The highlight of the recent Cannonball race at Santa Pod was Martin Hill in his new Fireforce 2 Jet Funny Car. Martin set a new European best of 6.265 and what we think is a new speed record of 252.77. Martin's new car is a Chevy Lumina replica powered by a Pratt & Whitney J-60 kicking out 5000 lbs. of thrust, doubling with reheat. I spoke to him on Saturday and he said he was looking for a 6.2 to set the record then his next target is a "5." Going by the fact that he shut it off at 1000 feet, it obviously isn't too far away. He did say he wanted to keep it on for a full 1/4 but admitted afterwards that he "bottled it":)

The main worry we have now is the integrity of the control tower. As you probably know, Santa Pod's tower actually sits across the track behind the start line. For the second meeting in a row, Hill managed to take a window out. We actually sit dead center in the tower [Andy runs the TSI timing system –bp] with the track commentators next door, directly above the right lane, Martin's favorite! Next time he runs, the commentators will use radio mikes and be away from danger; however, we have to stay to hold down the PC, monitors, etc., so it looks like he'll run in the left lane and see if it's a bit safer for us. I personally will be wearing a crash helmet and body armor as well as carrying a spare pair of pants!