A Family Racing Tradition
A Family Racing Tradition
Last edited by Ron Hill; 01-10-2008 at 11:42 PM.
Ron...Jim and Sean are at this moment are planning an assault on some kilo records at Oroville in February. Motors are being prepared and Jim will shortly be flying to Italy to pick them up. Hopefully, it won't take long to get things dialed in. There's a new twist here too. There will be some VTR experimental devices designed to aid the motor in reaching and maintaining optimum horsepower throughout the run. There are also some other big names in racing behind this project. I have been invited to be a part to help record the efforts. Earlier tests on another boat were not completed due to unexpected circumstances so this will be the first major leap. I am working on trying to get away to make the kilos. It is a tough time for all of us on the project to get away, but it could become one of those historic times when you kick yourself if you weren't there.
As you can see from the above records, Jim and Sean are no strangers to set ups for kilos. So if it all works as planned you could see some really fantastic speeds come out of that event.
When Jim lived in California, we never were very close. Seems I've only talked to Sean a time or two, but we seemed like old friends.
Jim and I are probably closer friends today, than when we lived five miles from each other.
The McKean family's love of the sport of boat racing runs deep!
Good luck Jim and Sean at the kilo's. Great seeing your performance in DePue!
From Sean's old babysitter and candy supplier
What's the odds on the weather at that time Bill? I saw something about a marathon being held, so I wasn't sure what all events were scheduled. I need to rejoin APBA. Guess I better go to their website, but in the meantime as you live so close as far as weather for a kilo, would you rate the possiblities around 50/50 or cross your fingers that it will be good? It's not a 100% yet that I can make it, but at this point I am going to start looking at flight times in and out.
Hey Alan, if I make it out there I want to see your face in person.
I wish the both of you the best of luck with the kilo's. I built the kilo boat that they have used for most of the records and hopefully they will be using for this project. I also built the capsule boat they are using in the pics above.
Sean and Jim, change the rear pads this time! With the additional speed, you are going to need them.
Below is a pic of Sean setting the 350cc kilo record with the boat I made for them.
What are the dates in Feb? If you are there Wayne, guess I have to be too.
The dates are February 23/24. Go to the Region 11 web site at
www.boatracingr11.com. I approved the sanction yesterday and should be on line on the APBA web site in a few days.
As far as weather who knows. I will say this when it is good it is the best Place in the USA for a Kilo. As Bob Wartinger. The elev is 200 ft.
a few years ago Miss Bud went through one way at over 228 mph. Last year Terry Klemm did over 110 mph in a 1100 Runabout with a 600CC Rossi. We have a Marathon in the afternoon to help onset the expense.
Believe me when i say conducting a kilo is a money losing deal. If it were not for People Like Teri Ziemer, Bob Wartinger, Jim McKean, Rich Fuchslin for donating large funds to keep to going it would be history.
I also thank Dewald for donating a Propeller for us to raffle off. APBAHQ and K&K for working with us on the Sanction and Insurance. The Surveyor for donating his time. And Then there is the Membership of Region 11 who make it happen.
If you are flying in to Sacramento (SMF) the site is about 50 miles north. AA has flts from DFW to SMF.
The Kilo site is the Thermalito Afterbay Hwy 99 and 162.
Watch the Region 11 web site for more info on Hotels.
a block of rooms has been set aside at the Gold Country Casino(Indian). $79/nite
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