Heading to El Mirage Dry Lake for the weekend to watch the Racing
As many of you know, I have always liked anything fast but when there could be a world record at stake, then my eyes and ears are wide open, so this weekend, Jennifer and I will load up the truck and take the 2 hour jaunt up to the desert and to El Mirage Dry lake to watch the SCTA sanctioned races that’s held to close this years racing event.
This year I have way too much on to bring a Motorcycle out here but it was Jennifer’s idea to come out and camp,watch the Motorcycles and Hot Rods run as well as listen to the Coyotes howls and the stars sparkle out in the cold desert. Come on out and look us up as we always park up and camp out at Mid course.
El Mirage dry lake bed has been home to Land Speed Racing (LSR) for more than half a century. It is located just 30 miles east of a growing high desert community known as the Antelope Valley. Back when Land Speed Racing was young, a group of men that had been racing on the dry lakes for several years, decided to incorporate and create a new racing organization which would enforce safety procedures and promote the sport. Hence the birth of the Southern California Timing Association (SCTA).
All of the various club members, SCTA board members, and all other event workers volunteer their time and energy to the benefit of the sport. Our events are wonderful for families and friends to join together for fun and the excitement that always follows Land Speed Racing.There are four (4) one-day races per year, June/July/Sep/Oct and (2) two-day races in May/November. Vehicle inspections begin on the day prior to the race (Friday/Saturday) and the racing begins early Saturday/Sunday morning. The race day starts with a drivers meeting, patrol meeting, announcements, and national anthem. The duration of the race usually lasts as long as the weather and course conditions hold up. All drivers and crew members are allowed in the starting line area with a signed insurance form and wrist tag. Spectators are required to stay behind the barricades, where they will have an excellent, but safe view of the operational area.Vehicles are lined up for the starting line according to their current season points standing.
All entries must be a member of one of the clubs within the Southern California Timing Association. But – there is a “Guest” option to race on the course for “Time Only”. All drivers MUST be licensed for the speed at which they will be racing.
Overnight camping is always welcome on the lake bed with a few simple rules. No open fires, no waste dumping, and if you bring it in, you take it home. Speed and helmet regulations exist while on the lake bed and are strictly enforced. During the summer months it can get very hot, so shade is a must as well as sun screen and plenty of water. There is usually a food vendor, and the SCTA has a sales trailer for all the racing goodies. Racing on a dry lakebed can be very dirty and windy, so casual clothing is advised. All race information for the event is announced on a loud speaker and also broadcast on an FM frequency (88.7) for all spectators to hear while at the lakebed.As of 1996, the SCTA decided to return to one of the original sites which hosted many LSR race events until WWII.
Another great shot looking through a model A window.
Matt Farrant, getting geared up and going through his check list procedure so he is calm and collected for his run.
& Photography
