As I see it the reasoning behind qualifying on the salt is the
difference in the surface over any others. I can think of one good
example, Csaba Csere (sp) an editor from Car & Driver. He was driving
a Firebird prepared by John Lingenfelter. Last run of the day, he goes
for broke and ends up doing a slow NASCAR roll, slides forever on the
top of the car and ends up getting panicked and releasing his safety
harness while still upside down. The only injury from the crash was
from falling on his head. He didn't have the salt driving experience
to drive out of the trouble he found himself in. Some slower runs
would have been a big help to him even though he had some driving
experience at lower speeds on pavement. Some drivers may not need the
run-up but when Andy Green is willing to go through the process I think
it shows his respect for the different surface.
Just my opinion.
Wes
On Sep 5, 2006, at 8:34 PM, Ed Weldon wrote:
> Forwarded with edits
> EW
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Ed Weldon" <23.weldon@comcast.net>
> To: "jkamo" <jkamo@rushmore.com>; "James Tone"
> <gmc6power@earthlink.net>;
> <land-speed@autox.team.net>
> Sent: Tuesday, September 05, 2006 6:05 PM
> Subject: Re: Carr runs big numbers?
>
>
>> I think it's time to refine the licensing requirements to take
>> account of
>> significant driving experience in other high speed racing events, not
>> only
>> on the Salt but also on pavement, etc. There are many aspects to
>> this not
>> the least of which is the question of insurance and liability. As
>> participation in the 300-400 mph range increases we may need to favor
>> drivers with demonstrated capability to drive under such demanding
>> conditions.
>> Having a relatively small amount of Bonneville driving experience , I
> don't
>> feel qualified to make any recommendations myself. I'd leave that up
>> to
>> others.
>> But I do think when a driver with substantial experience and
>> demonstrated
>> capabilities comes to drive at of our meets it seems silly to expect
>> him
> or
>> her to go through the entire "one size fits all" process. And I
>> question
>> whether this process alone would sort out the driver who for one
>> reason or
>> another is really not suited to make a high speed run at any given
>> meet.
>> Ed Weldon
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