List
There is potential for some good coming out of JCB experiencing the LSR
world at the SCTA Speedweek meeting as well as from their private FIA time.
And when I say 'some good', that is from my analysis that for list members
in the USA the JCB "corporate" methodology and cheque book size was not to
the taste of many, and indeed may have been bad for land speed racing at
speedweek. I hope that is not the case and you get 100 more new cars and
drivers in 2007 and beyond. [Please remember that the PR is not aimed at
the knowledgable LSR hot rodder - it is focusing on the potential JCB
product owner of the near future, who so far only knows backhoe diggers
exist in yellow paint].
An article has been written and published in a weekly UK racing newspaper -
Motor Sport News - that there may (and I stress that I have nothing
stronger to work with) in the future be some high speed LSR tyres branded
by the JCB company. By high speed the author suggests perhaps up to 450
mph. This may be 'wishful thinking', but there are signs that the Brits
involved in this JCB programme could assist many racers worldwide by this
route being taken.
The "all British" JCB Dieselmax effort was of course working, as many have
to, with US made tyres (or tires) that were good for 300 mph in an as made
condition. But they were pushed to run at much higher speeds. It seems
that after 365 one way the decision was made to be safe and halt running
before trying for that sixth gear pass and into a speed envelope where car
and driver could be put in danger by deflating or failing rubber.
Malcolm Pittwood, Derby, England
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