Battle to break land speed record
Discussion
Found this run of 306mph in 2004 - www.santapod.co.uk/e_main2004.php
Top fuel dragster was taken up a gear with Andy Carter setting a new official European record with an incredible 4.832 second pass at 306.36 mph that was successfully backed up according to official regulations.
But speed records are always done on 2 runs in 2 directions, there and back over a measured mile not a 1/4mile drag strip.
Santa Pod said:
Top fuel dragster was taken up a gear with Andy Carter setting a new official European record with an incredible 4.832 second pass at 306.36 mph that was successfully backed up according to official regulations.
But speed records are always done on 2 runs in 2 directions, there and back over a measured mile not a 1/4mile drag strip.
Edited by FourWheelDrift on Saturday 8th July 18:01
He only did it one way didn't he? - I have a old copy of Motor somewhere with it in, front page item too.
Edited to add, found the info that he did only one run because the Sidewinder rocket motor took too long to change between the mandatory runs.
Although I also notice it was only a 3 wheeler too, aren't LSR cars supposed to have 4 wheels?
Edited to add, found the info that he did only one run because the Sidewinder rocket motor took too long to change between the mandatory runs.
Although I also notice it was only a 3 wheeler too, aren't LSR cars supposed to have 4 wheels?
Edited by FourWheelDrift on Saturday 8th July 19:58
Barret failed on a number of counts. The speed was based on doppler radar readings rather than officially sanctioned FIA visual timing or beam breaking. He only did one run and the speed was not measured over an FIA ratified distance.
I think the four wheel stipulation had already been dropped. Gary Gabelich's Blue Flame record of 1970 was in a three wheeler.
I think the four wheel stipulation had already been dropped. Gary Gabelich's Blue Flame record of 1970 was in a three wheeler.
Eric Mc said:
True.
There is a world of difference between hitting a top speed for a few seconds and running consistently through a measured mile.
That's one of the reasons why Stan Barrett's "record" in 1979 in the "Budweiser" rocket car was never officially ratified.
There is a world of difference between hitting a top speed for a few seconds and running consistently through a measured mile.
That's one of the reasons why Stan Barrett's "record" in 1979 in the "Budweiser" rocket car was never officially ratified.
Probably more difficult in the dragster context, thinking about it, as they have traction to worry about, whereas a land speed jet doesn't, although it does have to hold the speed for longer. Shame Sammy Miller never took Vanishing Point out for an "official" attempt, as that thing was properly fast.
Anyone know if the latest attempt went ahead, as there's been no news about it since.
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