10b. Jet Bike Visitors and Dignitaries, continued

June 24, 1999 - Chip Bassett's folks, George and Barbara Bassett from New Jersey, visit the F-18 Jet Bike being built in Chip's shop on their way to the Lion's Convention in San Diego, California.  "Son, is this bizarre thing you are building for that crazy Correll guy, one of the reasons why you like living in California?"

Mark Page, Senior Aerodynamicist for Dan Gurney's All American Racers, Santa Ana, California (probably the only non-motorcycle enthusiast at AAR) paid us a visit on June 1, 1999.  Mark is a long time friend of Doug Malewicki's and a fellow aero graduate from the University of Illinois.  Mark is shown here on the bike contemplating how crazy Bob Correll has to be to want to ride this beast!

Mark spends a lot of wind tunnel time at AAR worrying about how to reduce internal flow and under- body losses.  Winning races is not just about how slippery the outside visible shape is or about how much down force can be generated.  Mark gave us a couple of pointers that we expect will greatly reduce our jet exhaust duct flow turning losses.  Might be worth 4 to 7 percent more thrust!  It has been classified TOP SECRET and won't be discussed on the web site.  Thank you Mark!  We love it!

From the left:  Bob Correll, Jim Ludiker (Bonneville Salt Flats record holder), Doug Malewicki, Dave Ross (Dave Ross Photography).   Seated - Bob Kubinski (Race Team Director - for the 237 mph "White Lightning" - the world's fastest electric car)