Mormon Meteor at Blackhawk Museum

Posted on September 12, 2016 by Dr. Karen Stephen

I enjoyed learning about the Mormon Meteor III (video by Jay Leno) and hearing historian David Fetherston’s speak (video of lecture) about “Bonneville Then and Now” last Saturday September 10th as part of the Blackhawk Museum’s Speaker Series. Took Meteor will be there for only a few more days before returning to the Price Museum of Speed in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Next Sunday is annual trek to the Go Pro Grand Prix at Sonoma Raceway. It is the final of this year’s Indy series.and my last chance to see my favorite driver Helio Castroneves race this year.

You’re NEVER too old for Legos!

Posted on April 18, 2016 by Dr. Karen Stephen

So I’m in Sacramento for a business meeting and I drop by the local mall to take an air-conditioned walk and what do I see but the Lego Store. A few days before I’d gotten an email about their Speed Champions set. Marked for ages 8 to 14, I figure at 72 I’d have it made. So back to the Hilton and I begin to build the Porsche 917 K.

A few days and 732 pieces later, it all comes together. I dare you to find the photos of the real cars? Love the detail right down to the wrenches on the wall and in the drawers, the video monitors, the hydraulic lift that goes up and down, fuel line, and air guns for tire changes, and all the itsy-bitsy decals (a little difficult for arthritic fingers!). And I watched this Sunday’s Indy race at Long Beach while I was putting it together. So I’m a happy camper, except that Helio Castroneves didn’t win and Simon Pagenaud got away with murder. Someone asked my if I’m going to share my new creation with my grandchildren…no way! However, my six-year-old granddaughter has already managed to break Mimi’s rule. Okay…I’ll share.

Danny Sullivan’s 1985 Indy Spin and Win

Posted on December 13, 2015 by Dr. Karen Stephen

I enjoyed a delightful interview with Indy and Formula driver Danny Sullivan at the Blackhawk Automotive Museum this morning. Interesting story about how he got into racing despite his father’s objections and with the mentoring of Dr. Frank Faulkner, famed pediatrician and professional auto racing figure.

Danny was one of the first professional drivers to fully understand that he had to take his image and reputation beyond the racing world and into the more general world in order to find sponsors and rides, even as far as Hollywood and starring on an episode of Miami Vice in 1986 and appearing in other films.

In the 1985 Indy 500, after two prior DNFs, he won for Roger Penske in the never to be forgotten Spin & Win incident, considered one of the most electric moments in Indy history. It was fun hearing him take us through every moment of that incredible event.

Here is a video of his closing comments this morning.

And after the event it was fun to again spend some time viewing the European Model Train Enthusiasts fabulous layout and trains, sponsored again by the Museum as a regular holiday treat.