I remember his showdown with Art Arfons and Gary Gabelich.
A bicyclist set a speed record, about 230, on the Bonneville salt flats - now that’s crazy.
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When I was a kid, my bedroom wallpaper had a vehicle similar to the “Spirit of America” on it.
Big news in the western USA at the time. I definitely remember seeing post-race Bonneville Salt Flat reports on the local tv news. I didn’t then, and still don’t understand the fascination with going that fast in a car. It seems like the technical problem is not so much about how to design a car to go fast, but how to keep car on the ground so you can steer when going fast. Cars tend to want to fly into the air at very high speeds. Making it an airplane that takes off & flies at 3 feet off the ground would be more interesting race imo.
Only wheel driven cars should be allowed. No jet planes with no wing crap.
I think it’s the thrill of the chase. They set a daring goal then create a plan to get there. It doesn’t work, of course, because it’s a lofty goal and difficult to attain. Plans change and they try again, always taking what they learned and trying to synthesize a breakthrough that will let them be the fastest. The successful speed run is confirmation of all the hard work and insight they used to reach their goal.
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I bet there’s a record for that.
It’s almost like a drug, a passion, an adrenaline rush to make/fabricate something with your own hands that is faster then it was intended to be by the OEM or designing and scratch building something or converting something into a purpose built vehicle to try and beat your personal record or set a new national record…
You either get it or you don’t…
No different than those that climb the highest mountains or people that drive and maintain 50 year old trucks. They do it because they want to.
There are records for many endeavors, take a look at the Guinness World Records.
Me? A record fish, whether a bluegill on 2lb line or a Marlin on 80lb, but unlikely to happen.
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I think there are land-speed record categories for both types at Bonneville Raceway, wheel driven and rocket//jet engine driven cars. They all have wings, but the wings are oriented to prevent lift off, hold the car to the ground.
If you ever get a chance to see Bonneville Raceway in person, even if no racing at the time, take advantage of the opportunity. It’s a pretty fascinating place.
Yes, many classes of cars. But, the max speed record should be wheel driven. Like vesco turbinator