P. A. Schilke
Well-Known Member
- First Name
- Phil
- Joined
- Apr 3, 2019
- Threads
- 149
- Messages
- 7,083
- Reaction score
- 37,188
- Location
- GV Arizona
- Vehicle(s)
- 2019 Ranger FX4 Lariat 4x4, 2020 Lincoln Nautilus, 2005 Alfa Motorhome
- Occupation
- Engineer Retired
- Vehicle Showcase
- 1
Hi Dave,Phil,
That would've been a dream come true to be able to get a ride in one! Must of been great just to be able to work on the Saleen team though. We're going back tomorrow to see the main attraction big cars. It's always fun to watch if there's a bidding war going on.
I stay in touch with Steve's wife... Great person....she and Steve have been through so much....Chinese really hurt him...
Fond memories on being on the Ford Handling Track with Steve and I matching times in my test mule and then taking him to Metro Airport for the long flight home....
When he won the endurance championship in 1997, we were at Sebring Fla and the leading Mustang in the race came by the pits with a howlling sound. Rear axle was packing up....with the championship on the line, the Mustang crew chief decided to let the car run....I pulled Steve aside and told him the axle has to be changed. Crew chief was not happy, but Steve listened to me and the car was called in, the crew was ready with air guns and changed the axle in record time....the car won the race and the Saleen team were the champs. I showed Steve after the race and the celebration that the axle would not made more than a few more laps if that. The ring gear had several teeth ready to break off. The oil smell was that of burnt 90 weight....
Best,
Phil Schilke
Ranger Vehicle Engineering
Ford Motor Co. Retired
Sponsored

