A few thoughts
> 1. The SCTA currently is the oldest established authority here in
America
> for LSR... we view the rules and procedures as Ways of catagorizing
cars and
> classes for the Most Part.
As such, SCTA can be considered the authority for NATIONAL, or
AMERICAN land speed records.
> 2. The FIA is recognized as the Authority for establishing an
International
> Record in a Given Class by thier Rules... ( very liberal Rules...
Very Few
> Classes )
After nine decades, the FIA is the WORLD record authority.
What salient points, or convincing arguement could someone really make
otherwise?
> 3. We also have EVENT records for Places like El Mirage and
Muroc... as
> well as Maxton.... and Don't forget the Dry Lakes racers in
Austraila....who
> operate under SCTA rules.
Once again, NATIONAL records (Australian and American)
SO, what rules do the Brits use to determine a national record?
Tim Schoeny ran under national rules, so he gets to brag about a
national record. When he runs under the more diffucult FIA rules and
prevails, then he gets a world record bragging rights. Not before.
No one disputes the achievements of any racer, it is only how the
record is inked that seems to be the bone of contention.
Consider this . . .if you want to start passing out world records
based solely on how fast someone goes at one particular course without
regard for sacrifices made and hurdles overcome by those people who
abided by the FIA rules, then you cheapen and diminish the
accomplishment.
However, if another sanctioning body would care to take on the
stewardship of determining world records, create classes, maintain
impeccable records, including the assumption of the corresponding
financial burden to ensure the integrity of such a responsibility,
etc., then I guess we could dump the FIA.
Until that time, those long-distance record keepers housed in
Switzerland are the best bet the land speed racers has to herald a
world record with all the confidence that a worldwide governing body
will back their claim.
Perhaps the FIA gets maligned because it doesn't have a warm and fuzzy
relationship with land speed racers and is thought of as little more
than an F1 enabler. People often condemn what they don't understand.
Personal achievements bring personal pleasure, and gives this sport a
resounding but when you want to toot a bigger horn, the piper needs to
be paid.
This discussion of record-setting reminds me of a phrase, the author
of which escapes me:
"Ah, but shouldn't our grasp exceed our reach, or what's a Heaven
for?"
Speedy Regards,
"LandSpeed" Louise Ann Noeth
LandSpeed Productions
Telling stories with words and pictures
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