calvin saw the 1/2 mile mark coming up, he engaged the clutch and took off.... all we could do is get to the other end and listen to the radio.... 251+ MPH in the 1/4 mile- WOW!... 259 MPH, 271 MPH, 275.7+ MPH and out the back door at 282 MPH!!!!!!!! A NEW RECORD!!!!! AND A NEW 200 MPH CLUB MEMBER FROM CANADA!!!!!!! FROM OUR TEAM!!!! THAT MAKES FOUR OF US NOW!!!!! RECORD SPEED WAS 275.674 MPH!!!!
......and all we had started out wanting to do was test the car to see if the handling problem had been rectified..... Well, we came home floating- feeling like it anyway.... and talking about how much more we can possibly have in this setup..... We know that we will need several hundred pounds of extra ballast for traction as the car was getting a little loose as it went into the higher speeds. We also know that we can get about 50 more HP by going to a dominator carburetor from the Holley 830 CFM Nascar carburetor. The engine will also rev higher with the bigger induction and will need better valve springs.... Can we go 300 MPH?.... It remains to be seen.
Anyway, how are things with the Goldenhawk?..... Are you getting the fire damage repaired?
Talk to you soon,
Dave

the ORIGINAL FAST GUYS did it again!

2010-11-23T21:49:00.000-08:00

Remember these guys, the guys? Some of you correctly identified them last year (Yvonne from AGGRESSIVE TUBE BENDING), as Eric Langstroth, Dave and Steve Green. Well they are back and this time not with the 250+ mph Vega. I am posting a letter I got from Dave Green yesterday.

The World's fastest Vega

There is one more fast guy to add to the bunch, That"s Calvin Dirks, he is the driver of the new 280+ mph red Lakester.

Larry Hicks longtime street rodder and drag racer

2010-11-20T23:36:00.000-08:00

Larry "almost my cousin" points out all the custom made parts to keep this street legal.

Good old 392 Hemi complete with blower and Injection

Couple of skinny tires out back to help rotate the earth when LARRY mashes the Loud Pedal!

Now this is a real HOT ROD ; nice work Larry Hicks of Abbotsford BC.

Doing the laundry on my patio,

2010-11-20T23:10:00.000-08:00

It took a full day on my patio,to clean,dry and fold the chutes for storage

Coolie Dually Ready to tow Goldenhawk

2010-11-18T21:18:00.000-08:00

Thanks to Agnew Bailiffs and Financial Adjusters

The Goldenhawk team now have a 1 ton Dodge 3500, 4 door, dual wheeled, truck with a special heavy duty canopy complete with custom built stainless steel rack. No more white knuckle flights to Bonneville and we will be able to transport the car locally without depending on others to drop everything and help us. Perhaps later we will get our paint sponsor to match the color of truck body but for now I am delighted.

Looking to the future!

2010-11-18T21:05:00.000-08:00

Kevin has been working on a new body design that will cut 2 square feet from the frontal area. This will aid in the aero package. We also have been getting some support for the adding of the second engine in hopes of exceeding the overall diesel landspeed record by running 360+ in the measured mile. To accommodate this engine we will add a section to the chassis (shown in silver) . As you can see there are two options of where we add the section and they create a different body shape. When I designed the chassis I foresaw this event and built it so that it will be a minimum of work (still lots) to stretch. What do you think? Tell us which you think will be faster by email or comment on the blog...

Agnew Bailiffs is proud to present:

2010-11-18T20:48:00.000-08:00

Kevin Knox of http://www.diversions.com/ designed the new set up on his computer in 3D, also sourced the materials and is fabricating it as of this week. We are soooo lucky to have this talented guy on board with the Goldenhawk.

Note that he has shown it as it will be but has deleted the engine itself from the photo.

Looking forward intake side.

Looking back exhaust side.

Looking top view.

South Bend Clutch 4 bt mudbogger

2010-11-18T20:30:00.000-08:00

This is a look at what South Bend Clutches mud bogger looks like. This set up they built on our "sister" engine that was also built by Piers Harry and has all the same stuff as ours.

However, theirs makes 45 - 50 lbs boost at the line and approaching 100 lbs at the other end. It almost tore up the dyno during a test. You can see all the videos of this google South Bend clutch mud bogger or search it on you tube. One hell of a wild 4 banger.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5_YScIOJ1fA <<<< click here

New Exhaust Manifold

2010-11-18T20:22:00.001-08:00

This is a modified Cummins manifold. I ported and polished it then KOOL COAT ceramic coated it . When ZOLTAN BOD of ZOLTAN'S PORTING SERVICE checked it on the flow bench it flowed within 85% of a short straight header pipe.

This is now going on the engine.

Turbo Charger Setup

2010-11-18T20:13:00.000-08:00

This is the current set up in which we used the HOLESET supplied HX40 and the manifold I designed and the team built.

It as I mentioned is highly suspect of the reason that we are not getting boost pressure and therefor no horsepower and limited rpm.

Bud's Brother David Poole

2010-11-17T22:40:00.000-08:00

Reg's younger brother was also in the RCAF in the 60's seen here in HAWK ONE. He lives in Victoria BC.

Airforce in the family genes!

Steven Poole is a retired ship's Captain and his son is the chopper pilot that gave Reg /Bud/RJ his send off flight.

Reginald James Poole R.I.P.

2010-11-17T21:44:00.000-08:00

Reginald James Poole

Passed away 18 October 2010 at age 69. Born 24 December 1940 in Halifax Nova Scotia. His father was in the RCAF and like his father and younger brother he joined the Royal Canadian Air Force. he was always a Scientist and served as a photographer in the air force before working a full career in the crime lab of the RCMP in Vancouver, BC.

Known to his family as Bud and to he rest of us as Reg or RJ, our quiet and lovable friend. I met Reg July 1962 in Ottawa, RCAF Stn. Rockcliffe we shared a room in the barracks and worked at the White House. We always kept in touch and when he moved to Vancouver were lived only 3 blocks from each other. I took Reg to his first (and likely only) drag race in Arlington Washington. He brought a young lady, Barbara, and later that year I gave the bride away at their wedding. His brothers and family hosted a memorial to him 24 Oct. in Richmond and there was a large attendance. His brothers (youngest)Steve and David, and family shared great stories of his life. Bryan Howson , RJ's best friend also a photo type from Rockcliffe, spoke and read a passage from the Bible, others paid tribute by singing songs he loved and relating great memories of him. His ashes were carried to the Sunshine coast by his nephew piloting a helicopter, a fitting last flight for a great guy. whether you called him, Bud, Reg or RJ he was a great guy, loved by all that knew him and he will be missed!
GOD SPEED my ol' Buddy!

RJ & Bryan

"doing lunch"

Marno Culchesky (Dean's Mom) passed away

2010-11-17T21:22:00.000-08:00

Dean's mother, Marno Culchesky,

has passed from this world to the next.

I wish to express my sympathy

to her family and friends.

In memory of

Marno Culchesky

the family invites family & friends to join them for a Memorial Service

and reception on

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

at 2pm

Ryerson United Church

2195 45th Ave. West (Kerrisdale)

Vancouver, BC.

Great Mexican Food in Twin Falls

2010-11-16T22:33:00.000-08:00

When we stopped for dinner and a rest in Twin Falls Idaho, Bryson was still grinning.

We stopped for the night in a hotel at Boise and in the morning we headed home arriving safely in Surrey at about midnight. We were burnt, beat, tired and broke but the conversation was all about what we needed to do to set the record next August. This team is typical of adventurous people with a Passion for speed and a healthy dose of SALT FEVER.
A special thank you to the salt team and the supportive families that enable us to do this thing called LAND SPEED RACING.

BIKERONI or TacoMan it's Bryson

2010-11-16T22:25:00.000-08:00

When Dean spelled Kevin off in the tow rig Bryson got to ride the Victory. Can you see the grin? Two days of bliss for him

, he was loving it!

Goodbye Wendover Will

2010-11-16T22:17:00.000-08:00

Thursday in the early afternoon with Kevin wheeling the beast we wave goodbye to Wendover Will and head back home. Werner follows us to provide assistance in the event of breakdown and Deans rides his Victory grinning and soaking up the sun.

Damage report by Bryson.

2010-11-16T21:53:00.000-08:00

Bryson was quick to compile a list of the damage. Then we folded our pit said goodbye to (the Doc), Glenn and Les, as they were leaving to continue their vacation. The rest of us then headed to Wendover to shower and rest up in preparation for the loading and journey home tomorrow (Thursday). After we loaded up Irish, Alan Slattery started his journey to California where he spent the next month traveling and hanging with his friends.

Collision Damage Claim???

2010-11-16T21:36:00.000-08:00

Body damage is actually repairable, however it may take a trip back to PLASTEC in Port Kells to get more flat ABS panels. Fortunately Plastec made some spares and we have several formed panels to repair the lower portion and the hood. It will take a plastic fabrication wizard like KEVIN ( see www.kevinknox.com ) to put humpty dumpty back in shape.

This caused by not paying attention! Word to the wise "When you want to go well over 200mph, at a 130mph things still happen fast!" I learned several valuable lessons in the space of a very few minutes.

First look at the FIREHAWK!

2010-11-16T21:23:00.000-08:00

The foam insulation sponsored and applied by GREER, certainly did it's job as the plastic body although sort of warped it didn't melt down or take fire.

This was only one of the suggestions to come from our Fire Meeting and Cold Corona session. Some others were Blackhawk, Fire Chicken, Old Smoky and Crispy Critter just to name a few.

Post Fire Meeting

2010-11-16T21:05:00.000-08:00

As you can see the first order of business was to de-stress with a cold Corona from the Docs fridge. Kevin was healing himself and everyone was discussing the "incident" and a fellow racer is surveying the damage to the Goldenhawk. I want you to focus on the yellow decal in the last photo. Thanks to Mike Tonelli and his company ACME FIRE in Burnaby the car suffered only minor heat and smoke damage.

Crash & Burn run #5 2010

2010-11-15T15:39:00.000-08:00

Well here is my story and I am sticking to it!

We left the line and Werner was concerned that I was not moving into the centre of the course, but as I said possible tire damage could happen. The car was driving like a Mercedes smooth easy to steer, and very comfortable. However, the boost was not developing so I began to focus on the instruments as I tried one nitrous injection controlled by the switch on the steering wheel. I was also turning the overdrive off and on to see if that made a difference. Nothing helped and as I cruised along at 130MPH, I think the wind died a little bit and the car drifted to the right approx 4-5ft, so when I looked back out the canopy there was a red course marker bearing down on the right front of the Goldenhawk. I tried to correct but never had time so I clipped the marker which made a thump but nothing seemed to be damaged so I continued playing dyno operator until at mile 4 I dropped the chute. Everything was going fine so I let it coast on the chute until just pasted our pits and then turned left. As the Hawk crossed the little ripples of salt between the graded course and the return road, a little wisp of smoke came out from the front of the hood panel. Ah- ha, I thought the transmission has burped and fluid is on the exhaust, no problem, a split second latter the smoke puffed out from another couple of panels. Should I pull the ACME Fire system? Decided not because it would mean a delay to get them refilled. One more nanosecond later smoke is coming out everywhere, pull the engine fire system turn off the main electrical switch, apply heavy brakes. Now the smoke is pouring into the cockpit, the thickest brown smoke you ever could imagine, pull the cockpit fire system, unlatch the belts, canopy release and prepare to bail out. The car is still moving but stopping quickly as I free up the shoulder belts, I can only see the inside of the helmet, the smoke is that thick! Now comes the real lesson, I remembered during the safety inspection when we were doing bailout procedures with the new HANS device that the belts sort of hang up as they slide over the shoulders, so I took my right hand and the left belt giving it an exaggerated swing up to clear the device. Oops now the smoke is coming in the breath!! I have knocked the fresh air tube from the helmet. The words death by smoke inhalation flashed to my brain (too many aircraft accident reports as a kid in the RCAF). I try to hold my breath as I push open the canopy, but I am filled with adrenaline and control of the respiratory system requires concentration and my concentration is focused on getting OUT! Remember this is all happening in about 4 to 5 seconds. As the canopy opens the smoke raises and I see the grill of the fire crew's truck coming to a stop. The fire guys helped me out and proceeded to spray fire extinguishers into any openings they could find. Thanks to Wendover Fire Dept and all the volunteers that dedicate themselves to our safety. I will have a video prepared/edited soon to post for you to see as Dean captured some of it on his camera as he was on the scene from the pits and Kevin was videoing from the push truck.

The last Pass, amen.

2010-11-15T15:25:00.000-08:00

After more than hour wait, we are finally off to make another test run. The set up on the drive train is, OTT doubler set at 1:1 the transmission overdrive will be engaged. We are hoping this will help develop some boost. However, we discover later that the video cameras timed out/ ran out of memory just as we were about to leave the start. Sorry, our mistake, next time we will turn them on later and maybe there will not be an extra hour of sitting in the stage lanes.

Werner does a great job of following me as we set our position to run near the right side marker. The starter has cautioned me to that course because of the possibility of glass on the course from the wreck.
Better be safe than sorry!

Oh yes there is a 10mph side wind from the East (right) and this year there was no black line at the edge of the course but extra markers.

Hurry and Wait!

2010-11-15T15:20:00.000-08:00

Just as we pull up to make our run the car ahead of us has had a slight mishap. The starter say no one is injured but we will have to wait while they clean up the debris.

In true military fashion it is HURRY UP & WAIT!

All set to go!

2010-11-15T15:11:00.000-08:00

Were ready, Let's go!

The Doc and the crew are stuffing the fat guy in the blue suit in the cockpit and belting him up so he doesn't flee.

Scenes on the way to the start

2010-11-15T14:45:00.000-08:00

This folks is a lakester, because although streamlined,it has no fairings over the wheels

This is Terry Nish's Royal Purple streamliner, very nice creation and extremely fast.

I love the Studebaker, they are one of the reasons I developed an interest in Bonneville when I was a teenager. Yes Sir Sanchez's lowboy went 212+ with an early hemi back in the late 1950's

Kaptain Kevin Knox and Werner Sprenger co-driver and partner in the project since the beginning, were getting a lot of attention. I think it is the Canadian flag!

Ready to push out for Wednesday run.

2010-11-15T14:35:00.000-08:00

The GOLDENHAWK, aka, APEX FINISHING Ltd. "SPECIAL"

FROM BURNABY BC.

is ready to be pushed out for Werner and the crew to take it to the staging lanes.

BC fan has very respectable ride!

2010-11-15T14:14:00.000-08:00

Just neat!

Check this out, they are from BC and this is a wonderful creation. Check the door decal, I understand it is authentic!

Unfortunately I have lost the owner's name. Please email me if you know it.

Randy

click on photo to enlarge.

Wednesday Team Goldenhawk Sunrise

2010-11-15T13:45:00.000-08:00

This is the spot and the time of day every racer hopes and works for, it is the start and it is when the record runs are taking place to backup yesterdays qualifying run!

Dean had stayed behind to help care for his mother. She is battling cancer, but she insisted he not miss the races because of her. So Monday morning in Delta BC. , Dean packed his toothbrush and mounted the big Victory motor scooter and in just 15 hours of sun burned riding covered the 900 miles (1500KM) arriving at the hot rod show about 10 that night. He was pretty red and tired and the bike was begging for rest indicated by a reluctance to fire up instantly. They both were refreshed in the morning.
Dean and I are watching as Cody airs up the shifter accumulator and Kevin is fastening the body on for an early start. Werner is due to arrive shortly with more supplies and his very pretty 4x4 Dodge push truck.

Cheer up Doc!

2010-11-15T13:20:00.000-08:00

SURREY CENTRE OPTOMETRY

Surrey Centre Optometry

Doctor R.G.Dyck

You can just tell from the expression on his face that Glenn is not likely enjoying the run up in the pits where his job is to be the driver. He will really be smiling when it is his turn at the wheel on a 200+ run,

a day which is coming!

This is also the sponsor for our great triple axle flat deck trailer that carries all this equipment to Bonneville, plus he makes his motor coach available to for the driver to get dressed in a calm cool environment. You will also find him at the start line assisting in the launch preparations.

Landspeed Louise

2010-11-15T12:37:00.000-08:00

I am honoured by the presence of greatness in the automotive world and Louise Noeth is indubitably the greatest when it comes to landspeed racing. Her book BONNEVILLE SALT FLATS is a treasure and Cameron received his copy today,on his birthday and it is one of the last copies available as it is out of print. Well girl time to write a sequel and I want one of the first off the press. As you can see the crew is getting their copies signed, the Doc, Kevin and Dean were fortunate to be here today for the last copies. When the video is edited we will witness the team and Landspeed Louise singing happy birthday to Cameron. (Last year it was Roger Manson's birthday, so hopefully it will be an annual ritual!)

Cameron the Driver

2010-11-15T00:02:00.000-08:00

Cameron was enjoying his birthday. Not many young folks can say they were behind the wheel of a streamliner at Bonneville salt flats on their birhday!

Target 550

2010-11-15T00:00:00.000-08:00

Now here is a project that just might have the power and the car to hit 525!

Check out (click this link)www.target550.com

I have visited with Mr. Jim Hume and checked out the car, it is a work of utter craftsmanship and a work of art. Jim is well known for his fabrication of very successful fuel drag cars. He is a very gracious host and quite a treat to spend time with him. He does a lot more than build race cars. His card reads,
"JIM HUME creator of unique and curious things"
and it is very evident when you see his workshop in a rural Washington setting. Thanks for your time Jim.

And Away We Go!

2010-11-14T23:59:00.000-08:00

This is the moment we all are working for, to make a run, to see the result and to learn what to do next.

This run was to test the gear ratios and to see what the maximum gearing would achieve. This configuration given enough power and rpm would run just over 525 mph at 5500 rpm. (I know it would take tremendous horsepower and I know we are never going to use that much GEARS but we also know that from there we can work back to what we can achieve. By the way with no boast the engine was able to push the car 98mph. Think of it this way the engine makes 1 1/4 revolution (2 cylinders only fired on the 4 stroke) and the wheels (28inch in diameter) turn 1 revolution. That is equivalent to 1:1.25 overall gearing, imagine riding a bicycle that had the same size front sprocket as the rear and you will understand the level of power required to go 525mph.

Contact Point

2010-11-14T23:51:00.000-08:00

Werner Sprenger eases up to the push bar and when the starter gives him the sign he begins to push the Goldenhawk. The engine is running and the crew has it warmed up in the starting line, however the reason we push it until we reach a certain speed is because we don't have a torque converter or clutch, therefore it must be moving before the driver hits the air shifter to engage the drive. This is usually around 50 - 80 KM or 30- 50mph.

Birthday boy Cameron

2010-11-14T23:17:00.000-08:00

At the long course start line waiting our turn Cameron and his dad DQ are taking pictures and watching the cars leave for their trip to the "speed zone".

Today is Cameron's birthday!

Notice the Irish has a cowboy hat on. He is becoming western dude in preparation for his trip to California at the end of Speedweek and to carry on his North American experience.

We all hope he will make it back for 2011 and get to drink some bubbly when we set the record.

Video coming?

2010-11-14T22:53:00.000-08:00

Please be patient with me as I am struggling to learn the video editing program so that I can post some footage for you to see. I may have to let/get someone to actually do it. I was a photographer and I know how to make film strips to movies but video is different and I am not a computer whiz, but I will keep trying.
Randy

Pre-run briefing

2010-11-14T22:47:00.000-08:00

Once the Agnew Bailiffs Goldenhawk streamliner is checked and rechecked it is pushed out on the salt. At this time the "SALT TEAM" holds a briefing to discuss how the procedures are to unfold. Example: who will take the car to the line, what lane will we go to,where the driver will dress and when, who will attend to the cameras, the body work, the safety items that need to be addressed just before we roll to the starter, who is going to go with Werner in the push truck and several other details. planning these little details is important especially for a rookie team like us and

considering that the team takes turns with a different task each run. We may be new at this land speed thing but we becoming a smoother operation. The driver not so much and you will see why in the next posts.