Hi everyone,
Whilst the UK does not have an official 'two club' for its record breakers,
we do have a number of riders (two wheels) and drivers (four wheels) who
have set records at over 200 mph on British soil. Because of the UK
National rules for bikes and cars these are mostly records through a 1/4
mile timing trap set at the mid point of a 1.9 mile long runway. The
records being for two consecutive runs within one hour. Of course some of
the record holders are thrust powered dragsters and streamliners, but not
all.
I am sure the British would welcome a US challenge for any UK record at
over 200 so that someone could pick up six two club entries (including
Australia). There are some 200 mph records in Italy to go for too !!
If you have spare timing kit at an ECTA meeting it would be interesting to
see how many riders/drivers reach over 200 by mid track on the Maxton
concrete which I am told is about the same length as the runway we have
here.
At last weekends Goodwood Speed Festival, Bill Summers was in attendance
with Goldenrod and Bruce Meyers and friends brought over some dry lakes
racers for the British to see. Goldenrod was placed close to Don
Campbell's CN7 - Proteus Bluebird. Of course Goldenrod took the record
from Donald 409 vs 403 mph. The 'Pierson Bros' Coupe was driven up the
hillclimb course for all to see.
Perhaps some more Brits will now take an interest in Land Speed Records.
Andy Green was there with the Thrust SSC display and driving on the
hilclimb. Thrust SSC dwarfs the previous record holder Thrust 2 - out of a
museum just for the weekend.
Over here we understand that the Black Rock desert is not in good condition
this year and also that the 'Burning Man' site will be relocating to the
centre of the desert and on the line of the LSR course. Anyone confirm
this ? Craig Breedlove might like to know that there is likely to be a 20
to 25 year gap before the next generation of British LSR Outright thrust
powered contender can be built. (Design top speed 1000 mph).
For Bonneville this year Jim Tiller is likely to be a British entrant at
Speed Week with his V8 engined Allard J2. Jim and his supporters have been
putting in long hours to get the vehicle rebuilt to SCTA/BNI regulations.
A speed of 200 mph would make Jim very happy. Watch out for him.
Malcolm Pittwood, Derby, England.
ps Next week an attempt will be made to put the outright UK record to over
300 mph using the 1.9 mile runway at Elvington near York..
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