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Continue reading VIDEO: Cadillac-powered Spectre SpeedLiner sets world record for gas-powered, wheel-driven vehicles

VIDEO: Cadillac-powered Spectre SpeedLiner sets world record for gas-powered, wheel-driven vehicles originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Oct 2009 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

We're suckers for speed, so we jumped at the opportunity to attend a press conference for an upcoming top speed shootout on the Bonneville Salt Flats. Unlike the countless speed contests held at locations around the world each year, the Top 1 Oil World Land Speed Shootout is the first single competition originated to decide the fastest wheel-driven cars and motorcycles on the planet. With few rules to limit innovation, some amazingly fast machines will take to the salt at the inaugural event this September 22-26.

At the press conference held at World Class Motoring in Los Angeles, we were lucky enough to check out the Ack Attack motorcycle and Speed Demon car -- two of the fastest wheel-driven vehicles in the world (with top speeds approaching 400 mph). The sleek machines (aka "Streamliners") are much more sophisticated and technically innovative than their outward appearance would lead you to believe. Under their thin aluminum/composite skins are countless subsystems of hydraulics, electronics, powertrains, and safety equipment... all designed to fit within the tubular aerodynamic confines of each streamliner. Nestled deep within the belly of these awesome machines are the driver/riders who risk everything to set the next FIA/FIM-sanctioned record. While the missile-like fuselages were fascinating to look at, hanging out with the teams -- genuine, truly passionate about speed, and brilliant enough to design record holders -- was what left a lasting impression with us. Best of luck guys!

Gallery: 2008 Land Speed Shootout

Continue reading World Land Speed Shootout at Bonneville

World Land Speed Shootout at Bonneville originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 11 Sep 2008 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Tragedy struck the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah last week when 47-year-old Cliff Gullett, of Team Bullet Costella-Gullett Racing, lost control of his bike at nearly 240 mph. Gullett, an experienced racer who held nearly a dozen land speed records on motorcycles, was competing in the 500cc class (two-stroke, two-cylinder) riding the Costella-Gullett Motorcycle Streamliner. He crashed after completing his return run -- the record is pending ratification by the governing racing bodies. A memorial service will be held next Saturday in his hometown of Bozeman, Montana. Our condolences are extended to the entire Gullett family including his wife, son, and daughter. Our appreciation to 3seriesisking for alerting us to the sad news.

[Source: Yahoo! Sports, Photo by Team Bullet]

Motorcyclist dies attempting land speed record on Salt Flats originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Sep 2008 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The Great Pickup Controversy has been settled. It was reported last week that the Rocket Ranger, from SPAL USA, crossed the Bonneville Salt Flats at 215.091 miles per hour. In doing so, SPAL claimed it set the top speed world record for a pickup truck. However, back in 2002, Gale Banks Engineering's Project Sidewinder Dakota ran the flats at 217.306. So SPAL actually didn't get the world record, yet because of their 215+ run they now hold the national top speed title. Why? Because as in boxing, there are multiple bodies that ignore one another and crown their own champions. The FIA certifies world records, the Southern California Timing Association certifies national records, and neither body acknowledges the other's certifications. SPAL got its from the SCTA, Banks from the FIA. Banks has congratulated SPAL, but wants to unify the titles with its own run in the future. So it ain't over. Stay tuned.

[Source: PickupTruck.com]

World's Fastest Diesel Pickup controversy settled originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 02 Sep 2007 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.