Ideas for 2013 NATS

[Bob Lemke]

I'm still pushing for an old west style shoot out. Here is what I posted on the POTD thread............

Rolla Hessel wrote:
Sounds to me like your having WAAAAY to much fun Bob


I really am Rolla. Had grown so used to the 383 and its 320 hp, I had forgotten what yours, Lee's, Chris's and a few other rides do so well, and that is lightning romps from 30 mph to 100 mph in around 5 seconds. Which brings up an idea for Carson City. South of town is the junction for 4 lane hwy 50 going to Lake Tahoe and right after the turn is a large car pool parking lot at the base of a 6* grade. Combine this grade with the 5000' elevation, and I believe we have a safe venue for somewhat legal 30 mph to 65 mph romps, side by side using both lanes as we stage and come out of the car pool lot. Two cars would leave the lot, each take a lane, easy acceleration to 30 mph staying head to head, then open it up till the speed limit is reached. For some of us that would be less than 2 seconds, for others a bit more, but starting at a speed of 30 mph might be high enough that the guys with automatics that don't have manual valve body won't hit 1st gear. The idea is for controlled acceleration without tire spin. With me in 2nd, my rpms are too low for the engine to produce enough power to spin, and only when nearing 60 will there be enough to just start to spin, but the small speed differential between road speed and tire speed insures that for at least for my car I'll still be pointing straight.

.........Not really Harry. That car pool lot is big, can handle all the Ts going for the Lake Tahoe loop cruise. Just gather there and take off in two's for the cruise. The winners can figure out the next couple of runs as it will be easier with 1/2 the numbers for round 2, and 1/2 again for round 3, etc., till one car is left standing.


I need input from members that have automatics without a manual valve body. What is the lowest speed you can nail it and not have it drop to 1st gear? Might have to raise the rolling start to 40 mph (or more) to insure no one spins out by the transmission picking 1st gear because of vacuum signal, throttle position, and rpm parameters.

[Rolla Hessel]

Now Bob, As president of this law abiding group of citizens i am sure you are not talking about " Racing " up a hill to an elevation of 5000 ft side by side .. Since I will be along for the ride, I will enjoy the view and wipe tears as they appear

When we did the St. Paddy's Day parade this past weekend, I have not experienced the relaxed atmosphere of law enforcement in that parade since i was at Nats in Mt. Home on the square one Friday night It is definitely a rush!!

[Harry Craycroft]

I think that someone had better think about liability here for a speed contest of any kind! You would have to have a insurance policy for an added event like this and I'm sure the cost would be very high! On a major highway, no way! I guess that I'm just getting too old! Just my thoughts Bob, but keep them coming!

[Rolla Hessel]

I can assure you Harry, our insurance would not cover anything to do with this. This why we have avoided any " organized type of activities regarding racing, burnouts, etc. Not that it isn't fun to "accelerate" quickly or knock some stuff off the tires by spinning them agressively

We hve discussed going to drag strips at past events and for the same reasons, we have not gone.

[Harry Craycroft]

I understand that Rolla, I just felt that it had to be said.

[Bob Lemke]

That is why it is just a romp from 30 mph to 65 mph, all your doing is accelerating to the speed limit like any motorist getting onto a highway, but getting there quick. I mentioned the 6* grade and 5000' elevation as two elements that conspire to slow down the rate of acceleration. You know that you lose about 3% of your power per 1000' asl.