Originally posted on August 14, 2018.

Yesterday was a heart breaker.  Although it took a bit longer than anticipated, we got the car ready and headed to the staging area.  Mike had decided to make the inaugural run on course 2.  Courses 1 and 2 are shorter and not intended for streamliners but we are only allowed a maximum speed of 150 mph since the car is new.  We were all excited. 

The car has to be transported around the pits in pieces.  Going to the staging lanes we had the nose and the clip to which it attaches on the back of the truck.  We had several of the body panels just sitting in place.  We had a number of tools with us and a cooler full of water.  Although the day showed signs of being a hot one, it was overcast and pleasant when we started out.  Once at the staging lanes we pulled over and began assembling the detached pieces.  Here we are all working to get the car ready to go.

We had a number of people getting photos as we worked.  This is the first time ALL of the panels have been assembled for us to see as well.  It is quite a chore to assemble and it cannot go in the trailer that way.

Here it is.  Looks pretty sharp don’t you think?  The tailfin has the Homer and Johnny dedication.  The front medallion has the recognition of this year being the platinum anniversary of the time trials.  I am proud of the way it turned out.

Once assembled, Mike got his gear on and Adam and I strapped him in.  As usual, the officials are excellent mentors and are very encouraging.

With the blown engine application we have to clear the cylinders of fuel and then squirt methanol in the blower just before Mike cranks it.  Here that is happening.

Everything was working out well.  The radios allowed Mike to clearly communicate with us.  Cary had to stay in the truck but the rest of us had our duties.  Once at the starting line we had Marshall at the wheel of the truck to push Mike out until he was going 40 to 50mph.  The car cranked perfectly.  Everybody piled into the push truck.  The official signaled for Mike to go but Mike held back for a few seconds to build heat in the engine.  Then when Marshall began to push him the car lurched forward on its own.  UGH!  The clutch had not released properly for several reasons determined afterward.  This effectively made pushing the car off at the starting line impossible.  Further investigation revealed a problem that simply could not be corrected on the salt. 

So after all we have had to end our trip without a pass in the streamliner at Speed Week 2018.  Mike handled it very well.  I think the issues we had encountered in the preceding weeks had prepared him for it.  We were disappointed.  However, the car is still in one piece and Mike is in one piece.  We have had a wonderful trip.  The crew has seemed to mesh well together.  Should we get the opportunity I think they would all like to come with us again.  If we had been able to make several passes as expected I am not sure I would have been keen on the idea of coming back again.  However, without making any passes I think we will have to strongly consider another trip.

I will keep you posted on our trip home . . .