THE LAND SPEED RECORD

Opotiki News, Volume I, Issue 44, 15 June 1938, Page 1

THE LAND SPEED RECORD

ATTEMPTS THIS YEAR. ' Following upon the success of Captain G. El. T. Eyston, who raised the land speed record to 312 m.p.h. last- November at Bonneville Salt Flats, Utah, U.S.A., in Ins gigantic twin-en-gined “Thunderbolt/' several other drivers have plans in hand for attempts to lower his > colours. Eyston himself is reported to be preparing to try and improve his own record. One of the most serious contenders is John Cobb, holder ol the lap record at Brooklands, who is having constructed a much lighter car than Eyston’s, which will have two supercharged engines .developing together about V3OUU h.p. These two engines will drive both the front and the rear wheels. Cobb hopes to attain about 351) m.p.h. Anomer car is being constructed by the well-known American driver Ab. Jenkins at a cost of about £IB,OOO. Little is known of this car yet, but it will certainly use aero engines. Both Jenkins and Cobb have been too successful iu long-distance .recordingbreaking. attempts lor their plans to be treated other than seriously. “Thunderbolt” Improved. In the meantime, Eyston has been making improvements to his gigantic* 7-ton “Thunderbolt,” and with the knowledge lie already has of this car at high speeds, he should liavo an even better chance of raising liis own record than the other two. The remaining contender is the well known Brooklamls figure, F. W. Dixon. whose pians strike in a rather different direction from recent world s record holders. Dixon is pinning liis faith to a very light car, scientifically streamlined, but, remembering the sad fate which overtook the late Frank Lockhart when he attempted to lower the land speed record with a, light car, there arc any -number of experienced racing men who are inclined' to shake their heads over Dixon’s projected attempt. Dixon, however, is one of the cleverest racing car engineers living, and should know what he is about.