I probably know less about this 'attempt' than anyone else, even though the
team has its HQ in the UK.
The team is owned by British American Tabacco - and with a ban on the so
called on-vehicle branding for their smoking products (Lucky Strike) in F1,
this seems to be a good way to get into the news this year and into the
specialist motorsport media. As for 400kph being of interest to Europeans
- it might be if they tackled the attempt in Europe on the tracks we have
available! On the salt flats 400mph is by far the more important
threshold, especially when you have a BAR type budget. Must say the pit
facilities with lighting look great!
There is a website to follow their 400kph bid - www.bonneville400.com
The team say that the car, which is constructed to FIA F1 2005 regulations
including wheels and tyres, meets with SCTA/BNI rules for a lakester; that
US timekeepers will officiate; that there is Honorary 200 mph club on offer
to the driver. These statements raise many more questions than answers of
course.
What is not stated is over what distance it will be timed, how many runs,
whether the return run is in the opposite direction, how long can elapse
between runs etc etc...
Could be that this attempt might raise the profile of record breaking
...... but only if they run to a sanctioned set of rules. Could be
publicised around the world in the motorsport journals.
Will the SCTA be present on the salt flats in thirty days time, as the
world authority on speed attempts?
Malcolm
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