Hey Malc,
In reference to "American made Timing Device" and "American Made Tyre",
don't forget you live in the country that gave us Lucas electrics!
That's just a joke, old boy! No flame intended! I look forward to meeting
you at one of our events next year and interviewing you on Salt Flats Radio
1610 AM.
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-land-speed@autox.team.net
[mailto:owner-land-speed@autox.team.net]On Behalf Of Malcolm Pittwood
Sent: Thursday, March 02, 2000 2:31 PM
To: Land-speed@autox.team.net
Subject: Clearing up some langiage differences
Before we all have to get back to this seasons racing activities (and apart
from any current record driving I have done most of the other activities
associated with land speed record breaking) lets bury some
misunderstandings..
I don't believe I am on a different mission - just using different
equipment to go as fast as possible.
Wes clearly doesn't wish to see individual money sponsorship in speed
record racing. Fine, but not realistic for those teams who do not have a
salt flat or desert within driving distance in their own country. Of course
we envy your good fortune and that of the Aussies.
We had spent all our own money preparing the vehicle and testing it just as
you who race in the US do.
Apart from NOT getting a lot of money from Gillette UK and our other
sponsors most of it was spent within the US. Indeed mostly Utah companies
and organisations - Flights/airport, truck and vehicle hire, track grader,
Surveyor (twice), track marker, timekeeper, ambulance crew, airport hanger
(our base and workshop), toilet 'John' hire - we paid each and everyone of
them with NO OTHER teams to share the cost with. Then our team members
each spent more of their own money on accommodation and food in Wendover
and a host of Bonneville memorabilia. Thanks to fellow US speed record
teams who helped us, some costs were kept down when we did not have to ship
over all our equipment.
Why didn't we back up our record - firstly because of A FAULT WITH THE
AmericanTIMING DEVICE. Then an American made tyre failed to hold air. And
there was water on the south end of salt. Sensitive - damn right we are !
Perhaps I am too serious when it comes to my record breaking ? It hurts
that we did not achieve our objective but we will be patient until we can
run again.
I know we will not change your ways (not that it was my intention ever to
do so) We will run our record attempt, with those who are able to accept
what we are doing with thrust power on two wheels (AMA nad FIM), with new
sponsors in 2001 or 2002.
As for "World vs International", I was told there IS a difference in
meaning no uncertain terms by AN AMERICAN - Burdett Martin (who looks after
the FIA records commission). I guess he's not on many racers Christmas
Card list over there.
Best wishes to all who have contributed to this topic, from the Brit who
now wears his own 5 layer firesuit every time he downloads the mail box !!
(That was a joke - honest).
Malcolm Pittwood, Derby, England..
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