Keep the faith Malcolm-all most of us want to do is go fast and have a good
time.Been to your country and did not go fast,but did have agreat time-love
those pubs. Hope to meet you in person sometime.
Tim Schoeny
Malcolm Pittwood wrote:
> 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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