THE GREAT FEAT

Evening Post, Volume CXI, Issue 32, 7 February 1931, Page 13

THE GREAT FEAT

CONDITIONS NOT GOOD

SUICIDE TO GO FULL OUT

(British Official Wlrelesi.) (Eeceived 7th February, 11 a.m.) RUGBY, 6th February. Discussing his great feat with'the Blue Bird, Captaiu Campbell said that visibility was bad, particularly on. the second run,^and he had great difficulty in .seeing -where he was going. His sensations he described as "falling— only falling upwards." Ho ascribed credit to the wonderful car and engine, and said that the record proved again the supremacy of British engineers and material. He added: "The Blue Bird behaved magnificently, and I am convinced she did nothing like her maximum speed. It would have been suicide to let her go full out in such conditions. I could see only 300 yards ahead in tho northern'run, and lost speed in consequence" Captain Campbell added that if a new record is subsequently surpassed he would hold the "Blue Bird" in readiness to regain his title. Among motoring and engineering exports the skill and courage of the driver' arc enthusiastically praised. Those familiar with the tests which tho Blue Bird underwent before leavEngland are convinced that she is capable, if-necessary, of even higher speed. Tho achievement is regarded as demonstrating not only' tho high quality of craftsmanship and materials used in constructing the car, but tho soundnoss of design based on a long series of experiments with wind resistance. ADVENTUROUS CAKEER. Captain Campbell, who has had an adventurous career, began motor racing in 19U5, and in those early -days also constructed successful aeroplanes. Ho served in the Air Force during tl'ie war. Ho | spent a fortune in peace time on record-breaking attempts, and previously held tho world land record in 1928. The lato Sir Henry Segrave's record of 231 miles per hour, established in tho Irving special "Golden Arrow," exceeded tho previous maximum land speed by 24 miles an hour, and efforts made in ';the intervening two years failed to beat it. Campbell's supercharged Napier . aero engine, is similar to those used by the successful British team in the last Schneidor Trophy race. . ; Britain holds all the world speed records for land, sea, and air. The' world's'air record of 357 miles an hour was established by Squadron-Leader Orlebar, and the water, speed official record of 98 miles an hour set up by Sir Henry Segrave in the speed boat "Miss England II." last year. Other records held by Britain include: Motor-cycle, 150.74 miles perhour, held by J. Wright, and outboard boat speed record of 51.98 m.p.h., set up last autumn by Charles Harrison.