Did Jesse James really pilot a hydrogen-fueled vehicle faster than anyone else ever has in history? Possibly. Did he set a world record as claimed in doing so? Not so fast says noted world landspeed historian Louise Ann Noeth. It seems that Jesse's run wasn't quite up the the standards of a proper world record undertaking. Says Noeth:
The claim is without merit since the activities were conducted without benefit of any motorsports sanctioning authority. The vehicle was neither inspected, nor certified and all the timing personnel were on the James TV payroll. World speed records require two runs over a one-mile course within one hour. James was 5,148 feet short -- being timed one-way for a total of 132 feet; he made only three or four passes over an eight to ten-hour period. Any world record holder will tell you it's quite a technical feat to hold speed for a full mile.Ouch. When given the opportunity to explain the apparent discrepancies between his so-called record run and the actual official record-holding BMW HR2, Louise says "James responded with a short crude retort that reminded her that vulgarity is indeed the refuge of a destitute mind." In conclusion, she adds:
Mr. James efforts count for absolutely nothing on the world motorsports stage and amount to little more than a self-promoting "TV racer" PR stunt since he chose to ignore the sport's sanctioning rules that have applied to all records certified for the past 80 years.Click past the break for more from the official press release.
[Source: Landspeed Louise]
PRESS RELEASE:
TV's Jesse James Fraudulantly Claims Hydrogen-Powered World Speed Record, Says 'Landspeed Louise'
CREVE COEUR, MO - June 23, 2009: Noted automotive journalist and world landspeed historian Louise Ann Noeth has challenged television motorcycle guy Jesse James to a duel over his claim to have set a new world landspeed record.
According to a press release from Ms. Noeth and her company, Landspeed Productions, Jesse James claims he set the world record for hydrogen-powered vehicles on June 16th on the southern California El Mirage dry lake.
However, the press release states, "The claim is without merit since the activities were conducted without benefit of any motorsports sanctioning authority. The vehicle was neither inspected, nor certified and all the timing personnel were on the James TV payroll."
Louise Ann Noeth, known affectionately as LandSpeed Louise, is a veteran of several world landspeed record campaigns (some successful, some not). Her knowledge of the history, regulations and personalities involved in the efforts is nearly legendary.
"World speed records require two runs over a one-mile course within one hour. James was 5,148 feet short -- being timed one-way for a total of 132 feet; he made only three or four passes over an eight to ten-hour period. Any world record holder will tell you it's quite a technical feat to hold speed for a full mile," wrote Louise.
The baseless speed stunt was reportedly for the season-ending episode of James's TV show, Jesse James is a Dead Man. The episode is set to air in early August.
Louise adds, "James claims to have bested the FIA ratified BMW HR2 record of 185 mph. The BMW HR2 race car set 9 international and FIA-ratified land-speed records for hydrogen cars at the Miramas Proving Grounds in France. The BMW HR2 is one of the few hydrogen cars developed with internal combustion engine (ICE) technology instead of fuel cell technology. Mr. James efforts count for absolutely nothing on the world motorsports stage and amount to little more than a self-promoting "TV racer" PR stunt since he chose to ignore the sport's sanctioning rules that have applied to all records certified for the past 80 years."
Louise also reported that when contacted to explain the fraudulent claim, James responded with a short crude retort that reminded her that vulgarity is indeed the refuge of a destitute mind.
For more information about Landspeed Louise visit www.landspeedproductions.biz
Sign in to post
Please sign in to leave a comment.
Continue