This was an answer to a question posted by Dave Haller.... here is Tom's
response..... delete if your tired of reading it.... I just liked it.... to
much common sense not to share it now and again....
Dave,
I don't know if there is a proper or best way to shut down after a fast
run, a lot depends on the situation at hand, but there are some things
you don't want to do. (Like pulling it into reverse at 195 MPH, I
know that's good for a couple of rotations.)
My experience has covered a variety of methods. We used to try to hit
the ignition switch and the clutch at the same time with wide open
throttle to get a good plug reading. I have, as John said, just slipped
it into neutral and hit the chute. (Quite frankly, I don't normally use
the chute at Bonneville unless there is some compelling reason. The car
will slow enough to exit within a little more than a mile easily.)
Recently I have been coming off the throttle easily, hitting the switch
and coasting down in gear for a distance before slipping it out of gear.
(A method I have chosen to save the transmission.)
I think the main concern in shutting down is that you don't make sudden
changes in the attitude of the car. I have seen too many problems at the
end of runs. I'm not sure what have caused these situations, but I have
some thoughts on the subject. First and foremost, it is easy to think,
when passing the 5-mile board, that the run is over, especially if it
has been an eventful ride. (In the case of a 200 MPH + run, the vehicle
is still moving at the rate of a football field per second, plus now the
power is off or reduced, so control is even less positive.) Relaxing too
much at this point can present a problem! Second, when lifting the
throttle, the front end gets loaded and may cause the car to take an
unexpected direction. It's my opinion that is what happened to George
Field's 300 MPH crash. He had had a very busy ride, exited at 300+ and
the car immediately turned to the left. Third, parachutes themselves
have caused crashes by lifting the rear of the car off the ground. Be
sure you have the chute attached at the proper location on the car and
that there is adequate tow line on the chute.
I know this is a bit of a morbid presentation about shutting down after
a run. Your question deserves some answers, I just wish I had the right
ones. I salute you for posing the question, usually all we are concerned
about is how to go fast. Maybe someone else out there can shed some
light on the subject.
Tom #216 D/CC
David Haller wrote:
>
> Tom,
> Just a question I thought you could answer and maybe share with the rest
of
> us out here. I have seen you reach speeds over 200 with you comp coupe
and
> wonder what is your recommended method of slowing down after a run. I've
> talked with a few folks and have gotten several different answers. Some
say
> at the five smoothly engage the clutch at the same time slide it out of
gear
> then activate the chute. Others say drive into the chute then take it out
of
> gear. Some of the procedures I've got down in my head and practice but
that
> one I'm not sure of. Which have you found works the smoothest for you and
is
> recommended by other veterans,
> Thanks,
> Dave Haller #93
>
Keith Turk
Austin Healey 100, Bugeye, Box sprites, Bonneville Camaro ( Land Speed
Racer)
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