RE: New Members

["Jim Belford" <jimbelford@msn.com>]

OK, you asked for it - here is my story. I am a retired captain from the Air 
Force after 21 years.  I spent my first 7 years as a jet engine technician 
(came in handy when I had to safety wire my axle pinch bolts), four years 
getting an engineering degree, and my last 10 working as an engineer on 
weapon systems acquisition projects. I have a masters degree in computer 
engineering and an MBA in technology management. I have spent the last 5 
years working as a business area manager for Science Applications 
International Corporation.
My interest in land-speed racing began about 3 years ago when I went to see 
the movie Mission Impossible. They had a bright red Ninja ZX-6 in the lobby 
to promote the movie and after watching the motorcycle chase scene I new I 
had to get one.  The next day I went to the dealer and brought it home.  
That was good for about a year.  I took the bike to the World Superbike 
Championship Series at Laguna Seca in 2001 and had a blast (did the parade 
lap and a everything). The feeling that I got from the power and speed was 
indescribeable.  In January I researched all bikes on the market with speed 
and acceleration my most critical criteria. I selected the Suzuki GSX-R1000. 
It's top end is slightly lower than the Hyabusa or ZX-12 but can beat either 
in the quarter mile (9.6 sec @ 145 mph). It was selected Superbike of the 
year the first two years (out of two) after it was introduced. Given the 
riding here in the Salt Lake City area it was also a better choice for the 
twisties. All that power is fine but I needed to find a legal way to enjoy 
it. 100mph + on the interstate will result in the loss of my license and 
bike.
Last December at my wife's Christmas party I met Elaine and Dennis Sullivan. 
  Dennis introduced me to Bonneville and land speed racing.  I was thrilled 
with the idea.  I went back to Laguna Seca this year and have been preparing 
for and anticipating World of Speed ever since. I was devastated when it was 
cancelled.  Now I have my eye on October's World Finals. I am eager to get 
started in LSR and look forward to making incremental improvements each year 
and some day joining the 200 mph club.
I hope I haven't bored everyone too much. Please feel free if there is 
anything you feel my background might help with to call on me.

Jim

///  unsubscribe/change address requests to majordomo@autox.team.net  or try
///  http://www.team.net/mailman/listinfo
///  Archives at http://www.team.net/archive/land-speed
///  what is needed.  It isn't that difficult, folks.