Opinion ID: 782173
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: April 26, 1988: Short-Course Testing

Text: After the long-course testing, Knoll redesigned CU's avoidance course to replicate the situation that caused the Pittle tip-up. This new modified short course had a reduced distance for the first lane change, and the obstacle to be avoided was moved three feet to the left. Sheehan, who was afraid to drive the Samurai through the short course, was replaced by CU driver Fred Wood. Wood, who drove the vehicle with outriggers, made 15 runs through the course. On the fifteenth run, the Samurai tipped up onto the outriggers. After this last run, Knoll is heard on the test videotape saying: That's it. That looked pretty good. Knoll later acknowledged that he was relieved that the Samurai tipped up during short-course testing. Small then drove the car through the short course. On his second run, the Samurai tipped up onto the outriggers at a speed of 40 miles per hour. After the tip-up occurred, CU technician Joseph Nappi can be heard on the test videotape saying, [a]ll right Ricky baby. 4 That same day, CU also put the Jeep Wrangler and Isuzu Trooper II through the short course with no tip-ups reported.