Jack C and List
All of you would have guessed that I would come back on the Mickey Thompson
406mph speed of 1960. I have to disagree with you Jack - this was not a
record - nor was it the first time a car had completed one mile at a speed
over 400mph anyway (Cobb went 403 mph in 1947 on a return run).
As Mickey chose to run under FIA rules (rather than SCTA alone) I believe
this speed has to be judged along with all others made to the same
standard. Two passes in opposite directions through the same timing trap
within one hour with times averaged makes an FIA record. Mickey did not
make a return pass due to equipment failure. Britons John Cobb still held
the record.
One pass does not count with the FIA (or FIM) as records - and they do not
I think with any other sanctioning body on the Bonneville Salt Flats. For
reasons that I am now familiar with they do on the desert dirt or on short
concrete.
As I have said before, the speed that Mickey achieved with the 'hot rod'
Challenger 1 spurred on Donald Campbell (with a large amount of pounds
stirling backing him). Mickey had proved that money does not always equate
to speed achieved (DMC only achieved 403 mph average 4 years later). This
was however one of those heroic LSR efforts that the rules say came up
short. But many of us admire drivers such as MT as they showed what could
be done.
Why not claim the Mickey Thompson Autolite Special 1968 speed of 425mph as
a "record" as it went faster one way than the then USA holder Goldenrod?
Perhaps it was something to do with the nationalities concerned in each
case?
Sorry Keith that may be too political for this list.....haven't had a punt
at this subject for so long.....
Malcolm Pittwood, Derby, England.
ps we have had two days of summer and its back to rain and cold winds.
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