[Land-speed] sportsmanship

[rex svoboda]

I would like to recognize an individual at the BUB meet who demonstrated 
the spirit of sportsmanship that exists in the Land Speed community.  
The long course starting line had a half dozen streamliners of all sizes 
ready to launch after waiting a full day due to wind and rain.  The 
starter was having a tough time getting  them all lined up in order and 
launched.  Salt gremlins were present  and minor mechanical problems 
were slowing progress.  This rider stepped off his bike which was in 
competition for an FIM record and some $10,000 in possible prize money 
and helped the starter get things organized and the liners pushed off.  
In one instance this individual grabbed the starter who was looking in 
another direction after launching a liner and pulled him out of the way 
of a possible collision.   After qualifying, going through impound and 
staging at the 9 mile return starting line the winds came up holding him 
at that position.  The rider told the starter that the winds did not 
bother him but when informed that the cross winds were above event 
safety maximum (blowing at 20-25 mph) the rider said he understood and 
waited patiently.  When the day was finally called at 6:45 pm for the 
continuing winds  this rider went down the course with the starter and 
helped pull the flags down for the night.  This rider missed top sit on 
bike speed and $5,000 by 2 tenths of a mile per hour;  at the awards 
ceremony he just smiled and shrugged his shoulders. Thank you John Noonan

Rex Svoboda