Eagle's Lair
Members Roster

May 25, 1999

Ladies & Gentlemen:

I went to the El Mirage opener last weekend and had a great time. I spend a little time on George Calloway’s front porch with a cold drink and lots of conversation with some Dry Lakes racers. The opener was great with the temperature in the mid 80’s and no wind. Anyone, who could make two passes, did so.

On Monday I went to the Mojave Airport to look over an F-104 then out to Edwards AFB to visit with some friends. After I was finished with Edwards, I went to Valencia to visit with the owners of Aero Engineering and discuss the availability of some 104 parts. They still furnish F-104 parts to foreign countries and have the ability to machine some of the hard to find parts. Lance and Dennis gave me an F-104A parts catalog. Very nice people and a really cool shop!

While I was in the Burbank area, I thought it might be neat to stop by the Tonight Show and sit through the show (In October '97, Jay took a 250 MPH ride in the NAE™) . Patty Grant, Tonight Show Producer, made sure I got seated in a good location for the show. After the show was completed I visited with Jay Leno and we exchanged T-shirts. Jay autographed the shirt he gave me but I didn’t sign the shirt I gave him, I didn’t think he really wanted a shirt with scribbling on it.

Back at the home patch, I’ve been working on the engine for the Lakester. The Muroc Reunion is June 26-27 and my Lakester is still sitting with no engine in it. Custom Crankshaft and Doug’s Racing Stables, both in Tacoma, are helping me with the engine. I hope this doesn’t turn into one of those last minute thrash jobs!

I started the engine in my Beechcraft Skipper yesterday. It has taken me 20 months to complete the rebuild of my Skipper and I plan on my first test flight this Sunday, May 23rd. Between the Lakester, the F104 and the Skipper, I’ve been really busy.

As soon as Steve Green gets the spacer built for the F-104 we will be able to get wheels on the back end of the 104 and start working on other parts, mainly the front suspension. All in all, the project is moving along on schedule. We need to figure out how to start generating some revenue to feed the beast and keep this project alive and well. Always something to think about!

Ed Shadle, Co-owner, Driver, Contemplator

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