April 17, 2008: Seattle Test Session
On April 17, 2008 the Miss Bardahl tested on Lake Washington from the Stan Sayer's pits. The water was open from 1100-1400. This was in conjunction with the Unlimited Lights & 1955 Miss Thriftway.
The Miss Bardahl was the first in the water, and the first to take the course. Four rides were given, and two propellers tested, for a total of six runs. Of the three hours of available water time, the Miss Bardahl ran for over 53 minutes, and burnt more than 50 gallons of high octane racing fuel.
- Jim Bevaart: was a volunteer on Mike Jones' U-9 unlimited hydroplane during the restoration of the Miss Bardahl. With the restoration taking place at the U-9 shop, Jim volunteered a substantial amount of time helping out on the U-40 restoration. As can be seen, he enjoyed his ride!
- Maxine Morrow: For her 85th birthday, Maxine Morrow (Judy Smith's mother) received a ride in the Miss Bardahl! It is very probably she is the oldest person to go for a ride in (and drive) an unlimited hydroplane.
- Joe MacDonald: Joe Macdonald, recently retired project pilot for Boeing's 747 program, goes for a ride as a retirement gift from Dixon. Dixon & Joe flew together in A-6 Intruders in the Navy.
- Michael Hanson: currently crew chief on the U-1 Oh Boy! Oberto/Miss Madison, and former Gold Cup winning driver goes for a ride in Miss Bardahl. Mike was one of the principles during the restoration and oversaw all of the woodwork on the boat.
After completing the rides, Dixon went out solo for a photo shoot with the 1955 Miss Thriftway. The boat was back on the trailer for lunch, inspections and a propeller change. After, Dixon went out solo to try the new prop. It did not perform as well as the one during the morning session, particularly in the corners. Also, this wheel did not hook-up nearly as well or provide the top end.
The event was successful in that everyone had a good time, nothing broke, and everything went smoothly.
Photos courtesy of Jon Osterberg & Chris Denslow.
Read MoreThe Miss Bardahl was the first in the water, and the first to take the course. Four rides were given, and two propellers tested, for a total of six runs. Of the three hours of available water time, the Miss Bardahl ran for over 53 minutes, and burnt more than 50 gallons of high octane racing fuel.
- Jim Bevaart: was a volunteer on Mike Jones' U-9 unlimited hydroplane during the restoration of the Miss Bardahl. With the restoration taking place at the U-9 shop, Jim volunteered a substantial amount of time helping out on the U-40 restoration. As can be seen, he enjoyed his ride!
- Maxine Morrow: For her 85th birthday, Maxine Morrow (Judy Smith's mother) received a ride in the Miss Bardahl! It is very probably she is the oldest person to go for a ride in (and drive) an unlimited hydroplane.
- Joe MacDonald: Joe Macdonald, recently retired project pilot for Boeing's 747 program, goes for a ride as a retirement gift from Dixon. Dixon & Joe flew together in A-6 Intruders in the Navy.
- Michael Hanson: currently crew chief on the U-1 Oh Boy! Oberto/Miss Madison, and former Gold Cup winning driver goes for a ride in Miss Bardahl. Mike was one of the principles during the restoration and oversaw all of the woodwork on the boat.
After completing the rides, Dixon went out solo for a photo shoot with the 1955 Miss Thriftway. The boat was back on the trailer for lunch, inspections and a propeller change. After, Dixon went out solo to try the new prop. It did not perform as well as the one during the morning session, particularly in the corners. Also, this wheel did not hook-up nearly as well or provide the top end.
The event was successful in that everyone had a good time, nothing broke, and everything went smoothly.
Photos courtesy of Jon Osterberg & Chris Denslow.
