Streamliner speed record goes up once again...
Chris Carr recently piloted the Bub Seven Motorcycle Streamliner to a new record. A new record in this class seems to be quite a frequent event in recent years. Who would have ever thought that the speeds and records for streamliners would go up so quickly? Well here we are, reality. 367.382 mph is the latest number being posted by Chris Carr, his second time in the number one spot. How long will it stand? No telling these days, but in our recent interview with the now dethroned Rocky Robinson, he does say that he plans on returning to the salt next year with the Akatiff Team for another shot at the glory number.
Congratulations to Chris Carr, Denis Manning and the entire Bub Team on their latest record which is pending official ratification. Watch video
Denis Manning had quite a share of camera time at the 2006 event with the first record clenching by Carr
Vision-one crashes at the Bub Motorcycle Speed Trials...
Scott Knudsen emerged unscathed after a 160 mph salt bed mishap
September of 2009 will surely hold some memories for Visionline Racing. As far as memories go, a first time crash for Vision-one is about as wild as the old west. However, the clear headed and prompt actions taken by Scott Knudsen following a high speed crash show the level of professionalism he races with.
All four Visionline Drivers had a similar handling problem with Vision-one. This problem did not exist in 2007 with the first runs made. It ever so slightly reared it's ugly head in 2008 after some modifications were made, but was not a big issue and caused no real problems. 2009, well a different story. After further modifications were employed, big problems. Something so simple, yet so illusive. With all the variables to discuss it can be difficult for a team to pinpoint such a simple problem. Overlooking the obvious and overthinking non issues can spoil a day.
The first signs of trouble in 2008 came from the addition of a front fender. At high speed this can cause aerodynamic oscillation or that ever so talked about "high speed wheel wobble". The latest troubles came from the addition of a small nose piece mounted to the forks. Anything attached to the steering that can direct air flow can also adversely affect steering. This is actually a common problem for many high speed machines. Many racers have experienced this problem and thus remove everything that does not need to be mounted to the steering works. Aerodynamic pieces should be mounted to the frame and encompass the steering.
Furthermore, this handling issue was noticed slightly with the drag strip test runs prior to Bonneville, but with the limitations of a quarter mile run, not enough speed is gained to really evaluate the problem.
Scott ultimately lost control halfway through the measured mile as Vision-one started to swap back and forth. With the machine going down on the left side and spinning in circles, Scott was securely held in place by the restraint system. Only superficial damage was done to Vision-one and runs resumed a few hours later after a thorough cleaning and safety inspection. An onboard camera was rolling and gave us a view not many get to see. Watch video
Rocky Robinson discusses handling issues with Robin Lamberd
The fastest man to date on two wheels stopped by for a visit with Visionline Racing shortly after the Vision-one crash. Rocky, whom actually can also lay claim to the fastest crash ever on two wheels certainly liked to hear that a well thought out restraint system did it's job of keeping the pilot safe until the ride came to an end.