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The Ultimate Ride (continued)
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| The team's nucleus is Tom Burkland, left, and his parents, Betty and Gene. |
The initial concept for the Burklands' streamliner came to Tom as they drove off of the salt at the conclusion of Speed Week in 1985, after they had successfully reached their goal of setting a record at 294 mph in their Competition Coupe. The coupe was a radically altered Datsun, modified to be more aerodynamic with a larger engine. Categories at Bonneville are defined by body style, engine size and fuel mixture. After their success with the Datsun, the Burklands set their sights high on the elite streamliner category, completing their entry in the AA engine class in 1995.
"We knew when we got into this deal, it wasn't going to be easy," Gene said. "I don't think any of us realized that it was going to take as long as it has or maybe we wouldn't have done it. But I'm glad we did."
Land Speed Racing is much like the Olympics, where one person can hold the Olympic record while another competitor has the world record in a similar category. The current FIA record in the Burklands' category is 409.978 mph set in 1991 by Al Teague. The complexity of speed records is more than a little confusing, especially when you consider the Burklands' national record set on Oct. 14, 2004, under the SCTA (Southern California Timing Association) rules at 417.020 mph is considerably faster than Teague's FIA world record. Keep in mind, though, that each meet has its own sanctioning body, so participants can set national records at SCTA events, but world records must be under FIA officials. Add a few more organizations such as USFRA, BNI and USAC into the mix, and you can see why some fans and participants might be left scratching their heads.
| In modest Montana tradition, the Burkland family lets their actions speak for themselves. |
In modest Montana tradition, the Burkland family lets their actions speak for themselves. Gene, Betty and Tom are all members of the coveted 200 MPH Club, and the Burkland family streamliner currently holds the AA/Blown Fuel Streamliner record at 417.020 mph, which bumped Tom into the 300 MPH Club (there is no 400 MPH Club). Perhaps their most prestigious honors to date were Hot Rod Magazine naming the streamliner to its list of TOP 10 of 2005, and when the Burklands laid down the fastest run of the meet during 2006 Speed Week, thus having their names forever engraved on the respected Top Speed of the Meet trophy.
However many their accomplishments, the Burklands say it is the camaraderie of the sport that truly propels their team. Rendezvousing on the salt every summer around the giant orange semi-trailer packed with tools and spare parts, the volunteer team sets to the task of attaining its goal. Each individual has an appointed job to complete before, during and after each run. Working in the heat or cold of whatever weather extreme prevails, most of the team's members devote their annual vacation time to the sport. Betty describes the extended family of support that surrounds the caravan-style camp during each event.
> Spring 2008 Contents
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