Malcolm,
I don't think that anyone is trying to be disrespectful. Much of what
you are saying is the absolute truth. We just come from a world view. We
are Hot Rodders, we take what we can collect and put it together and
make it go.
I believe the Hot Rod Community has proven that it can compete with the
multi-million dollar projects. Craig Breedlove, Art Arfons, Bill & Bob
Summers, Mickey Thompson, Al Teague, Nolan White, Fred Larsen, the
Vescos, Nish...the list could go on forever, these are people, who
conceived and built these cars themselves, many without sponsor help.
Some feel it important to hold FIA records, because, as someone has
said, future sponsor interest makes it necessary.
I really think that FIA should be courting us, though. As far as World
Records are concerned, whether recognized by FIA or not, if no one is
faster in your recognized engine and body class, then you hold a World
Record in my book.
I respect what the Thrust Crew did, it is quite an accomplishment and
they should enjoy being on top of the heap. If I was in their position,
I wouldn't get too relaxed, though, some Hot Rodder may just push them
off.
Tom
Malcolm Pittwood wrote:
>
> A lot of reaction to my prompt on topics that might be discussed in
> Jonathon Amo's chat session.
> Why shoot the messenger then flame him as well, the temperature in the UK
> wen't up to boiling point !? I have to defend some of the 'attacks' which
> relate to the the rocket bike, which I will do in a moment.
> I am not employed by the FIA or the FIM, all I did was tell the list how
> they accept records on an International basis. To correct Louise - Al
> Teague and Bill Summers do not hold 'World Records' - they are both
> International Automobile class record holders, with one the fastest blown
> car and the other the fastest unblown car in the World.
> Wes, Tom and Glen - I have never criticised tha accuracy of timing at
> Bonneville but that is only one element of setting records. (Thanks to Ron
> Christensen for pointing out the greatest difference is on the one hour
> turn around rule).
> I cannot speak for Andy Green, but you all know he was to drive the
> 'conventional' MG at Bonneville, just for a timing slip. Both Andy Green
> and Richard Noble were honoured by fellow racers with 200 mile per hour
> club memberships - very heartening as neither set their records on the salt
> flats.
> Most people over here know nothing about Nolan Whites 442 mph - are there
> more details ?
> If the list arguments are accurate, why do US racers such as Pat
> Rummerfield, Bruce Linsemyer and Don Vesco wish to have FIA recognition as
> well as their SCTA/BNI records ?
> I have never / would never make any disparaging remarks about any
> Bonneville record holder or 'garbage' their efforts. Please read what is
> written in my e mails, do not add any phrases I would never utter. I met
> many racers at the 50th Bonneville in 1998 and some were a great help on
> the salt last September at our private attempt.
> Joe - I have no worries about Team Maximum Impulse missing the FIM record
> or indeed any record. On a first attempt and with just seven powered runs
> we proved a lot of new technology works safely and the team can operate
> well. As only the FIM recognise our thrust powered two wheeler we have to
> work with them and the AMA. As we cannot run the rocket bike at any
> organised Bonneville event, we will never know what we would claim under
> 'your' rules. (The teams objective had to be a FIM World Record in their
> thrust powered class).
> Glen and Wes - Any safety slurs against the rocket bike are uncalled for -
> did you see the bike close too ? How many engineers on the list came to
> see it run and have inspected the bike ?
> The AMA have a construction report which I believe shows that Richard built
> the most tested two wheeled design ever. For reasons that the designers
> felt were best for the type of vehicle created, there are two areas where
> SCTA motorcycle tech inspection would probably have turned us away. If
> anyone knows what those two items are, without guessing, post them to the
> list !!
> I don't take an interest in Boxing and I don't drink much tea, but I deal
> with motorsports governing bodies in England, Europe and the USA and have
> to live most of the time with a European preference for FIA and FIM rules.
> When I get a badge which says something other than "Bonneville Nationals"
> and more than two countries adopt USA class rules and operating procedures,
> then we all may see a change to the facts of International and World
> recognition.
> Malcolm, "still feeling singed and warm", Pittwood, Derby, England.
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