| Team Vesco coming on strong in 2013 |
Vesco's "Little Giant" # 444 has established new records, all well over 300 MPH, in each of the last 5 years.
- C/GS 324 MPH Dave Spangler 2008
- C/FS 335 MPH Rick Vesco 2009
- B/GS 337 MPH Dave Spangler 2010
- D/GS 311 MPH Rhonnie Vesco 2011
- C/GS 339 MPH Eric Ritter 2012
At Speed Week this year the #444 streamliner will attempt a new B/FS record (engine size between 373.0 to 439.99 cid, naturally aspirated running on fuel - other than event gas) using an Al Sanderson 434 cid engine with a single Holley carburetor. Dave Spangler will be the driver. The formidable 12 year old current record in the class is 344.114 MPH held by the Fueling Streamliner with Mike Nish driving.
"TURBINATOR II" and the "Little Giant" will both run for records during the 2013 season.
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Driver, Dave Spangler, is a long time friend. Dave holds an MBA from Michigan State University and was part owner and president of Hooker Industries, Inc. (Hooker Headers). His racing experience is extensive, including go carts, outboard hydroplane boats, motorcycles, ocean boats and bicycles. Dave set his first land speed record at 295.802 MPH in 1985. In 1995 he became the 16th member inducted into the 300 MPH Chapter of the 200 MPH Club with a class record of 302.673 MPH. In 2008 he went 323.460 MPH for another C/GS record. Dave's fastest speed to date is a B/GS record of 337.197 MPH.
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| TURBINATOR II - Latest Progress... |
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Four NorthStar batteries in the nose of the car will supply 48 volts, 2150 amps of electricty to start TURBINATOR II and take care of all the electrical needs. A "start cart" will no longer be necessary to start the car on the starting line.
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| Friend and neighbor, Eric Brantley, prepares body for primer. |
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| Tim McNees, of McNees Enterprises Salt Lake City, holds the new, larger roll bar he formed for the car. |
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Turbinator II customized wheels will be lighter and vented for the new Lamb 4 wheel drive braking system. R & D Machine of Salt Lake City, Ut is doing the work.
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| R & D Machine's owner, Dusty, discusses the new wheel with the programmer, Roger. |
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| Roger takes measurements & specifications before & after machining to insure acceptable run outs. |
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| Roy operates the 5 axis digital Mazak milling machine that cuts a 5 spoke pattern in the wheel center. |
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Rob North, of Rob North Fabrications National City, CA, is fabricating twin exhaust pipes which will allow exhaust to flow from one outlet to two providing more overall area.
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| View from inside canopy |
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The larger roll bar requires a larger canopy which will accodomate the new, safer helmet and comply with current safety standards. Also it allows the driver a better visual field.
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| TURBINATOR II Photo by Mike Alltucker |
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PARACHUTES:
TURBINATOR II will have 3 parachutes. The original Turbinator had only 2. Our goal is to design a stopping sytem that will allow us to go FAST on the 5 mile courses that are typical of the SCTA/BNI events. These courses usually have only 2 miles in which to stop. We will push for more room when salt conditions permit. We have worked with Joe Hansen of D.J. Safety on a system that he thinks could do the job. Of the 3 chutes, one is for use up to 400 MPH. The second chute can be used up to 450 MPH and the 3rd parachute is the first to deploy over 500 MPH. On TURBINATOR II the parachutes are contained inside an actuating tail fairing that opens for parachute deployment. This system is a Vesco proprietary design to further streamline the car. It has been highly successful on Team Vesco's #444 streamliner since 2007.
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The redesign of TURBINATOR II began with body modifications. The all new, sleek carbon fiber body by AirTech is 6 feet longer for an overall length of 36 feet and the wheel base has an additional 28 inches for a total of 256 inches. The new body fits like a glove with Turbinator's chassis. TURBINATOR II promises to provide a serious challenge to the 500 mph mark!
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| Nose design is extended by 16" and the center lowered by 3" |
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| Changes will improve aerodynamic flow and better traction control. |
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The body modifications have been carefully designed and sculpted using pieces of foam to form the new plug which will be covered with fiberglass to make the new mold.
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| Rick places foam strips carefully, forming to body. |
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The tail fin has been cut down by 4 inches, lengthened by 2 and sports an embedded camera mount. These modifications will allow for sleek aerodynamics and prevent exhaust burn. At the rear an actuating tail fairing opens to clear the deployment of the three parachutes. This system has been highly successful on Team Vesco's #444 car.
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