Editor’s Note: Over the years, you’ve seen Aaron Schasse’s name all over this site as he’s taken countless photos and videos to keep you engaged despite my sub-par writing. This time around, he’s doing the entire story! Aaron visited the SCTA season opener earlier this month and he was kind enough to share his experience – hope you enjoy.
Story and photos by Aaron Schasse.
The Southern California Timing Association (SCTA) hosted their season opener on May 20th and 21st. They have been around for the past 80 years, timing and recording land speed races at both El Mirage, California and the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah. I headed out with my camera to catch the speed trials on Saturday morning. Upon arrival, I swiped my credit card and paid a $15 fee to enter the lake bed. The money goes to the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) who issues a permit to the SCTA. The timing association takes safety very seriously – and the course is smartly designed to that end.
Course Diagram
Riders have 1.3 miles (2km) to compete, proceeded by another 1.3 miles to decelerate to a stop. There are way too many classes to list, but they are broken down by vehicle type, engine size, fuel, and many other variables. The variety offers riders more opportunities to hold a class-based land speed record, and certainly this is the draw for many. But for others, the community and spirit of the event is enough to satisfy, not to mention the sheer thrill of tearing across a barren desert on a machine you built, modified, bought, or borrowed.
I entered the lake by following a dust cloud of RVs and trucks pulling trailers down a dirt and gravel road. Almost immediately I found myself driving on the surface of the lake bed with what felt like infinite space around me – no lanes or traffic signs out here! The feeling was great, and I was hooked.
I followed the action to find the starting line and the SCTA registration/inspection tents for all cars and motorcycles where I obtained my press pass and did a lap of the grounds. A massive line of cars and bikes were forming – I had never seen such a random collection of unique custom designs and modified race engines in my life! Rebuilt roadsters, classic imports, reimagined relics of all displacements – it was a wonderful scene. Paired with the barren landscape and frequent dust devils, it occurred to me that my $15 had bought me a behind-the-scenes pass to “Mad Max: Fury Road.”
Signs like this demarcate the course.
Taken 5/21, Photo Credit: Aaron Schasse
Cars start with a push. Driver: Al Eshenbaugh
Taken 5/20, Photo Credit: Aaron Schasse
Driver Wendy St.John waits patiently with an umbrella to block the sun.
Taken 5/20, Photo Credit: Aaron Schasse
Wind and dust devils produce frequent stops on the course.
Taken 5/20, Photo Credit: Aaron Schasse
The science of going fast is taken very seriously at El Mirage. Extreme dustbin fairings, external ice tanks for cooling, engines burning alternative fuels like nitromethane, alcohol, and E85 are all on display. It is truly magnificent. I ordered a bean burrito and a root beer float 50 feet from the starting line – they were also magnificent.
4 Things I Learned at El Mirage:
1. Cars need a push to start, as their gearing has been modified to maximize the shorter course. Some motorcycles also get push starts, although I did not witness this myself.
2. No race vehicles are allowed to return to the pits on their own engine power. They must be towed or shuttled back.
3. Members of the SCTA also compete for “club points”, which can earn them a better position in line – earlier in the day is preferred as the weather is cooler and you’ll have a better shot of getting a run in.
4. Any car exceeding 160 mph must employ a parachute. 2 chutes are required for cars that exceed 250 mph.
The whole experience reminded me of the time Abhi, Nathan, and I rode Indian Scouts across the nearby Soggy Dry Lake in the Johnson Valley OHV area:
Speaking of Scouts, this summer also commemorates the 50th anniversary of Burt Munro’s famous record setting run. Indian Motorcycles, keen to recognize the significance, has teamed up with Munro’s great nephew, Lee Munro – a road racer in his native New Zealand. Indian outfitted Lee with a stunning bike for what would be his rookie runs. Each rider must qualify as a “rookie” before advancing – a process that requires several successful runs at controlled speeds. Lee had no trouble.
Lee Munro on the Spirit of Munro Indian Scout, after his second rookie run. He reached a speed of 161mph. As a rookie, Lee was not allowed to reach over 175 mph.
Taken 5/21 Photo Credit: Aaron Schasse
Lee Munro celebrating with teammate, Dan Gervais.
Taken 5/21 Photo Credit: Aaron Schasse
I was struck by how often interruptions happened. The SCTA were quick to halt the racers for heavy winds, debris on the track, or visibility issues. Ironically, visibility was worse when the wind stopped. In dead air, the dust kicked up from the previous riders would just hang over the course. Conditions needed to be just right, and safety was always the number one priority. Towards the end of the day I heard complaints from riders about the course becoming chewed up. All that horsepower certainly must take a toll. I can’t imagine anyone riding a motorcycle wants to hit a rut at 175.
Since it was the season opener, the event lasted 2 days instead of the usual one. I returned on Sunday and spent almost the entire day at the opposite end of the course, camera in hand, shooting riders as they waited for their team to tow them back to the pits. Some were satisfied, many were discouraged, but all were happy to pose with their machines – the down trodden usually citing slipping tires or poor conditions as barriers to their success.
Another lesson I learned: Setting a land speed record is no easy task.
Fred Tamuty and his 100CC Yamaha, hitched up for the tow ride back to the pits.
Ralph Hudson’s unique body design helped him record 238 mph on this 1000CC.
Taken 5/21, Photo Credit: Aaron Schasse
Rider Robert Smith at the starting line on his 350CC “Red Baron.” He would go on to clock 119 mph.
Taken 5/20, Photo Credit: Aaron Schasse
Tim Lewis was not satisfied with his run.
Taken 5/21, Photo Credit: Aaron Schasse
Rider Anthony Groves after a 109 mph run.
Taken 5/21, Photo Credit: Aaron Schasse
Tim Cunha and the Nebulous Theorem VIII, designed by Jack Costella.
Taken 5/21, Photo Credit: Aaron Schasse
Cathy Butler after her 177 mph run.
Taken 5/21, Photo Credit: Aaron Schasse
The speed trials ended at about 2:30pm each day. When it was all over I packed up my van (which was completely covered with a dusting of fine lakebed silt) and drove back to LA. My stepfather and I rode back together, taking the long way through the ACH. We pulled over at a vista overlooking the lakebed and the view was spectacular. Experiences like this are what make Southern California so unique. The SCTA holds events all summer long, including dates at Bonneville in August and October. I’m marking my calendar, you should too.
Editor’s Note: Aaron has a great album of additional photos if these piqued your interest – you can peruse it here. Here’s a couple of my favorites to further whet your appetite:
