When nature adds water to the salt flats and thrill-seeking motorists drive onto the wet surface, the
result is a gooey mess. This is not the best condition under which to attempt to set a new world land
speed record. Even with the best tires available ( http://www.pbase.com/listorama/image/70121552 )
the effort to cruise through this gunk is demoralizing. The rooster tail can be as high as 200 feet,
creating an aerodynamic drag that works against forward velocity. What I had hoped to see from this
spot was an unending field of brilliant white salt stretching to Floating Island in the distance
(just left of center of the horizon). Even the best-planned efforts are no match for Mother Nature.
Driving 800 miles per hour in my station wagon will have to wait until next year.
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