Filed under: Motorsports, Classics, Videos, Specialty, Racing
Hemmings reports that Craig Breedlove is preparing to jump back into the land speed record game in an attempt to break through the 800 mph barrier. Breedlove made a name for himself while vying with Art Arfons for the world land speed record back in the ’60s. His efforts eventually landed him the title in his jet-powered Sonic 1, and he would later set a total of 23 FIA speed records at the Bonneville Salt Flats in a 1965 Shelby Daytona Coupe. Breedlove was recently named the recipient of the Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum Spirit of Competition Award, becoming only the third individual to receive the award since its inception.
During the ceremony, the racer announced that he intends to return to Bonneville in 2013 – the 50th anniversary of his first record on the salt flats – with someone else at the controls. Breedlove already has a pair of GE jet engines lying around as well as some of the engineering necessary to put the power units to work in a LSR car. At this point, it’s unclear exactly who will pilot Breedlove’s new machine or what the design will look like, but a motorsports legend returning to the scene of his greatest triumph is something worth keeping tabs on, even if he isn’t in the driver’s seat.
For a quick refresher on Breedlove in his glory days, watch the excellent in-period video of a 1963 record-breaking effort after the jump.
Continue reading Breedlove says he’s going back after 800 mph [w/video]
Breedlove says he’s going back after 800 mph [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 31 Oct 2011 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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