[Beairsto Racing]

Beairsto Racing, I've never looked closely at your avatar. I thought it was a single engine bike until I came across this thread. What an epic build! So much tenacity and patience not to mention a super unique and cool bike. This was the inspiration I needed today. I hope you get to run this year. Again, a super impressive build!

Thanks for your kind words.
We never got a chance to run last year, as the land border remained closed.
I had entertained the idea of shipping the trailer and flying down but that's a tough one logistically too, because I need a crew to join me, quarantines, ever changing travel protocols etc.
I've already booked time off this year for Speed Week in August and the World Finals in October. I don't see the border opening up until the bulk of our populations have been vaccinated. I'm 52, I don't think I'll be getting the needle until late Fall.

I just had my '86 1100 turbo bike tuned on a dyno...driveability has been dramatically improved. I spend a lot of time thinking about the turbos, intercoolers etc that I want to stuff into the Double next.

 

[Beairsto Racing]

It's that special time of the year again...put the wheels back on the Double when there's no fear of frost, they don't like the cold...fill the tank and fire up both engines...wait to see if the the weather is nice, the salt is dry, we're Covid clear and the border is open.
I've registered for Speed Week '22...Aug 6-12
I'll fly in from the Arctic on the 3rd...drive 17hrs on the 4th...tech inspection and pit set up on the 5th.

I noticed last fall, as we waited to see if the border would at last open in time for the World Finals...it didn't, but I did develop a fuel leak. One of the seams on the tank had a crack. I also learned that it only leaked when mounted, it was just a hairline crack that would spread apart as the mounts pulled on the tank sides. I got it welded and hogged out some of the mounting holes, so that I could install grommets...this isolated the tank from the frame and should prevent any future problems.

I dragged it out of the trailer a couple days ago...it fired up right away...no leaks or drama...we shot all the cylinders with a temp gun and all 8 are pretty much even.
So I'm cautiously optimistic about getting the opportunity to stretch her legs in @67 days.
I'll be packing up the trailer, so that everything is ready to hook on to it and go.

Yesterday, I pulled the trailer wheels off, inspected the brakes and tires, re-packed the bearings etc. Today I started undercoating the trailer...not very glamorous, but all part of the preparation.

 

[Beairsto Racing]

Was your cracked tire in #307 under pressure while in storage?

Yes, it was inflated and on the bike during a -45c cold snap.
For 20 years, I shuffled the race bikes into the car trailer and put them in storage over the winter without any issues. The current tires aren't supposed to be subjected to below zero temps.

With regard to spinning the rear tire, might some winglets give you some downforce to help with that?

I'm hesitant to dabble blindly with aerodynamic aids, without the use of a wind tunnel and at a grand(US) an hour, it's currently out of my reach.
Realistically, it may get a CFD scan in the near future.
I'm hoping the new suspension will help cut down on the wheel spin and the belly pan will reduce drag...it's all baby steps, they're never done. I've got some ideas for the tail section.

It needs a pair of turbos.

 

[Beairsto Racing]

Another cancelled Speed Week...those records are all safe for another year.

I got home form the Arctic last Wednesday...14 hours later and we were on the road to Bonneville. We arrived late Thursday night and ran through Tech Inspection on Friday. There was some rain that evening, but most of it missed the salt flats. The Driver's meeting and opening ceremony were postponed on Saturday, we weren't allowed out on to the salt, but with 90 degree days, we were pretty optimistic that we'd be running by Monday.
And then the thunderstorms arrived and that sealed the deal.
Sunday became a recovery mission. The water was deep and the salt was lifting up in sections and chunks were floating like ice...it took out one truck's oil pan.
We drove home on Monday. I've spent the last 2 days cleaning the trailer, truck, bikes and gear. I joke that we're in really good shape for next year...minimal maintenance required.

In the end, I spent 4 days with friends and family. I hung around with really cool racers and hot rodders. There were informal car shows every night at the casinos. I enjoyed some awesome Mexican food. I have wasted time doing far worse...that's racing.

 

[Beairsto Racing]

Man, that’s a bummer. Hanging out IS half the fun but it would be nice if you could actually get a run. I can’t remember the last run you had but it seems like for the last five or six or seven years, it’s been bad weather.

The last 2 years have been good, but we couldn't cross the border due to Covid.