My second trip to the salt (running the "130 club") we spent about a 1/2
day in the "tech tent" - fascinating stuff. Learned tons (not near
enough) and witnessed the following:
A first- timer going through tech w/ a yet virgin car. The Driver/owner
was quite prosperous. (My doc always says I'm getting more and more
prosperous.) The car was a pretty serious A or B roadster (scary to me).
Tech goes along, car is pretty good (those tech guys are thorough -
thank god) then they suggest the driver get suited up/ now the
helmet/now we want to see the belts and all safety gear in place.
Then the "show" started. To the driver: OK, you are on fire - GET OUT!
Driver: what do you want me to do first?
Tech: you are on fire, its up to you.
I was surprised the guy didn't code (have a heart attack) right on the
spot. He was red, sweaty and panting when he got out. First thing he
says is: "Guess I need to practice some . . . "
I learned a good lesson at that fellow's expense.
Blindfold? By the time I get suited, collared, helmeted, strapped in
and tethered I can't see a damn thing . . . (but it's a great idea.)
Driver's Ed: Once can't have too many skills.
And finally: eligibilty criteria should NOT be based on age. Ability,
knowledge, conditioning, hardware but not age.
My $.02 . . . .
David in Durango
-----Original Message-----
From: land-speed-bounces+davidadin=mercydurango.org@autox.team.net
[mailto:land-speed-bounces+davidadin=mercydurango.org@autox.team.net] On
Behalf Of Tom Bryant
Sent: Monday, August 27, 2007 10:19 AM
To: dan warner; AA List; Sparky
Subject: Re: [Land-speed] Bail out
Hello to all,
I am somewhat troubled by this discussion of age being a factor in our
capacities to participate as a driver at Bonneville. I know that that
there
are situations that warrant concern, but I don't believe age is the
primary
factor.
At 77 years, I am basically blind in one eye (have been all my life)
deaf in
one ear and hearing impaired in the other (also a condition that goes
back
many years) basically I am in better physical condition than many that I
know in their 50s. I plan to be doing this for another 5-10 years. When
I am
no longer physically able to do this safely, then I will hang it up.
Just
don't take an arbitrary figure and say this is unsafe for me.
The most at risk are those physically and mentally unprepared. Keeping
active physically and mentally alert, by the exercise of both body and
mind,
will serve us well in all areas of life.
Tom, Redding CA - #216 D/FCC
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