2011 Season

November - El Mirage

The weekend started with question, as the weather forecast indicated that we were likely to get rain. We worked to get all the track and communication set up as well as get the #2111 WGBR Truck and the #369 Roadster through tech impaction. As the sun goes down earlier this time of year, we started thinking about BBQing dinner and getting some rest. During the night the rain did come and from inside the trailers it sounded like racing might not be happening. However, when we woke in the morning the track was dry and we were ready for a fun weekend.

The #2111 WGBR Truck in the 2.0L / Blown Modified Mid-Mini Truck (G/BMMP) was the first vehicle down the course with Keith Pedersen behind the wheel. The truck was fast and we were able to bump our previous record by 3mph, now set at 168.916mph. The team was very excited and headed to inspection for record certification. Next on the line was the #369 Roadster 3.0L / Blown Gas Roadster (F/BGR) class with John Romero piloting. The roaster looked fast on the course but only achieved 169.203mph on a 175mph open record. John looked at the data and discovered the power plant was not making boost. They tracked that down and were ready to go again. Rick Yacoucci ran the Nebulous Theorem III #788 in the 260 cid / Gas Streamliner (E/GS) class running against a 208.331mph record. Rick was down the course at 203.467mph but the engine was not running where he needs it to in high gear. Mike Manghelli looked at the data from the #2111 WGBR Truck and added boost to the engine management system, Keith just smiled. The team ran the #2111 WGBR Truck down a very slippery loose course and Keith could not get the truck to stay hooked up (tires kept spinning) and was only able to achieve 165.263mph. However, Keith pulled the parachute right as the truck came through the timing line and all worked great (this was the fastest speed that the parachute has been deployed in the truck thus far). After correcting the boost issue in the #369 Roadster, John was ready for another pass. The roadster did not make much improvement, a pass at 160.923mph. However, John was unable to get the roadster into high gear and the focus on the transmission started (the transmission was replaced between the last meet as we also had a transmission problem then too). We had a very big gathering of people enjoying the 2nd Annual WGBR Chili Cook Off, evening refreshments, and the heat of the fire on a cool night.

Sunday held promise as the weather seemed perfect and during the night the SCTA had moved the course as so we were racing on a new slice of the dry lake bed. The #2111 WBGR Truck was first down the course and all looked good until Keith shifted into third gear. The truck sounded like it dropped several cylinders. Later analysis indicated that the ECU Computer failed and the truck was done for the meet (and the season). Next the #788 Streamliner headed downed the course and wend 205.952mph. The Nebulous Theorem team started thrashing trying to figure out what the issue was with the engine. We next ran the #369 Roadster and John was able to go 158.879 and the team’s frustration with the transmission concluded with the decision to replace the transmission in the off season with something bullet proof. Work continued on the #788 Streamliner and the entire team started focusing on the streamliner. John Romero and Rick found a management setting that they thought might be setup incorrectly in the ECU and made the necessary changes. The rest of the team scrambled to get the vehicle assembled and at the last minute we discovered we did not have enough fuel for the next pass. We got a gallon of fuel from one team, another from the #2111 WGBR Truck and yet another from another team (thanks to all the generous fellow racers). We blended all of the different fuels together and ran the streamliner down the course. Unfortunately, Rick was only able to go 207.976mph. As the time left in the 2011 racing season had expired, the entire team shared smiles of our accomplishments and packed up the equipment and headed home.

We cannot wait for the 2012 landspeed racing season to start in May 2012. We have many changes and enhancements envisioned so please look at the web site to say up with our off season activities. The WGBR Team would like to sincerely thank our families and friends for all of their support during our 2011 season. We also would like to express our gratitude to all of our sponsors. THANK YOU ALL, WITHOUT YOU WE CANNOT BE SUCCESSFUL.

October - El Mirage

The WGB Team did something that they have not done is quite some time, that was run all three vehicles at El Mirage. Our pit was full of action the entire weekend. Rick Yacoucci ran the Nebulous Theorem III #788 in the 260 cid / Gas Streamliner (E/GS) class running against a 208.331mph record. Rick was very fast the first run at 207mph, just missing the record. The engine was not completely tuned so after making corrects in the Engine Management System, Rick was off again. This time he did 205mph and he is concerned that the engine may have dropped a cylinder. John Romero was driving the #369 Ford Roaster with the new supra engine in the 3.0L / Blown Gas Roadster (F/BGR) class on an open minimum record of 175mph. John started down the course fast, but the transmission would not go into 3rd gear causing John to find that the top speed possible in 2nd gear is 130mph. After thrashing in the pits, it looks like the transmission is going have to be replaced.

Keith Pedersen drove the #2111 WGBR Truck in the 2.0L / Blown Modified Mid-Mini Truck (G/BMMP) class against their own 2009 record of 164.969. The truck ran very rough in 1st and 2nd gear, but was much better in the rest of the gears. We did not have the turbo boost turned up enough in 5th gear, so it did not build RPMs quickly (i.e. speed). However, it was enough for Keith to go through the timing traps at 165.669mph setting a new record. And this is where the pass went awry. As Keith lifted off the accelerated after crossing the finishing line, the truck pitched sideways and started spinning. During the spin, Keith ended up backwards on the course at 140mph causing the back of the truck to get slightly airborne. However, this was enough for the splitter, air dam, and front bumper to be destroyed. In addition the truck has new sounds when it is rolling that warrant further investigation. Check out the truck video by clicking on this link.

#2111 WGBR Truck's front end damage following the spin

October - Bonneville: World Finals

Thursday - 06 October

We arrived at the end of the road only to find that the salt flats were now part of Lake Bonneville. There was minimally two inches of water everywhere. On the drive to the starting line we found that the water was more than 6" deep. Clearly, World Finals was canceled for 2011. The tear down of the course and the pits started. Besides having to do this while wading in water, the temperature was 45 and the wind was 15mph making this a very cold and miserable task. The communications team tore down and packed up all of the radios, printers, microwaves, repeaters, and antennas. We then headed to the pits and packed up our gear. As the wind blew, the water depth in the pits increased and we were all very glad to get out of there ASAP. Back in town we quickly gathered our gear, checked out of the hotel and started the journey home. Along the way we encountered snow and rain, but the roads remained dry. A quick ten and a half hours later, the tired WBGR crew arrived back in the Antelope Valley disappointed that we were not able to race, but happy to be out of Lake Bonneville.

One of the SCTA/BNI trailers out on the middle of Lake Bonneville

Wednesday - 05 October

When we arrived at the pits, the wind was blowing. It was a strong cross wind and the SCTA/BNI determined it was too strong to start racing. They did send three test cars down the course, with only one not being a turnout. As we waited for the wind to die down, the rain came. And came. And Came. At noon the SCTA/BNI board determined that there would be no racing today. Tom, Claude, and Keith went geocaching while the rest of the team heading in to town. The rest of the day the weather only got worse with the winds increasing along with the rain. It also rained during the night.

The WGBR #2111 Truck after the first part of the rain

Tom Hanley out Geocaching on Cater Island (The island north of Floating Island)

Looking out to the Salt from Cater Island. This view is the salt (water) north of Floating Island.

Tuesday - 04 October

The weather keeps getting more threatening.... This morning started off with wind, cooler weather and very overcast. It only sprinkles once or twice and not much of that so the salt did not get that wet... it is humid and the salt is absorbing some of the moisture so we are concerned about the potential impact of the pacific storm that expected to hit on Wednesday. We did finishing prepping the truck and roadster and they are now both entered. Rick and his team worked on the streamliner almost the entire day and the good news is by day's end it had been started (for the first time) and some initial tuning was accomplished. Tom enjoyed the chance to sit in the roadster while it was fired up. Racing starts on Wednesday morning :)

The WGBR Team working on the Roadster

Claude Parker and Tom working on moving the oil filter mounting bracket

Even Dan Warner was working on the Streamliner

Rick and Pete working on the Streamliner's engine

Tom Hanley is in the Streamliner while it is being started and tuned.

The Streamliner "E" engine is started and it is loud, notice all holding their ears

Monday - 03 October

Keith and Tom 4x4 up the mountain to install the two of the needed event repeaters (others were already there and working). And the rest of the team headed to the salt. We unloaded the trailers and started the process of setting up the communications network. The day started warm and sunny, but in the later afternoon there was a thunderstorm that brought lots of wind and some slight rain. It was blowing so hard that we watched the cones fall over and then scoot across the salt. In the early evening Rick, Pete and Mark, pulling the streamliner, Dan and Jim, and Lee all showed up. We had good conversation at the WGB and we then went to Carmen's to dinner.

Sunday - 02 October

John Romero pulling the communication trailer, Mike pulling the White Goose, Greg Waters pulling the roadster trailer and Keith and Tom in Keith’s truck left bright and early from the Drifting Sands Ranch. The trip was quick as Mike led with a fast past. Keith & Tom did geocaching on the way up and had a great time but even without pulling a trailer were 2 hours behind the rest of the group.

September - El Mirage

The WGBR Team has decided to not race at El Mirage in September, but rather focus on World Finals in the beginning of October in Bonneville. Since the #369 Roadster engine failure at Speedweek, we have taken apart the engine and found that it will require new bearings, the crank will require some work (or replaced) and the turbo needs major surgery. However, we think all is repairable rather quickly and are focused on getting it running again soon. We have also been going though the #2111 WGBR Truck and think we have some ideas to get +6mph more out of the truck; we want to go +200mph!!!! We are looking at the intercooler, intercooler tank, and electrical improvements. There are several other repair and improvements that we are doing not related to going faster, but related in making sure the truck is 100% for the fast passes. We have also had enough with the rear door in the White Goose and we are working on installing an electrical wench to lower and raise the door. Even though we will not be racing at El Mirage, we will be there to work the race communications and more importantly, share in the fun and friendship with our racing extended family.

August - Bonneville: Speedweek

Friday - 19 August

The remaining team packed up the rest of the pits, loaded the #2111 WGBR Truck into the White Goose and then spent several hours tearing down all of the communication antennas and towers, gathering up time stand printers, and packing SCTA/BNI gear. At the end of the day, the White Goose and crew started the trip back to the Antelope Valley, getting home early Saturday. We cannot wait for World Finals!

Thursday - 18 August

The morning started with cleanup of the #2111 WGBR Truck, removing as much salt as possible from everything associated with the truck. We also cleaned additional gear and put away as much as possible.

The WGBR Team had been talking about taking a trip out to Floating Island for some exploring all week long. Earlier in the week John and Sean had taken the Rino off the salt at the 3.25 mile to the mainland and found a route that looked promising for trucks too. So with John leading Rick and Pete in Rick's truck and Keith and Tom in Keith's truck (both 4x4s) we set off for an adventure. We found that the GMC 2500HD Crew Cab that Keith drives sinks much further into the salt/mud than what the Rino did. However, all made it off the salt, but Keith was not excited at all about returning that way as he felt he was very lucky to have not gotten stuck. John and Sean did some quick exploring and then headed back to the pits while the two trucks continued to explore and Geocache. We ventured on a nicely graded road around the mainland beyond Floating Island on the "mainland" and found many interesting historical sites as well as fascinating rocks and crystals. We also marveled at the desert beauty. After searching for a trail to the island from the mainland (we had heard there was a dike road somewhere out there, we backtracked on our trail and found the trail to the island. To our surprise, it was very easy to traverse (no 4x4 was required). We then proceeded to explore the northern side of the island as the road went that way and then to the eastern side. However, the road departs the island to the east on another connecting long dike road. We wanted to see how much further we could get to the island's south side (this side that we see from the pits) and we started off without a much of a trail at all. Along the way we hiked to the Floating Island Indian Cave. While the hike was hot, inside the cave was much cooler and we were not anxious to leave and make the return trek to the trucks. Once accomplished, we worked our way around the island. As Rick's truck does not have as much ground clearance as Keith's so Rick lead the way searching for the best route. We were now 4x4ing big time. Several times we drove across very soft ground and Keith was concerned about getting stuck, but in the end Rick led a good route all the way around the island. Yes, that is correct; the WGBR Team using just common street 4x4 trucks drove around Floating Island. We then left the island on the eastern dike, a long 12 mile dike that ended at I-80 about 20 miles east of the Bonneville Speedway exit. It was an amazing adventure and all that went were very happy to have been along.

In the late afternoon, Keith headed home pulling the streamliner.

The road on the "mainland" looking toward Floating Island

Keith and Rick's Truck on the backside of Floating Island

Looking out from the Floating Island Indian Cave

Looking from the Floating Island back towards the Speedweek race area

Wednesday - 17 August

Today started with a great sunrise while waiting to take our return run down the long course. We were the first one down the long course and the course had been moved during the night so we were the first down the new long course... and it was good to us. The truck was a fast moving brick and Keith drove it down all five miles. It again fell off of the speed in the last part of the last mile, but the #2111 WGBR Truck did go 193.458mph which averaged with Tuesday's run set the LSR at 194.520mph. All this with a FOUR cylinder truck; we figured we are making more than 500hp or +125hp per cylinder. Just incredible; Mike Manghelli can sure build some very powerful engines and give Keith an exciting ride! After some quick checking the #2111 WGBR Truck is the fast Blown Modified Mini Pickup in the WORLD as well as the fast four cylinder Mini Pickup in the WORLD. Very exciting and the entire team is very please with our accomplishments.

After breakfast we moved all the three WGBR vehicles out to the salt for a photo shoot. We took several hundred pictures and even had a few of the professionals come out for a few pictures. We took vehicle and team pictures in our new WGBR T-shirts and hats. We said good by to the WGBR #369 Roadster, Greg Waters, and some of the crew as they pulled the trailer off the salt and started the trip home. We sent several hours cleaning salt off the race truck and gear getting it ready for the return home.

After lunch we thought it might be good for Tom Hanley to have a chance to go down the course in the WGBR truck. As he is not licensed for anything over 125mph we detuned the engine and give him some restrictions as so he could get his first LSR license. However, there was an issue with the passenger front tire alignment and as the truck is unfamiliar to Tom, he only went 83mph. Needless to say, is nickname of "Cupcake" was being updated to "Creampuff". However, Tom is in good spirits and we will get the truck alignment working again and perhaps he will have another opportunity sometime in the future.

Tuesday - 16 August

We did the early morning prep of the truck and the #2111 WGBR Truck was the second vehicle to leave the long course line. It sounded good as it left and really accelerated. And it was amazing! The truck went 193.488mph in the middle mile, the fastest it has ever been and that was enough when averaged with yesterdays pass to set a new record at 189.177mph (now up ~25mph from where it stood at the beginning of the week). Needless to say that the WBGR Team is very excited with the results.

After looking at the data from the run, we concluded that what we need is more boost, so we added some more. At 2pm we charged down the course once more and this was another very fast run. At the two and a quarter entry lights were were already at 185mph and we were 194.613mph in the middle mile and in the last mile we were 195.582mph. That is right, I did say the last mile, we have NEVER been down the long course under power the entire five miles, until today. Unfortunately the truck does not like going that far and started complaining as our exit speed dropped to 193.169mph (meaning that in the beginning of the mile we must have been doing 198mph or so). Does not look like anything is hurt and as we were faster then the record that we set this morning we towed in back to impound for another run in the morning. The truck really likes that cool morning air so we are optimistic for another fast pass in the morning. We are also thinking we are about done as we are not sure that we can do anything more to get the truck to go faster.

Monday - 15 August

The activities on the salt started later then normal as the wind had blown all the signs down and there was a small amount of water on the courses that needed to dry. But by 10am the racing started. In fact, the salt seemed even better after the rain.

We did a morning run of the #2111 WGBR Truck on the Combo course. The truck handled great, but we made NO real speed (only 164 mph). We took the truck back to the pits and downloaded the data to find that the truck was not getting truck speed from the wheel sensor and thus the turbo was set to the minimum. We quickly discovered that the wheel speed sensor was broken and we replaced it with one of our spares. Late in the afternoon we put the WGBR Truck in line on the Long Course (where the big fast vehicles play) and away Keith went down the course. This was not only the first time that the truck had been on the Long Course as a long course vehicle, but also the first time Keith had a push truck helping get the truck going. The truck was MUCH quicker and Keith has to fight the torque steer to keep the truck going straight. In the middle mile, the truck went a 184.865mph and we were back to impound. We found a minor but important part had failed and it might have been preventing the truck from going faster so it was replaced. We are looking forward to the return run on Tuesday morning.

Sunday - 14 August

The day started very early as the return runs happen first thing in the morning. We had to be on the salt just after 0600 to prep the #2111 WGBR truck. We had until 0700 when we all leave impound for the start line. When Keith was being put into the truck we discovered that the cool suit was not going to work and thus Keith was going to be warmer than normal. Thankfully, it was still relativity cool this early in the morning. The truck accelerated fast and was quickly moving down the course. There was no wind and Keith did not experience any of the handling challenges that he had the previous run. The truck was made a faster pass, but not as fast as expected. However, we were fast, 180.208mph and with the average from the qualification run on Saturday, the team bumped the previous record by 12mph setting it now at 177.943mph. The exciting thing is that we set the record above 175mph and thus we now can run the long course! Later in the pits the team found that the on board computer was only set at 18lbs of turbo boost. We set the truck up for a run on Monday with an updated MAP, more turbo boost, and changed to the taller tires (i.e. more gear or a faster truck, but slower to accelerate - we need to the long course for this configuration).

We next focused on the #369 Roadster. With everything set and Greg driving the Roadster was run down the combo course, all five miles. The Roadster was extremely fast. It went 227mph on a 205mph record. However, the engine suffered multiple failures. The turbo is destroyed and the engine does not turn over. Also the transmission is not acting expectedly. Unfortunately this will end the quest with the Roadster for Speedweek 2011.

Tom and Rick also befriended the Monster Girls. Rick even was able to get them come to the pit and take a few pictures next to the Steamliner.

We also had the USAF from the Academy stop by as ask many questions about our streamliner. For their capstone project they are going to be building a streamliner. They also invited us to Colorado Spring to digitally model the streamliner.

After the racing was completed for the day, a monster thunderstorm struck the salt flats dumping large amounts of water all over the courses. It does not look good for running tomorrow so we will have to see what the day holds.

And after the rain the salt was very wet, almost a lake.

Saturday - 13 August

Saturday the racing started! The team works some last minute radio setups, made sure all the systems were working and then waited for the fun to start. At 0900 we attending the drivers meeting and we back to the pits and made the final preparations on the #369 Roadster and the #2111 Truck. We also hosted a large number of visitors, including the USAF Academy Engineering Cadets (they are going to build a streamliner as their capstone project and they were very interested in out #788 Nebulous Theorem III). We ran the Roadster for the first time with the new Supra engine on the Combo course with Greg Waters as the driver. We wanted a data pass so we deceived that we would only take the Roadster to the third mile (first timed mile) and shut it down. Greg did an excellent pass at 178.963 mph on a 205mph record. We took it back to the pits, looked over the data, and made several adjustments. Next we put the #2111 WGBR in line on the combo course. Keith Pedersen drove the truck to 175.679 mph on a 165 mph record and the team celebrated and took the truck to impound. All looks good for an early morning return run.

Friday - 12 August

Seems like a week we've been here setting up camp and the courses. But today is more of the same. This morning we have to get the repeaters up and running so that the two additional courses will have radio communication. So up the mountain we go to make things happen.

In the morning the #369 Roadster drivers did their mandatory bailout certification; Greg, John, and Keith are now cleared to race.

Throughout the day we were out and about on the salt, setting up antennas, trailers, printers, and assorted communication goodies. Others were out grooming the course. The salt looks good this year... still a little damp, but the warm temp, beating sunshine and breeze are helping harden the salt with each passing hour.

Tonight we will be testing out the new software for the database and making sure we sort out any glitches before the opening day tomorrow. Like I said the other night... LOTS goes into making this happen. It's not like you just show up, get in a car, and run the course.

Thursday - 11 August

First thing after breakfast we headed to the pits where we set things up. Glad to be back on the salt! As much of the team is responsible for the race communications, the day was spent largely setting up the new announcing trailer, setting up the course timing trailers, setting up the microwave towers, setting up the timing stands, and working the radios. At the end of the day we did find time to start the technical inspection on the WBGR Truck and Roadster as well as renew our landspeed racing friendship with people we had not seen in a while.

Wednesday - 10 August

Mike Manghelli, Keith Pedersen, Tom Hanley, Rick Yacoucci, Pete Belich, Greg Waters, Melissa Waters & Trevor, Dan Warner, Jim Miller, John Romero, and Sean Romero all left the White Goose Ranch at 0500 for Bonneville. Our first stop was at Peggy Sues just north of Barstow, CA where we meet up with John Bjorkman, and Lee Kennedy for breakfast. It took us 13 hours but we made it in good spirits with no breakdowns or blown tires. We arrived in time to drop the trailers on the salt and head back to Wendover for dinner.

July - El Mirage

No racing this month because of a wet "dry" lake. During the week prior to the meet, there were several days of thunderstorms that provided the desert a much needed drink, but also prevented the use of the lake bed. This was a big disappointment as we were looking forward to running one more time prior to going to Bonneville. The #2111 truck has been several additional safety modification in the last month. Most of the team has been working on the #369 Roadster. The engine has been started for the first time! We are working to finish the body work and have the panels painted and get the chassis to the AEM Dyno. Check out the #369 2011 Racing Plan page to see all of our in progress pictures.

June - El Mirage

May - El Mirage

Pre-Season 2010

2010 Season

November El Mirage

With continued rain, the lake bed continues to be too wet to race :(. That is the end of the season and we are looking forward to next year!

October - El Mirage

No racing due to recent rain and the normally dry lake is now a real lake!

October - World Finals

Friday - October 08

We arrived on the salt to find that the first mile on both courses was still underwater. We moved both courses down a mile, but course 2 is now only a short course in length.

We replace the timing gear key and started the engine only to find a noise that gave us concern. We discovered an issue with the fly wheel and as we do not have a replacement fly wheel or the bolts we are done for the week :(.

We did not have any better luck with the #788 Nebulous Theorem III Streamliner. After spending most of the day working to get the engine started, we found that the engine might have an issue with one of the rods. At this point we determined that this vehicle is done for the week too.

Not the week we were hoping to have with the two vehicles, but we did have some fast runs and any day racing is better then the best day at work! Special thanks to Claude Parker who drove up from Santa Clarita, CA to help the WGB team.

Thursday - October 07

The WGBR #2111 Truck was the third vehicle to leave course 1 this morning; the salt was great! The truck was fast up to the 1-1/2 mile when we lost one of the coils (coil #2) and the truck stopped making horsepower - running on 3 cylinders is not the fastest way do go down the course. Impressively, the fastest point of the pass was 169.294 mph. We towed the truck back to the pits and found we did not have an exact replacement coil. So we improvised another coil and went back to the line. The line was incredibly short, yippee! The next run was somewhat better but the engine noised over around the 2-1/2 mile and Keith shut it off. We did go faster on this pass, the fastest point was the 2-1/4 at 177.571 mph. After investigation we found that the timing gear key had sheared and that caused the engine to stop running. Tom volunteered to go to Layton, UT VW shop to acquire a replacement (5 hours round trip). THANK YOU TOM! We have high hopes for Friday.

On the left is the old gear with the key missing.

The #788 Nebulous Theorem III Streamliner had issues starting today. The team worked on the engine for several hours and hope to make a run on Friday.

In the late afternoon the wind started blowing and the rain was back. We hope to have a dry course (or two on Friday), but are not optimistic because the start to the one mile of each course was a lake.... the entire start line to the one mile is under a half inch of water.

Wednesday - October 06

Overnight we had some rain on the salt. Unfortunately there was enough that course 1 could not be used today and all competitors had to use course 2. Rick was one of the first few vehicles to run and he drove the #788 Nebulous Theorem III Streamliner to a fast 291.638 mph pass. However, the engine did not make enough compression to surpass the existing record of 302 mph. However, he was the fastest vehicle of the day. The rest of the day the Nebulous Theorem III crew worked on the engine and they are now ready to make another attempt on Thursday.

We took the WGBR #2111 truck to the start line. Once there we discovered a fairly short line and were about ready to get Keith into the driver's seat when we noticed that the oil pump belt was loose again - something we thought we had fixed on Tuesday. We had to pulling the truck back to the pits to make the belt adjustments. We then pulled the truck back to the starting line only to find a much longer line. We waited in line but the progress to the starting line was slow and hampered by two incidents, a crash of vehicle #2115 at 260 mph (the driver walked away from the crash - a real testimony to the increased safety recently mandated by the SCTA/BNI) and a car that caught fire. We finally got to where we were three vehicles away from the start line and the wind started blowing.... and blowing... and blowing. The racing was called for the day and we ended without being able to run... but we will run early on Thursday morning.

Another good thing about the wind is that course 1 dried out and we should be able to run both courses starting tomorrow. That will also help shorten the wait in line too.

Tuesday - October 05

We continued to set up the courses and the announcer stand. We also worked on preparing the truck and the streamliner for Wednesday runs. In the late afternoon the wind came up strong.

Monday - October 04

We setup the communications for the event. We had the race vehicles inspected and we had a small get together at the WGB to welcome the week correctly. Rain blew around the salt all day long until about 5pm when a small storm dumped a little water on the salt. The salt continues to be very hard and unless there is more rain tonight, it should be dry in the morning.

The White Goose Bar Gang on the salt. We are busy setting up the course communications and radios (including the race repeaters on the mountain behind us).

Sunday - October 03

We left at 0600 for Wendover and arrived in a fast 11 hours later without any issues or problems. Tom had something come up and could not leave until Monday. Rick has some last minute adjustments on the streamliner and left about 2pm and arrived real late.

September - Car Show

On the 29^th of September, the #2111 White Goose Bar Truck was taken to Lockheed Martin for the "Employee Connect and Engage Bring Your Wheels & Wings to Work Show." Mike and Keith had a good time showing off the truck and talking with work friends and colleagues about their hobby and passion for LSR. Tom Hanley (rider of the #529B WGBR Bike) brought one of his bikes, his Buell, to the show as well.

Both the #2111 WGBR Truck and the #788 Nebulous Theorem III Streamliner are ready to go to Bonneville for World Finals. After Speedweek, the WBGR Truck needed new pistons and some modifications to the cooling system. The team put in Ross pistons, replaced the radiator, changed the thermostat, and made improvements to the intercooler water pump. See you all on the salt!

September - El Mirage

The #2111 WBGR Truck's engine was still apart while repairs to the damage sustained at Speedweek were being addressed. However, the #788 Nebulous Theorem III Streamliner ran on the Flathead / Gas Streamliner (XF/GS) class and set a new landspeed record at 183.123 mph. The engine went away at the end of the run and Rick was unable to go as fast as he hoped. #788 fell to second place in the SCTA points race, after holding first place all year long – watch out for the team in October! Rick will be on a mission to regain first place. Tom Hanley had his debut on the dirt with the #529B WGBR Bike. Tom made four familiarization passes; good as the course started to go away early and that gave Tom some experience ridding on a loose, rutted, dirt course.

August - Bonneville

Saturday - 21 August

We hit the road from Bishop about 7:00 am after breakfast and Rick caught us about an hour later. We stopped at Rick's shop before noon to drop off the bike and proceeded home to start the task of cleaning up. While unloading the trailer, I noticed that another tire was bulging and getting ready to loose it's tread... The tire was just under 5 years old; I would have expected a little better than that.

Friday - 20 August ... Finish up, Pack up, head for home.

Friday morning was a work day to pack and get ready to head out. I spent all morning cleaning up the goose and packing things up. Before noon they shut down the combo course so that the workers could start picking up the wire and etc. John, Sean and I went out and took down the short course time slip stand, announcer stand and then when the meet was over the timing tower. We have lots of boxes of gear that was all packed into the Emergency Response Trailer. After finishing on the salt we stopped for lunch at the Mexican restaurant at the end of the road; it was welcome since by this time it was about 2:00 pm. After we finished, it was back to the hill in town to retrieve the repeaters, take shower and hit the road. We left town about 4:00 pm and headed for home. Unfortunately, we only got about 10 miles down the road when Lee's truck spit another hose for the turbo and intercooler. We waited at the top of the hill for him while he put a spare on. After a quick stop for fuel in Ely, we ran into the night and stopped in Tonapah for fuel again. At this point, Lee and Rick were done for the night. Keith, Tom, John, Sean and I decided to press on. We wound up in Bishop about 2:00 am and pulled over for much needed sleep.

Thursday - 19 August... Send the Monkey up the tower

Off and on during the week we fought low audio on the race radios from the Combo Course start line. They were on the repeater channel three that is on the Wendover City site, you know the one that went down earlier in the week. Rick and I traveled up to the site in his Honda truck for a repositioning of the antennas. John Romero had not been up to the site and followed in his truck. Even though the road is steep and lose dirt, John's truck made it pretty easy. We took both repeaters down when we arrived and determined that the antenna that was in use was pointed off were it should not have. Also, we discovered that the polarization was down instead of up, we were not sure if this was a problem, but changed it anyway. When we got done, Rick had climbed the tower and moved both antennas almost 15' higher than before. With the added change of re-polarizing and pointing the antenna, our communications were better than ever. Good thing Rick likes to climb... While were up on the hill Keith helped Tom run the bike at 114 mph. Tom complained of it being squirrely so Rick decided to take for a ride. He netted a 184 mph pass, which was faster than any of us thought it would go.

Wednesday - 18 August ... Two Hundred Mile an Hour Club, Don't fall down.

Wednesday was a pretty normal day, Rick and Jim tearing down the flathead and Tom making more street speed passes on the bike. That evening was the Bonneville 200 mph club banquet at the casino and we purchased tickets for the crew to go. During the presentation, I went to the restroom and Mike Waters followed. As it turned out, he was going to leave and I caught sight of him starting down the first flight of stairs. By the time I got the top of the stairs, he was starting down the second flight. I got there just in time to see him stumble at the top of the second flight and fall down to the bottom. He lay open skin on both arms and his leg. I helped him up and decided to leave with him to make sure there were no more stumbles.

Tuesday - 17 August ... Wasn't I a Boy Scout?

Boy Scouts are always prepared, like using the repeater emergency power connection... When we set up the repeaters that are used for communications on the Wendover city site, we did not have a 12V car battery available to use as the emergency back up. I mean when does the power go down in the city of Wendover? It never has in all time we have been using he power site. Well about 10:00 am on Tuesday morning sounds about right. The power in the whole city went down and so did our repeaters. We ran up to the hill with a car battery and brought up the repeaters on emergency 12V battery. Boy Scouts would have done it right the first time.

Monday - 16 August ... Put, Put Kennedy is replaced.

Years ago, we were trying to get Lee Kennedy in the 200 club at Bonneville in Rich's Alfa; unfortunately I did not have the Nitrous tune up dialed in and Lee ran a couple of passes shutting down and coasting through the lights. During that time, Glen Barrett nick named him Put, Put. Well, Tom Hanley ran the Hyabusssa, going for his 125 mph license and ran a whopping 90 mph... All week long...

The morning started with a photo shoot of the #2111 WGBR Truck.

Then the #788 Nebulous Theorem III team did a run at 290.152 mph, but it was not enough to qualify for a record return. They continued to work on the engine the rest of the day.

It was finally time for Tom Hanley to ride the #529B Suzuki Hyabusa running in the 1350CC / Modified Partial Streamlined Gas (1350 / MPS-G) motorcycle class. Tom made a slow pass (79.891 mph) to get used to the bike (first time on the bike) and the salt (also first time on the salt). He found that his leathers were too tight and after some adjustments Tom made two more passes, the first at 103.654 mph and the second at 107.853 mph. He is starting to feel much more comfortable with the bike. Early focus is on proper technique, body position for best aerodynamics, and getting a feel for what traction (or lack of) feels like on salt.

The condition of the salt today was good. The short course was well packed, and provided good traction and short lines. In general, you could run laps on the short course, today, without having too long of a wait. The combo-course was alleged to be a little softer than the short course, but still provided good traction but slightly longer wait times between runs.

Sunday - 15 August ... The truck exceeds our expectations, but it is; The End ...

We took the truck out this morning to make a pass on the short course. The course was very busy and it was late in the afternoon before we made a pass. The truck ran 186 in the 2 and quarter and through the mile at about the same. I thought that it had reached terminal velocity when it ran through the mile. However, when I arrived to pick up the truck, it had boiled all the water out and Keith said that it nosed over in the middle of the mile. We towed it back to impound thinking that the head gasket had blown and we were prepared to tear it down and get it repaired. Unfortunately, when we got the head off, the motor had started to stick the pistons in the cylinders. Later it was determined, that the ring end gap was insufficient and caused the pistons to seize. We reinstalled the head in impound and returned to the pits. While we were disappointed, it was great to see the potential of the truck... we shall return.

We were back on the course with the #2111 WGBR Truck, this time the new "combo" course. Mike again cleared Keith for a "hot" run and Keith stood on the accelerator. The truck did 186.651mph in the 2 1/4 mile and then the engine started to go away and Keith turned it off. He "coasted" the truck for the rest of the mile with a speed of 186.195mph indicating the truck was really accelerating up to the point where the engine started to have problems. However, the class record for 2.0L / Blown Modified Mid-Mini Pickup (G /BMMP) at Bonneville is 165.989mph and the run even when the engine was turned off for more than a half mile of course was 20mph faster then the previous record. It was also fast enough for Keith to receive his Class "B" LSR license. We took the truck to impound and started working on the engine to see if the head gasket had failed. Unfortunately the engine had started to seize and that put and end to the WBGR Speedweek campaign. The team will be back in October for World Finals! The #788 Nebulous Theorem III team continued to work the engine.

Saturday - 14 August We get started, corrupted data?

Saturday was the start of racing and along with it came the normal and abnormal issues. The Rookie orientation that Tom had to attend wasted, I mean took three hours. I agree that something had to be done for the rookies, but 3 hours of lecture is ridiculous. We spent the day sorting out little problems until everything was running smooth. I had a note about data being corrupted, but to save everyone the embarrassment, I won't discuss it here. Mainly it is me, since I forgot what the real issue was.

The salt this year is good with three courses working. We took the #2111 WGBR Truck to the short course and had a good run, but Keith turned off the course after the one mile when he say the O2 sensor indicate that engine was running lean. When the engine was shut off, the truck was in 5^th gear and traveling at 155 mph with low RPMs. We took the truck back to the pits found that the engine was not running lean, but the installed a second O2 gauge. The #788 Nebulous Theorem III streamliner running in the Flathead / Blown Fuel Streamliner (XF/BFS) class had a great run at 306.893mph on a 302.674mph record. Rick and the team found that the engine burned a piston and they were unable to fix the engine in the impound time and thus pulled the streamliner back to the pits to correct the problem.

Friday - 13 August ... Finishing Touches

Friday was spent completing the microwave network and testing it out. We buttoned up a few things on the race truck, getting it ready less ice and water for the morning. Once again I wound up playing with CB (Childrens' Band) radios, replacing Lee Kennedy's antenna on his truck, tuning four more antennas and installing a CB and antenna in Lee's golf cart. Seems like every year I get sucked into CB problems somewhere. Because of all the work in the week ahead, this will be the last early night we get into town. Pam, Keith and Tom came into town late in the afternoon.

Thursday - 12 August ... Work, Work, Work

Thursday was spent working on both the communications for the association and setting up our pit area. We always set up our pit area first so there is shade available while we are working. When the pit is complete we started on the communications for the association, including the repeaters and the microwave network for time slips. Vehicle inspection started on Thursday morning so there were competitors setting up pits and getting inspected. We eventually were inspected late in the afternoon by an inspector that broke away to do the worker's cars. By the time the day was finished, we had most of the network set up and radio communications completed. Who said that this vacation was all fun and relaxing?

Wednesday - 11 August ... On the road again.

We left Lancaster for Wendover at 5:30 am this morning. Our caravan consisted of Mike, John and Sean Romero in their truck, Dan Warner in his truck, Jim Miller in his truck and Lee Kennedy met us at Peggy Sue’s in Yermo. Rick and Pete were supposed to leave with us, but at the time we left Pete was still coming down from the bay area to meet up with Rick. We decided to start with out them and continued down the road. It was a pretty easy trip despite changing a tire on the Goose at the side of the road in the middle of Nevada, changing a turbo hose on Lee's truck and waiting for road construction twice. Fortunately we did better than Rick; he lost one tire on his trailer before Victorville and another at Primm. It took him all day and he did not catch up to us. Not withstanding all the roadside stops, we still made the trip in 13 hours.

July - El Mirage

The #2111 WGBR Truck did not compete during the July meet as the engine destroyed from the June meet was extensive and the Class G engine was being assembled. The team is focused on getting the 2.0L Class G engine together for Bonneville.

The #788 Nebulous Theorem III streamliner continued their outstanding season. Rick Yacoucci drove the streamliner to a new record of 238.937 mph, just bumping up his record he set last month in the Flathead / Blown Fuel Streamliner (XF/BFS) class. For the third meet in a row he took fastest vehicle pass of the meet! Rick also continues to be the person everyone in the SCTA is chasing for the points championship.

#788 Nebulous Theorem III at the lights setting a new record of 238.937 mph in Flathead / Blown Fuel Streamliner (XF/BFS)

Tom Hanley was unable to get all of the stars to align to race the WGBR motorcycle, but will be ready to go at Bonneville.

June - El Mirage

June 13, 2010 was not the best day for the #2111 WBGR Truck. The first pass was a combination of a fuel pump starting to go away, most noticeable in fourth gear and driver error, could not find fifth gear (Keith Pedersen was driving). This first pass the WGBR Truck went a slow 129.950 mph on our 3.0L / Blown Modified Mid-Mini Pickup (F/BMMP) class record that we set in May. The good news is when we looked at the data, the truck was going 161+ mph in fourth gear (Keith got out of the accelerator when the truck seems to not want to go any faster, could not find fifth gear, and the timing lights were near). We work on the truck in the pits, cleaned the fuel filters, and installed a spare fuel pump. Special thanks to Tom Hanley and Randy Moore for all of their help. Mike Manghelli and John Romero made a few changes to the engine map that allowed the turbo to build more boost, more quickly in fourth gear, in an attempt to be able to get to 5th gear faster and have more course left for acceleration.

The second pass started not so good, Keith had a hard time finding first gear, then had a hard time finding second. But after that things improved (for awhile). The truck really accelerated in 2nd, 3rd, and 4th gears and was a fun fast ride..... all the way until the engine blew at the shift point in fourth gear ~8500rmp (~165 mph). Listen to the video on our #2111 Video page to hear the big bang and the engine parts flying everywhere. As Keith crossed the finish line and was trying to slow down and turn to the right as quickly as possible, he got the truck loose and almost hit a set of cones - now his adrenaline was really flowing. Keith had to turn to the right to notify the race officials that he thought engine parts might be on the course and this action causes immediate reaction from ALL of the emergency vehicles (turning to the right is the driver signal to the event safety staff that something is very wrong such as blown engine, fire, or worse). Their quick response and the announcement on the radio that the truck had turned right caused some concern with Keith's wife and the WGBR crew as they wondered what was happening; the good thing is no fire and no injury. Then to top that fun off, when Keith got back in the truck to steer the truck as it was pulled off the course so racing could resume, his knee bumped the cockpit fire bottle push release and Keith got soaked from the fire bottle emptying on the driver. On the bright side we determine that the DJ Safety cold fire system works perfectly and if there had been a cockpit fire, it would have done the job of protecting the driver and it lasts a LONG time. Bad side is not only do we have to deal with the massively blown engine, we need to have the fire bottle refilled too. Needless to say this was the end of our day and we will have to change engines for the July meet (likely we will return to the G engine class).

#2111's blown engine: some of the bigger pieces of the engine block. Notice the twisted piston ring in the center of the picture.

While the WGBR Truck struggled, the #788 Nebulous Theorem III streamliner continued their great season. After Rick dropped a cylinder on their turbo charged flat head in May, Jimmy Stevens again performed his magic by rebuilding the flat head horsepower monster. Rick Yacoucci drove the streamliner to a new record of 238.321 mph, impressively bumping up his record he set last month in the Flathead / Blown Fuel Streamliner (XF/BFS) class. Not only that but he once again took fastest vehicle pass of the meet, second time in a row! Rick also continues to be the person everyone in the SCTA is chasing for the points championship.

Tom Hanley completed his rookie orientation in preparation for his debut in July on the WBGR motorcycle. He looks forward to the opportunity to start his landspeed racing fun.

May - El Mirage

The 2010 season started with outstanding results from the White Goose Bar Racing Team. The #2111 WGBR Truck sported a new body wrap that received many compliments (we are very proud of it too!). Please see the #2111 El Mirage Pictures page for several shots from our El Mirage Photo shoot. The #2111 WGBR Truck raced in the 3.0L / Blown Modified Mid-Mini Pickup (F/BMMP) class on a 160mph open minimum record. The first pass down the course was 156.349mph; a good pass for a tune up run! The pass filled the truck with dust so Tom Hanley worked to seal the truck for the second pass. Mike Manghelli and John Romero made minor engine management software changes and the truck was ready. The second pass speed improved putting a big smile on Keith Pedersen's face and sent the truck into impound with a 162.910mph record setting pass. The celebration was now officially started (although we did do some practice celebration the night before). Also of note is that the parachute worked, bringing smiles to the WGBR crew (and making Lee Kennedy happy, too). Check out video of the pass on the #2111 Video page!

The #788 Nebulous Theorem III streamliner was impressive from the start. Jimmy Stevens had prepared a turbo charged flat head that Rick Yacoucci powered down the course. The run was FAST! Rick set a record in the Flathead / Blown Fuel Streamliner (XF/BFS) class at 229.148mph significantly improving the previous record of 198.308mph. The record was the fastest vehicle pass of the meet and put #788 into the SCTA points lead!

We also ran the #57 Larry's Old Volks Karmann-Ghia.

Pre-Season 2010

May 15, 2010 was a long way away from the last El Mirage meet in November of 2009. Where did the time go? Fortunately, we have been working since November preparing for the 2010 season. The initial thought was some minor changes over the winter and the truck would be ready for the next year of racing. However, a closer look and documenting what was required, netted a long list of things to do. Over the winter we accomplished things to make maintenance easier, improve performance and finally change the looks of the WGB race truck. So after a long winter we have an upgraded transmission, built a bigger engine and installed a new wrap on the truck. None of the changes came easy, each required more fabrication, modification and work than anticipated. Because of this, at 10 days before the May meet we are still not ready to go racing. This definitely was not the plan in November of 2009.

All this work does not get done without a lot of support and effort from many people. Over the winter, Rick Yacoucci received a better mill and we were the benefactors of the old one. This became painfully important about 5:00 pm one Saturday evening while assembling the new short block when the crankshaft ran into part of the block. After a few hours of machine work we were ready to reassemble the engine. Speaking of machine work, Gary Boyer used the mill fabricating several parts and block off plates required to complete engine assembly. A new addition to the WGBR team, Tom Hanley has been learning his way around the shop fabricating parts. Along with his mechanical abilities, Tom is a software engineer and figured out the AEM serial gauges in no time flat. Eventually, Tom is going to be riding one of Rick's Hyabusa motorcycles at El Mirage and Bonneville. Mike Waters, of Mike's Moving, No Storage has been a valuable asset by carting parts for the race truck all over Southern California, saving vast amounts of time. Eric Alton at Pit Image did a great job on the new graphics and wrap on the truck. The WGB lounge received a new set of curtains, with Disney's Cars thanks to Pam. Finally, things will look better under the hood thanks to all the parts polishing our local Fireman, Mike Brehm performed. Thanks to all, without this help and support the WGBR team would be just another ugly racer.

In a week we will see if the fruits of our labors have paid off by setting a new record at El Mirage. Stay tuned to see how our 2010 season turns out. At the minimum, we will look good while we strive for records.

WGBR Blog