Team Vesco's TURBINATOR II blisters across the Bonneville Salt Flats earning
"Top Time of the Meet!"
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Team Vesco's TURBINATOR II with it's powerful 4500 hp turbine engine and all new fly by wire technology from AZTT was able to hook up with the hard, although thin, salt and break the 400 mph mark according to onboard computer. On this fastest run of the meet driver Dave Spangler safely steered the car off the course to a stop when the driveline broke causing a tire to blow out which in turn, took out some of the car's body panels.
Despite the mishap Team Vesco is encouraged with our progress in getting closer to the 500 mph mark! TURBINATOR II will be back on the salt in 2017.
Team Vesco's #444, "Little Giant," was also on the salt. Crew member Ricco Kunze took a turn at the wheel to make two complete runs earning him is B & C licenses. Good job Ricco!
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| Driver Dave Spanger looks over the damage. |
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| Rick and Gary Wilkinson with towing equipment |
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| Rick holds broken drive shaft |
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| World of Speed Thumbnail Candids |
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| Team Vesco Pit |
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| All ages come to the Vesco pits for salt flat racing information. |
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| Team Vesco crew prepares #444 |
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| Cliff readies onboard cameras. |
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| Sponsors banners are proudly displayed. |
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| Parachutes are hung up to dry. |
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| Dried chutes are carefully repacked. |
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| "Foto Fox," Rikki helps Rick straighten chutes after the run. |
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| Crew member Cliff Scott helps load car after a run. |
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| Karen Spangler holds canopy. |
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| Turbinator II is pushed to starting line. |
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| Crew member Bruce Linsmeyer gathers umbrella and rugs for starting line procedures. |
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| Bruce and Allan in line with Dave. |
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| Cliff cleans windshield. |
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| Allan and Rick put canopy on. |
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| Starter Monty Widdeson does a final check before run |
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| Driver and car are picked up at the end of runs. |
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| Chutes and suits are collected after the run. |
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| #444 on starting line. |
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| #444 driver, Ricco Kunze, Bruce Linsmeyer and Rick Vesco on starting line. |
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| Ricco gets ready to make licensing runs. |
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| Rick secures helmet. |
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| Allan and Rick fasten Ricco's Hans device. |
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| Crew member Chip Brosseau primes the oil system. |
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| Final adjustments made before the run. |
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| #444 is ready to go! |
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| #444 is pushed off the starting line. |
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| Team Vesco was excited to find "Carmen's Place." Carmen and crew member Allan Neff |
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| Karen & Dave Spangler with Bruce Linsmeyer at Carmen's. |
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| Team Vesco signed the Racing Wall at Carmen's. |
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| Shirley & John Hicks with friend Don Carman. |
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| Drive Dave Spangler signes Marcie Carman's shirt. |
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| Team Vesco's long time friend, John Howard, was back on the salt. |
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| Rick, John, bicycle racer Denise and Shea, race car driver |
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| Jinx Vesco congratulates Denise on her new bicycle speed record. |
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| Cliff also was with John when first attempting the bicycle speed record. |
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| #444 on Course! |
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We thank the U.S.F.R.A. organization for their efforts in finding the smoothest course possible for high speed cars to run on. We especially thank the emergency crews that show up quickly when needed! Thank you volunteers and thank you, Glen Barrett - The Voice of Bonneville - for your excellent announcing!
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