Photo of the Day The Day Before Rollie Free's Record Runs IV

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Graham Smith

Guest
On 12th September 1948, the day before Rollie Free's record runs at the Bonneville Salt Flats, Rollie stands with John Edgar's Vincent H.R.D. Black Lightning at the base of the official timer's observation tower. Behind Rollie, with their speed trap apparatus, are (L to R) assistant timer Blackie Bullock and A.M.A. (American Motorcycle Association) chief timer Frank Christian. At the top of the tower are (L to R) mechanics Mel Held, Bill DeMott, and the Vincent's owner John Edgar. Rollie wrote in his pocket notebook: "Friday 10: Left [Los Angeles] for Salt Lake with Bill DeMott and his wife. Arrive midnight. Saturday 11: Met with John Edgar at noon. Saw [Wendover, Utah] Chamber of Commerce and referee Jack Williams." Forms of practice were done on 12th September in preparation for 13th September Monday morning's trial speed runs and two-way average 150.313 mph record. William Edgar would have been there with his father, Rollie and crew, but it was the first day of his 9th grade school semester that could not be missed!

VOC-Rollie Free with Vincent HRD John Edgar Lighting at Bonneville Salt Flats Utah - September...jpg
 
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Graham Smith

Guest
William tells us that this Rollie-JEL-Timing Tower photograph was taken with a square format Rolleiflex camera which he suspects was his father's camera as he always had it with him.

Maybe it was on a tripod and made ready for someone to click the shutter with the crew and bike when all were in place?
 
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