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The 50th issue of the Speed Record Club newsletter carries an article on
Verneuk Pan (a dry alkali lake bed) in South Africa by club member Ray
Wakefield. Whilst not a new venue - it was used for the first time for an
LSR bid in 1929 - it is expected that it will see more regular use in the
years ahead having not seen action in all of the intervening years.
Ray, in conjunction with the Provincial Government of the Northern Cape,
has tested the surface and a 17 kilometre course (capable of extension to
20 kilo) at 857 metre above sea level is possible. The course is known as
"Campbell's Track" after legendary outright LSR holder Malcolm Campbell.
The venue had been on the list of probable sites for Thrust SSC but it was
just a bit too short.
The report from Ray suggests that the surface will (like El Mirage) support
wheel driven vehicles as well as thrust powered solid wheeled vehicles
(like the Black Rock). The best of both in one location!
Plans are formulating for a "75th Anniversary Event" next year (Late May or
June 2004) and there are also plans for the two UK motorcycle streamliner
teams with outright LSR aspirations to race there in coming years as well.
There is even talk of the pan supporting an annual speed event.
If there are any racers interested in joining the Brits and South African
racers in 2004 - pass the word around?
The Motorsports South Africa governing body (MSA) use the FIA & FIM
classification of cars and bikes - that may put some of you off! (LOL) -
for their National Records but I am sure all racers would be welcomed. (I
have already asked about a '200 mph club' for you Keith as you may need a
rainbow nation hat to add to your collection - no feedback as yet.)
Interested? - Contact Ray Wakefield on witsend@xsinet.co.za and look at
his website at www.speedrecordsa.co.za
The South African outright motorcycle record is 332.773 kph and the
outright car record is 388.538 kph (over 8.0 litre class). There is also a
national class record held by a Pontiac Trans-Am at 372.401 kph (5.0 litre
to 8.0 litre) and one by an Audi Quattro at 358.923 kph (2.0 litr to 3.0
litr)..
Malcolm Pittwood, Derby, England.
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