The Adventure Begins

Big Bad Nitro Daddy tests the nitro  methane percentage

It's all about preparation, and as usual, when it came to the end there wasn't much time.

With just a week to assemble the bike and test the systems, Rob was really pressed. There are still some glitches to be worked out, and we picked up a new Digitron gauge as we drove out of town, but we hope it will all come together on the Salt.  

This morning we loaded the trailer and ran through the check lists. If we don't have it now, we'll have to buy it, borrow it, or do without. As I write this, we're traveling west on I-80, counting the pronghorns. Should be at the Salt Flats tonight.

Seems like a lot of trailer for such a little bike!

It's Hee-rre!

Thank you Steve and all the people at AF1 Racing! The Aprilia's engine has arrived.

With only a few days before we leave for Bonneville and the BUB Speed Trials, Rob has plenty to do. Already the engine is installed, and a fuel tank in place. Now he's going through safety wiring and securing all parts.


Meanwhile, I've been working with Ken Brunton of Accessories Inc to make decals for sponsors and number panels. Applying decals seemed intimidating at first, but Ken made it easy for me.

The Itty Bitty Nitro Lady Aprilia is almost ready to make records!

Final Two Weeks

It's the push to the finish for the Itty Bitty Nitro Lady Aprilia now.



True, it still looks like this,

but the Haybusa looks like this

and the Buell looks like this

Narrowing the Focus

It's all about the Aprilia now.

The Hayabusa pistons are awesome things: thick and strong, like none seen before. The Buell pistons are incredible: hunchbacked and powerful. But both motors have been put on hold. This year the only bike Big Bad Nitro Daddy will have at BUB will be the Aprilia.

Time became short and there is no benefit to rushing these projects. I had hoped to be on the Hayabusa; this will be the second year I have not been able to ride it.

But the Aprilia is the only class in which I have the potential to break an FIM World Record, and that is where we will aim.

Breathe easy, Leslie, this year your record is safe. But watch over your shoulder. I'm coming after you.