750cc Norton Commando Salt Flats Build

Looks like Zach made it to Bonneville. He's listed as an entry for August 1 and 2, but no runs shown. Still most of the week left, so here's wishing him luck.

Ken
 
Well folks, afraid it's bad news. We made it as far as Salt Lake City before a catastrophic failure on my tow/chase vehicle. Transmission blew and now I'm stranded waiting for a rebuild. We were lucky to make it as far as we did limping through the mountain pass. At this point the best I can hope for after having to change hotel plans and all that jazz is to make it out late Wednesday or early Thursday morning to go through registration, pass tech, and check out the pits before having to turn around and make the trip home.

I know its not the news anyone wanted, especially me, but unfortunately this year on the salt is a bust no matter how I try to slice it. Rentals might be possible, but being over 1600 miles from home paying for an unexpected transmission fix that wasn't in the budget to being with, renting for a week is pretty well out of the question.

Been a rollercoaster of emotion the last two days to say the least. Not giving up on it, but I think making runs this year is just barely out of reach.
 
o0norton0o said:
Hey Zach,

Here's a guy in SLC willing to rent his dodge diesel 350 for $1200. for a week. It tows gooseneck or rear hitch...

https://www.craigslist.org/view/d/west-valley-city-2024-ram-3500-for-rent/szbjPRcGpytGDnUWtotEyZ
Click to expand...
I really appreciate the look-up and info. But there's no way I can afford anything else at this point. Still gotta afford the gas to get home and a possible hotel night on the road home. Pushed to hard trying to make a 26hr drive all in one go last time. Not doing that again.
 
Zachary Brown said:
I really appreciate the look-up and info. But there's no way I can afford anything else at this point. Still gotta afford the gas to get home and a possible hotel night on the road home. Pushed to hard trying to make a 26hr drive all in one go last time. Not doing that again.
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Was so looking forward to seeing what you could achieve, have been following your build with interest. Unfortunately shit happens and can be really draining. Wish you the best and hope something really good just happens for you.
 
The SCTA consists of a bunch of good old hot rodders. If you’re already registered, and paid you entry fee, they’ll probably find a way to speed you through tech and get you out there for a run. It work for Burt Monroe.
 
1973x75 said:
The SCTA consists of a bunch of good old hot rodders. If you’re already registered, and paid you entry fee, they’ll probably find a way to speed you through tech and get you out there for a run. It work for Burt Monroe.
Click to expand...
Fast Eddie said:
Did you get a ride ??
Click to expand...
We managed to get out and passed tech, but by the time we made it out to the salt the fuel truck had left. All the SCTA folks were extremely helpful and were trying everything to get me out to make at a run. But after the "prison sentence" of being stuck in a cheap hotel room for a week wondering if I was even gonna be able to make the trip home in one piece, I was not in the right state of mind to try to go out and do anything at speed. People can say what they want about me not doing everything in my power to make runs on the salt no matter what, but I'm not about to push my luck doing it in a state of last minute panic and scramble. It's not worth the risk to my skin or the machine to try and make it happen at the last second when everything's gone to hell in a hand basket since before crossing into Utah. There will be next year and/or other events to try.
 
Got at least one shot for proof that she at least touched salt this year.
 

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Zachary Brown said:
We managed to get out and passed tech, but by the time we made it out to the salt the fuel truck had left. All the SCTA folks were extremely helpful and were trying everything to get me out to make at a run. But after the "prison sentence" of being stuck in a cheap hotel room for a week wondering if I was even gonna be able to make the trip home in one piece, I was not in the right state of mind to try to go out and do anything at speed. People can say what they want about me not doing everything in my power to make runs on the salt no matter what, but I'm not about to push my luck doing it in a state of last minute panic and scramble. It's not worth the risk to my skin or the machine to try and make it happen at the last second when everything's gone to hell in a hand basket since before crossing into Utah. There will be next year and/or other events to try.
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That is a very sensible approach. A bummer, but like you said there's always next year, and I'm sure you'll lookback on this and laugh someday.
 
Zachary Brown said:
We managed to get out and passed tech, but by the time we made it out to the salt the fuel truck had left. All the SCTA folks were extremely helpful and were trying everything to get me out to make at a run. But after the "prison sentence" of being stuck in a cheap hotel room for a week wondering if I was even gonna be able to make the trip home in one piece, I was not in the right state of mind to try to go out and do anything at speed. People can say what they want about me not doing everything in my power to make runs on the salt no matter what, but I'm not about to push my luck doing it in a state of last minute panic and scramble. It's not worth the risk to my skin or the machine to try and make it happen at the last second when everything's gone to hell in a hand basket since before crossing into Utah. There will be next year and/or other events to try.
Click to expand...
Anyone who has raced will understand that.

Many would also understand a feeling of ‘not meant to happen’ … racing has turned many a logical thinker into a superstitious old woman!

Come back stronger and faster next time !
 

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