|
Hello everyone, nice to meet you. Allow me to introduce
myself. I am SUMI from MOONEYES. The BOSS calls me "PAN". Why does
he call me "PAN" you might ask. It might be understood after reading
the next two articles. Yes, that's it. First, let's begin with my
self introduction. I am a member of the MOON SPACE Agency, here
at MOONEYES, just as the glutton blog writer Tank-san is associated
with. I am involved with advertisement related work and the recently
published MOON ILLUSTRATED catalog are examples of what we do. I
am also without questions, on hand at Mooneyes events. I'm the one
always sweating bullets, running around the event space with at
least one camera with me at all times taking photographs of everything.
Perhaps you may have seen me before...
It was an abrupt notice one day at work; I was given the chance
of going on official business to the California. Departure: 2 days.
Overcome by surprise and joy, it was natural to excrete loudly!
However, it is business after all, so I did my best to keep my composure.
Official Destination: El Mirage. Main Objective: Photograph Dry
Lake Races. By now, I was barely able to keep my composure. Yes!!
BOSS had mentioned in his blog about the '27 Modified T-LSR and
that it was headed for El Mirage to attempt the Land Speed Record
for its class. I was to accompany the MOONEYES USA crew, from May
16, 2008 (Friday) to the actual location of this historical place,
witness every moment for two entire days until May 18, 2008 (Sunday).
I was no longer able to keep my composure and the excitement had
cause bodily sensations. WooHoo!! But just imagining going on this
assignment had me grinning ear to ear, I was so excited! This would
be my first trip to the Continental United States. I know about
a handful of words in verbal English and I'm going to spend three
days in California. The thought made me a bit uneasy... but it didn't
matter. Ever since I was a little boy... I never gave things deep
thought before taking action so I figured "No problem, I'll figure
something out!" (Later I would learn a few lessons!) Like, "Don't
forget to bring your sleeping bag." At El Mirage, you normally camp
out in the middle of what seems to be no where. The sensation of
everything for normal but so new to me was mind blowing. The visual
landscape, all the noise, the wind, the sun, the night sky, everything
was so immense. I've always thought I can sleep anywhere and eat
anything. These were two of my specialties. From my experience on
this trip, I bring back lessons learned and more about my so called
specialties. I hope you all enjoy my journal and stories! My best
regards.
|
|
May 15, 2008 (Thu) 10:00 AM Japan Standard Time (JST) - Mooneyes
Area-1
Before I could say anything, It was time to go. I
packed my bag with everything I needed for photos, camera and everything.
Plus the bare minimum of clothes that I will need for the trip among
other things like a toothbrush and passport etc. Just as I was about
to say "OK, LET'S GO!!" a senior staff memeber was passing by and
said, "Got your sleeping bag?" I completely forgot... In a rush,
I stuffed my bag with a sleeping bag and then it was off to the
airport!!
|
|
|
|
May 15, 2008 12:30 PM (JST) - Arrived at Narita International
Airport
For my flight to California, I'll be riding with Wildman
Ishii and Goshu so I have absolutely no worries at all because they
are experienced at this. While at the airport, I got my money exchanged
from Japanese yen to US dollars. There was time before boarding the
plane so I figured I'd head over to the book store and then get something
to eat. At the bookstore I realized when I exchanged my cash, I changed
everything in my wallet. I can't buy a book... Wildman busting out
laughing. Using the pocket change I had left of yen, I got something
to eat. Wildman was still busting out laughing. As we were getting
our carry-ons inspected, for some strange reason my bag kept getting
re-inspected over and over and over. Inspectors kept walking up to
it, feeling it, looking it closely, opening it, taking everything
out, then looking at everything inside, then inspecting the inside
of the bag. I started out curious, which quickly went into a cold
sweat then followed closely by all out sweat mode. Wildman was holding
his stomach laughing at this point... He's laughing too much already...
All this back and forth done, we jump on a plane, I finally get to
taste the well-rumored Bibimbap with great pleasure then it's California
bound!! |
|
|
May 15, 2008 (Thu) 08:40 AM Pacific Standard Time (PST) - California
Yearning for California has been a dream until right
now!! When I would make advertisements and catalog content, I would
always see photos of California and think the sky is so bright and
blue. But now that I see it in person, it's true, California really
has bright blue skies!! With BOSS behind the wheel, I didn't even
ask where we were heading. As we drove, I sat in the passenger seat
trying to look at everything I could outside while taking pictures.
"Lately in America, you don't see very many old cars on the road anymore."
That was something I've heard and read a lot about but I never thought
much about it since I've never been here before. Next thing I know,
we were on the freeway. All these things are happening at once that
most people might take for granted, but I was trying to consume it
all. Along with the rest of the cars on the freeway, we traveled at
a high rate of speed. There was a lot of sounds, the different types
of car noises from American pickups and tractor trailers to Japanese
imports and full size cars. I could hear the radio playing music and
commecials in the background. The scenery was flowing passed in a
steady blur while all these cars traveled like a rushing stream. I
could feel how the asphalt was very different compared to roads in
Japan. The bumps and uneven conditions are more severe than Japanese
roads even though Japan roads are not perfect. All of these things
were affecting my 5 senses at the same time. For this to be my first
experience of California, it was an awesome feeling. I wasn't paying
much attention to the conversations in the car but it appeared we
were heading for Santa Monica. |
|
|
|
 |
10:30 AM (PST)
When the vehicle stopped, the door opened and we got out of the car.
Don Ed Hardy's smiling face was there outside waiting to greet us.
World renowned artist and producer of the recent Kustom Japan photo
book, he was preparing for an art exhibition featuring the book's
photographs and art from related artists. Although he was in the middle
of preparing for Saturday's opening reception, he took time out to
show us around the gallery. The gallery is enormous, divided up by
partitions and just keeps going all the way inside. WOW!! One after
another we looked at each existing section. Each space was a completely
different world. For details about the gallery and reception, check
out Goshu-san's report!! It was at this point in time, I was informed
that it was still May 15th. I didn't realize the timezone difference
and International Date Line change and had been thinking we were heading
for El Mirage after this!
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
12:00 PM (PST)
Next, we headed to Garage Company, whom was recently
published in Another World of Chopper II. Inside the shop are, of
course, completed motorcycles for sale among a full wall of displayed
items for sale including helmets, motorcycle books, parts and more.
At the rear of the shop is the Factory and Stock Yard which we were
given the grand tour of. Ohh!! CB looks cool!! It's built like a
drag racer but has a different ambiance than the MOONEYES produced
Elegant Four..
|
|
1:00 PM (PST)
We were taken to an authentic Mexican restaurant for
lunch. I ordered a Mexican Rice and Beef Burrito plate. It was served
with sour cream, salsa, guacamole and refried beans for a hefty but
perfect volume. Delicious! |
|
2:00 PM (PST)
Finally! Finally! We arrive at MOONEYES USA!! It's
always been a dream to stand at this location. Just as I imagined,
it's a moving experience. Without further delay, it's off to meet
and greet everyone here. At the Machine Shop to meet The Great Bill
Jenks and Mr. MOON DISCS Manny!! The two of them are very humble and
social. Making final preparations on the '27 Modified T Land Speed
Record (LSR) Roadster for tomorrow's departure is the MOONEYES USA
President Chico-san and Doug. BOSS has mentioned the LSR Roadster
many times on his blog with pictures of its progress. |
| But now, here it is in front of my very eyes.....
I went numb. Each part, one by one, it was put together and now it's
finally set to head for El Mirage tomorrow. I wonder what is going
through Chico-san's mind right now. |
|
4:00 PM (PST)
We still had some time left in the day so it was on
to So-Cal Speed Shop and then a visit to the Kennedy Bros. Vintage.
This was ecstasy at full speed! The two shops are quite different
in atmosphere. Both are extremely adored. |
|
May 15, 2008 (Thu) 6:00 PM (PST)
Returning to MOONEYES USA, Wildman Ishii has already
finished applying the water slide decals the the LSR Roadster and
has begun work on the helmet. The speed of that he works in is out
of this world, itﾕs really abnormal. He works silently at all times
and has a different facial expression than the time at the airport
when he was laughing at me. Almost like a completely different person.
On the side, BOSS, Chico, and Doug are going to Fire Up the engine
on the '27 Modified T-LSR so I prepare. I place my camera down so
that I can use the video camera to record the sound. It was exciting
to hear this engine start up for the first time. This is a Small
Block Chevy at 183c.i. (2.98L.). "Get a closer angle."
"Come closer!" "A little more." "More"
"I got closer and a bit too close. It runs on alcohol fuel.
The exhaust fumes caused my eyes to run and they wouldn't stop tearing.
It looks like I'm balling my eyes out. I say to BOSS, "I can't
stop tearing." His reply, "You mean you're so emotionally
moved that your crying?" Certainly, I'm emotionally moved and
overcome with emotion but To hear the sound of the engine, click
here!!
|
| Before I noticed, just like a dream, the first day
in USA was over. |
|
May 16, 2008 (Fri) 08:30 AM (PST)
The morning of day 2 in USA. Three days in El Mirage
starting today. While restraining my excitement it's off to MOONEYES
USA. Actually, there was one more thing that I was excited about.
It is breakfast at HUNGRY BOY (It is next to MOONEYES USA). I have
wanted to try their French Toast since winter last year, when Real
Biker Hiro came here for business and told me about it. It is served
with crispy bacon and scrambled eggs. They have fried zucchini on
their menu, which I had to try. Everything on the menu is good but
I was very surprised by how good the fried zucchini was. To the point
of hoping that it would appear on the Moon Cafe menu someday. I'd
be eating it everyday. |
|
10:00 AM (PST)
From here I separate from BOSS, Wildman, and Goshu-san.
From this point forth, only English life starts. I will put the very
small amount of English words I know to use, along with gestures,
a smile, a handshake, and lots of will-power. Tim, the same person
from BOSS and VANNUYS Tokita-san's blog also joins the preparations.
About to head for El Mirage, the atmosphere of MOONEYES USA has become
noisy. |
|
12:30 PM (PST)
For the next three days, we'll be camping so we need
to be prepared. Water, food, the power generator, and a complete set
of tools, etc. are piled up in the Van and Chevrolet Silverado 3500.
The '27 Modified T-LSR is firmly loaded on the trailer. Now is off
to El Mirage! Oh but wait! The Moon Disc IR were not put on the trailer!
OK, now let's GO!
|
|
| Three hours straight on the freeway and the scenery
noticeably starts to change. As I sit in the passenger seat, of the
Van that Doug is driving, watching the scenery change the speed of
the Van suddenly decreases. I look to see and look at Doug, who's
smiling and pointing to the right side of the vehicle. That’s where
I see the sign that reads El Mirage Exit. |
|
3:30 PM (PST)
Ohh! Finally here! El Mirage! Up until now, I've only
see this in magazines or heard stories from other senior employees
but now that world is right in from of me. Upon entry of the area
of the flat Dry Lake, the further into the are we go, the more it
broadens. I did not take a picture of this uncanny sight and words
can not be derived. |
|
| Oh no, I need to figure out how to gesture
to Doug with limited English words. "Left Side!!" "OK"
"Thank you!!" With gestures flying, I say things like "Right,
left back, front and thank you." and miraculously Doug responds
and understands instantaneously. Thank you, Doug! He positioned the
van just as I had asked so that I can take photos of the desert and
scenery. |
|
Up to the vicinity of the Starting Line is where
the car will have to go through inspection. Official staff, one by
one, come over to inspect the '27 Modified T-LSR. Wait, it's not only
official staff but others to slowly start to gather around the Roadster.
In the midst of the crowd I recognize some of these people; they are
famous. Last year's HOT ROD & Custom Show guest that brought over
the "Devil Deuce", Jim Jard. He approaches me and smiles
and says "I remember you" and we shake hands. Everyone is
coming by, "Oh! Chico! Beautiful!!" The mood was very positive
and car inspection went smoothly. (So I thought. Turned out there
were a few minor things that need to be changes later)
|
|
| After the car passes inspection and after we finished
setting up the MOONEYES area, we had a moment before dinner to relax.
Everyone was gathered around the '27 Modified T- LSR, one hand holding
a beverage of some sort, and passing the time chatting away. "PAN!!
You need a drink!!" I hear Doug say with gestures abound. I guess
I must take a short break. As time passes, all these guys that have
been hooked on racing and speed, stop by the MOONEYES area to say
hello. Doug introduces me to everyone with, "This guy's name
is PAN." And they greet me with "Hi! PAN!!" Then we
shake hands. |
|
|
However, it is hot!! What is it about this heat?
There's no humidity and it's crisp and dry. If you splash water
onto the ground, evaporation happens in fast forward and you see
it disappear. I grabbed a bottle of water, stuffed it in my pocket
and decided to take a stroll around the grounds of El Mirage. Tomorrow
I'll be shooting photos and I wanted to familiarize myself with
the area. It will be a long busy day tomorrow with people working
on their machines, cars and bikes. As I walk around I can see the
sun starting to set creating long shadows on the El Mirage surface.
Then I notice right in front of me, Chabott Engineering - Kimura-san's
H-D Knuckle Head! As the sun sets and day turns into night, El Mirage
drastically changes face.
|
|
|
 |
 |
 |
| Nighttime, and time for my first dinner
at El Mirage!! On the menu is Chorizo and Chico-san's handmade Cheeseburgers.
Since Chico-san has been cooking at the Mooneyes USA Open House each
year, he has mastered yet another skill. As I hurry to grab a plate
and buns, Dave comes out of the motor home with toppings. He had prepared
avocado, tomatoes, lettuce and condiments. WOW! This is tasty! It's
the best burger I have ever had. WOW! |
|
| Dinner is finished, and then suddenly
the crew starts to gather around the '27 Modified T-LSR. It seems
that the officials at the inspection called for a shifter boot. They
bring lighting out to work on the car. Chico-san takes the materials
thatﾕs needed and starts to thread the shifter boot together. It is
really amazing at the skills Chico-san has. In under 30 minutes the
shifter boot is complete and installed. Amazing! |
|
|
The trailer that brought the '27 Modified T-LSR
became my bed. It's a very large bed! This is great!! Out here in
the desert, this is a bit luxurious. I turned off the nightlight
and lay there looking up into the night sky. I have never seen so
many stars before. Looking towards the horizon I can see the city
light glowing as well. The temperature has severely dropped, unbelievable
compared to day. I curl up in my sleeping bag and think this is
the coolest camping trip ever!! Good night from El Mirage.
|
|
|
 |
 |
May 17, 2008 (Sat) 05:00 AM (PST)
What? It's COLD!! It's so cold that my body is feel
tight. Ah yes, the desert is picking on me. I have always thought
I was rather strong in cold weather so I only brought one pair of
sweats with me... On my arrival, BOSS even gave me an extra jacket
and said it's unbelievably cold in the desert mornings. Even with
the jacket on I was shivering cold. The desert is cold in the morning,
trust me, I have experienced the desert in the morning and it's extremely
cold. |
|
|
The sun was finally coming out. The '27 Modified
T-LSR was pushed and prepped by the crew and I hurriedly prepared
a step ladder for photo opportunities. This was an El Mirage morning.
|
| I could see vehicles coming from far away. I could
see other people and crews preparing for today's races. Over the radio
the announcement comes that there's a driver's meeting at 7:30. NOW!
Let's get to the starting line! |
|
|
07:30 AM (PST)
There are a lot of people. There are already race
machines lined up at the starting line. The officials announce over
a loud speaker about important notices and after that the (US) National
Anthem is played. It's about to begin. How many decades of Hot Rodding
history has been made right here. What kind of history will happen
today? I am here standing in this incredible place where all this
happens. This is where the unbelievable happens. The sound of these
machines running across the dry lake is like no other. The speed
that some of these machine accelerate at are unbelievable. Within
my field of vision where I'm positioned, the machines will scream
passed from my right to left in one instant. I am so happy to be
here. Meanwhile, the MOONEYES Crew looks over every nut and bolt
of the '27 Modified T-LSR.
|
|
|
 |
 |
|
|
To the starting line!! One by one, the race cars
begin t line up. The will travel straight for 1.5 miles to the finish
line, attempting to gain the fastest speed possible and cross the
finish line. Little by little, the MOONEYES '27 Modified T-LSR creeps
closer to its turn. The family, the crew, and companions including
Fredﾕs wife Marilou are all here to show their support and are excited
as well. The all move with the Roadster as it inches close to the
starting line. Alas, the machine is up next. Now the moment we've
been waiting for '27 Modified T-LSR First Run. |
|
10:23 AM (PST)
First Run. The MOONEYES '27 Modified T-LSR will use
a push truck to start, using the van Doug drove. The '27 Modified
T-LSR is on its way, passing in front of me with surprising swiftness,
and then it disappears. The event was over momentarily.
|
| I returned to the MOONEYES area in a hurry, and to
check out the results and heard the '27 Modified T-LSR reach the goal
safely. The recorded speed was 153 miles per hour (mph). It was exactly
what Chico-san said last night. He was aiming for 150mph on the first
run. The MOONEYES '27 Modified T-LSR returned to the MOONEYES area.
Everyone is pleased with the results and Chico-san is met with a smile.
Chico-san, thank you for your effort. |
|
| From behind me I start to hear some strange
electronic chimes playing and getting closer. I look to see and low
and behold, it's the ICE CREAM MAN! Ah, to eat ice cream in this kind
of atmosphere, is splendid. |
|
|
|
After Wildman and Goshu-san left, I overheard that
the winds were picking up and there were still many first-runs lined
up. I didn't look like there would be a chance to run a second time
today. I returned to the starting line anyway. The world of the land
speed racing is large with people of all ages, men and women; they
are all equal within this environment. I was really surprised that
a lot of vehicles where equipped with MOON Discs. To be a part of
MOONEYES and to know their history and participation in this world
made me feel very proud. The more I saw at El Mirage, the more I wanted
to experience Dry Lake Racing. The temperature that kept rising was
disregarded in all the excitement and I eventually returned to walking
the surroundings of the MOONEYES area. |
2:00 PM (PST)
Something feels strange about my body. While everyone
is taking shade under the tent and chatting, I'm in the Chevy van
drinking water trying to revitalize but still feel sluggish. It feels
like I can't move. What is happening to me!! Am I having heatstroke?
I should have brought a hat!! Then Dave comes out of the motor home
with a bandana and water and comes to the van. Communication is understood
by gestures and I take the bandana, cover it with water and wrap it
around my head. Doug brings cold water from the cooler and starts
to sprinkle it on me from my head. He did this for at least 10 minutes.
No doubt about it, it feels great. Everyone tries to tell me, "Don't
come out in the sun, get some rest." The severity of the desert
will continue into the morning. |
|
6:00 PM (PST)
I am revived! There is a very strong sandstorm. The
day is ending and it's now the evening. So far, I've been walking
around this area of the Mooneyes camp and starting line. However,
I haven't seen what the finish line is like yet. That's when Dave
lets me borrow his bicycle and I head out to the finish line. With
a nice tail-wind, the ride is very pleasant and easy. |
|
|
Then I see an area that has something going on.
It's the Bean Bandits. They were at last year's HOT ROD & Custom
Show. "Take a picture?" I ask with gesture and smile.
I am welcomed and take a photograph. "Thank you!!" Then
they ask me, "Want a beer?" I reply with, "Thank
you!!" Then they say, "Get something to eat." My
reply, of course, "Thank you!!" For someone like me with
such limited English ability, they certainly were kind. Thank you.
|
|
Oh no!! They're going to BBQ at the MOONEYES area
shortly. I had to hurry back but the route back was into the wind.
It was difficult but with the evening being cloudy the way the sunlight
setting against the sky was beautiful.
|
|
It's cheeseburgers in the MOONEYES area tonight.
With lots of clothes on, I head to bed. I wish you sweet dreams!
|
|
|
May 18, 2008 (Sun) 5:30 AM (PST)
Good morning. It is the 3rd day at El Mirage. I'm grinning
ear to ear because the extra clothes I was given has kept me comfortable.
It is not cold at all. Lesson learned. It's a great way to wake up.
Dave prepares everyone's breakfast at the motor home before everyone
gets up .. Let's eat. |
|
| Just as we did the day before, the driver's meeting
was at 7:30 AM and then is was back to the area for maintenance and
inspection. I heard Chico-san wants to try to go full throttle today.
I wonder if he'll reach 200mph or more? Without any commotion, I head
for the starting line. It's much more crowded than yesterday and is
congested but seem to be going smoother. |
|
| Soon it's MOONEYES '27 Modified T-LSR's turn. |
|
10:20 AM (PST)
Second Run Start! I positioned myself to the far left
as possible so that I can get a photograph of the car at a higher
rate of speed. As the roadster passes me the shutter of the camera
is frantically pushed until it disappears by the kicked up dust and
sand. Then I return to the staring line area. |
|
|
I hear the announcement over the loudspeaker but
I do not understand. I wonder what was the results were? There was
Tim when I was going back. The speed was 154 miles per hour. It did
not reach the target of 200 mph. I wonder if there were any troubles?
I was with Tim and could make out the question that was asked to him,
"Do you run another time today?" Tim’s reply with a smile
was, "Maybe." Chico-san returned. |
| Thanks for your effort. Having spoken I could make
out something by the tone and heard, "The speed doesn't go out
at all." I'm always very impressive by Chico-san. El Mirage Dry
Lake Race seems to have ended this time. However, everyone share the
experience and gains something out of this as well as enhancing the
sport and friendship. |
|
| As we settled and gathered, a took a souvenir group
picture. It is a souvenir picture that I also entered by El Mirage
for the first time. From the left, Chico-san's nephew Spencer, Wade,
me kneeling, Tim, Chico-san, Doug, and Dave. It was an incredible
three days in El Mirage. |
|
|
Thank you for reading this lengthy article. I want
to apologize for the poor sentences. It was this USA business trip
that I gained valuable experiences and won't ever be forgotten.
There were a lot of strange moments for me on the trip that may,
or may not, be entertaining for the reader but all in all I come
away with lessons learned and memories that I will always remember.
Drinking unbelievable amounts of water, seeing uncountable amounts
of cars and motorcycles, and meeting and shaking hands with all
the people involved is truly a sensation. All of this, the experience
of going to El Mirage and see it firsthand, is something that can't
be bought in a store. If my experience and report gets just one
reader to have the desire to trek out to El Mirage for the Lake
Races, I will be very happy. The world of the land speed races can't
be seen in Japan and it is something that should be experience firsthand.
The MOONEYES '27 Modified T-LSR will achieve at least 200 miles
in the near future. Will you go to see the moment and follow? All
in all, I was saved by many people during this trip and that is
something that I will cherish forever.!!
PAN.
|
|
