Tom,
The thing that gave me additional respect for Bobby Unser was the way he
worked with USFRA on the speeds. His first runs were fast enough for a
record but were not over the 2 Club mininums. The crew worked for
additional runs to get their speed up to where it finally reached in order
to have the record with no questions attached. Bobby was as happy as any 2
Club member when he got his hat. Later he spent time telling salt stories
at the SEMA show (where he was plugging something else) just because he had
enjoyed himself so much. He wants to come back, his schedule has been in
conflict with the dates but he intends to return just because it was fun.
Wes
----------
> From: "Thomas E. Bryant" <saltracer@awwwsome.com>
> To: richk@sparta-junction.com
> Subject: Re: Unser Ride Re: Of rears and horsepower and speeds
> Date: Fri, 07 Jan 2000 07:36:42 -0800
>
>Richard,
>I believe Doug is right. It was a Roush 302 Ford. Money was no issue
>with this project.
>
>I admire the Unsers, I met Jerry Unser several years ago when Ak Miller
>brought him to a Roadrunner's Club meeting, this was when Ak was just
>getting started in the Pike's Peak runs. I also met Bobby when he was at
>the Salt.
>
>Some how, for me, though, the glory of entry into the 200 MPH Club is
>tarnished when membership is bought. It is just something I couldn't
>do. There is a message for us, however, when it is sought by the likes
>of Unser and Garlits, considering their fame, they still feel that
>membership in the Club is an important acquisition.
>
>Tom, Redding CA 7:35AM PST
>Richard Kensicki wrote:
>>
>> Tom
>> Can you tell me anything about the Ron Benham car? I'm interested in
what
>> motor he was running, can't always presume chevy.
>>
>> Rich
>>
>> Thomas E. Bryant wrote:
>>
>> > Richard,
>> > Yes, the Bobby Unser of Indy fame is the one. He was driving the
>> > roadster formerly owned and built by Ron Benham. It was purchased and
>> > prepared by the Leasing Company that Ron Hope is connected with for the
>> > express purpose of getting Bobby into the 200MPH Club. This is the same
>> > company that ran the same car, while Ron Benham still had it, pulling a
>> > U-Haul Trailer.
>> >
>> > So far as the gear discussion goes, I don't know of any hard facts and
>> > figures on HP loss through these various units. We run a Halibrand
>> > Championship unit with a 4.11 ring & Pinion in our car. I have always
>> > run the quick change rear axles for the convenience. I'm sure that I
pay
>> > a price for this, if I was to build another car it most likely would
not
>> > have a quick change, we don't really change the gear that often anyway
>> > except changing back and forth from Bonneville and the Lakes.
>> >
>> > Richard Kensicki wrote:
>> > >
>> > > The land-speed mail is getting exhausting so I've got some new
questions
>> > >
>> > > 1. How much HP is lost through the rear end? An article about a
>> > > competition coupe (early 90's) used a 7.5 rear gear because it took
10
>> > > less HP to turn it (compared to a 9) and the salt is too slick to
hook
>> > > up the rear and overload it. I would think a 9 inch rear would be
needed
>> > > to run the paving at Maxton.
>> > >
>> > > 2. Noticed that no one seems to use a quick change rear (what I've
seen
>> > > at least), is it the cost or drive train loss?
>> > >
>> > > 3. Anyone want to estimate how much HP would be needed push a D/GMR
to
>> > > 225? I see that the record is from 93 at 223 by B. Unser. Is that the
B.
>> > > I think it is? This record is very close to C/GMR of 225. Was this
just
>> > > a hot setup that worked and made the record difficult to break?
>> > >
>> > > 4. I'm waiting on a rule book but wanted to know if going to fuel or
>> > > blower bumps you up a class without a cubic inch change? Thought I
read
>> > > that somewhere but can't verify it.
>> > >
>> > > Rich
>
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