We arrived on inspection day to set up. The weather was beautiful - a huge contrast from last month. #444 hit the salt and was ready to roll. Rick was to be the "shake down" driver as Rhonnie and Calvin could not get off work this time. Rick wanted to check out the handling, suspension, shifting as well as chute deployment. She ran straight as an arrow on her first 184 mph run. Adjustments were made and she made three more runs - all around 194 mph! Everything held together, however it was not fast enough to qualify for the 203 mph record. We will take the Model 'A' home and have it dyno tested. Next month at World Finals, Little Giant will be powered by the Duttweiler small block Chevy with Dave Spangler driving. The Riley 4-port Model 'A' will be back on the salt next year.
Vesco & McClure pit at the 2007 World of Speed
Eric Ritter and his wife, June, came all the way from NYC to crew for us.
June Ritter. Thanks guys!
Eric, Dave Spangler and Rick prep the car for its first shake down run.
Rick sits for a "fitting." He will take it on the first run to make sure everything is in order.
Eric dusts the salt off Rick's shoes.
Dave and Eric strap Rick in on the starting line.
Push - off Device
444 pulls away from the push truck at 30 mph.
Little Giant 444 thunders down the track.
Dave and Eric congratulate Rick on a successful first run. Little Giant clocked in at 184 mph! And nothing broke!
Dave Spangler tests drives 444 in preperation for his runs next month at World Finals. #444 will be powered by the Duttweiler Small Block Chevy. Dave hopes to go well over 300 mph.
The women behind their men. Karen Spangler, Jinx Vesco and June Ritter, better known as the "pit chicks."
A huge thank you to USFRA for a spectacular and friendly meet!!
