Willow Springs

[98SVT - was 06GT]

Is this discussion, an agenda item for L.A. SAAC? What other alternatives are there for Southern California racing? Vegas?

Randy & Lynn talked a little bit about it at the show. It was pretty much a "We're done" conversation due to cost and the liability issue. The only option I can see is if Thermal will rent - but who want to go there? Button Willow is owned by CalClub it's further and basically a street circuit. They haven't rented to clubs in the past but may see the financial benefit now.

There's always Solo2 to have some fun and burn down tires. Problem is when you use a big car - yes Mustang is a big car for this discussion - you're at a big disadvantage. It is cheap enough though and "local". https://www.solo2.com/locations

[6s1432]

Has LA SAAC ever raced at Chuckwalla, Las Vegas Speedway, or has anyone approached Thermal Raceway? Who is in charge of this? I would be willing to make some calls...

[JohnSlack]

he major issue that killed the Learfan was the inability to get the two into one gearbox certified. There was interest from a Saudi Prince that was going to guarantee the future funding.

I remember there was a problem with the drive (u joints?) either into the gearbox or out on the propshaft. Tracy was working with the company to also make him some high angle ones for the F1 plane he and his wife were building. It was doable but the horsepower loss was not acceptable. That's a tough class when you're limited to 100 hp.

Did you know Richard, I first met him when I was 8 or 9 years old. What an intelligent man.

Formula one was a tough class, we used to walk around the F1 pits to see little details that they paid attention to.

It was good to, from my point of view be on the Unlimited side of the world. Brute horsepower.


John

[98SVT - was 06GT]

Did you know Richard, I first met him when I was 8 or 9 years old. What an intelligent man.

Yes he and Ursula. I didn't know them well. A friend was close friends with them and worked on his planes. We'd go see them when we visited. I loved their house on the hill - very Frank Lloyd Wrightish. He was considered one of the smartest guys at CalTech which says a lot. Many papers and patents on wing shape and laminar flow. I remember one job he had was the hypersonic plane. He had to visit all the suppliers (airframe, engine, avionics) and keep them heading in the right direction without spilling the exact details of what the others were doing. No wonder .gov projects cost so much. Put all of them in the room and let them get it done.

[JohnSlack]

Did you know Richard, I first met him when I was 8 or 9 years old. What an intelligent man.

Yes he and Ursula. I didn't know them well. A friend was close friends with them and worked on his planes. We'd go see them when we visited. I loved their house on the hill - very Frank Lloyd Wrightish. He was considered one of the smartest guys at CalTech which says a lot. Many papers and patents on wing shape and laminar flow. I remember one job he had was the hypersonic plane. He had to visit all the suppliers (airframe, engine, avionics) and keep them heading in the right direction without spilling the exact details of what the others were doing. No wonder .gov projects cost so much. Put all of them in the room and let them get it done.

They were looking for an F-104 wing at one point. They were able to get an F-104 from the Italian Air Force.... however the  wing spars were demilled. Making them useless. I found him one in Burbank on Murderers row. It was brand new USAF surplus.


John

[98SVT - was 06GT]

They were looking for an F-104 wing at one point.

He flew one wing design on the SR71 trainer at Edwards that had a hard point installed for such a test. They painted it with a paint that changed shade with pressure.

[crossboss]

Buttonwillow, or Vegas.

[TA Coupe]

I vote Buttonwillow. I've been there several times and had a great time. Trans Am Champion Tommy Drissi took me around for a few laps in my SVT FOCUS and immediately did more than I ever could.

       Roy

[98SVT - was 06GT]

Open test day at Willow was $150 - Button Willow is $350 - Chuckwalla is $275.