Description
“Interesting and complex. . . .The best job I’ve seen done on the subject so far.” — Craig Breedlove
Until the 1950s, the land speed record (LSR) was held by a series of European gentlemen racers such as British driver John Cobb, who hit 394 miles per hour in 1947. That record held for more than a decade, until the car culture swept the U.S.
Hot-rodders and drag racers built and souped up racers using car engines, piston aircraft engines and, eventually, jet engines. For this determined and dedicated group, the LSR was no longer an honor to be held by rich aristocrats with industrial backing — it was brought stateside.
In the summer of 1960, the contest moved into overdrive, with eight men contending for the record on Utah’s Bonneville Salt Flats. Some men died in horrific crashes, others prudently retired, and by mid-decade only two men were left driving: Art Arfons and Craig Breedlove. By 1965, Arfons and Breedlove had walked away from some of the most spectacular wipeouts in motor sport history and pushed the record up to 400, then 500, then 600 miles per hour. Speed Duel is the fast-paced history of their rivalry.
Despite the abundant heart-stopping action, Speed Duel is foremost a human drama. Says author Samuel Hawley, “It is a quintessential American tale in the tradition of The Right Stuff, except that it is not about extraordinary men doing great things in a huge government program. It’s about ordinary men doing extraordinary things in their back yards.”
Details
Are you ready to dive into the thrilling world of land speed records? Look no further than Speed Duel: The Inside Story of the Land Speed Record in the Sixties. This captivating book takes you back to the 1960s, where two American drivers, Art Arfons and Craig Breedlove, engaged in an epic rivalry that pushed the boundaries of speed.
Uncover the fascinating history of the land speed record, previously dominated by European racers. Discover how the car culture in the U.S. revolutionized the pursuit of this coveted honor. Hot-rodders, drag racers, and adrenaline junkies alike utilized car engines, piston aircraft engines, and even jet engines to propel themselves to new limits.
Immerse yourself in the heart-stopping action that unfolded in the summer of 1960 on Utah's Bonneville Salt Flats. Witness the treacherous crashes and the courage of those who faced them head-on. As the competition dwindles, only two men remain in the race for glory: Art Arfons and Craig Breedlove.
Experience the adrenaline rush as these ordinary men achieve extraordinary feats, pushing the land speed record to unimaginable heights. From 400 to 500 to 600 miles per hour, Arfons and Breedlove etched their names into motor sport history. Author Samuel Hawley brings this intense rivalry to life, creating a quintessential American tale reminiscent of "The Right Stuff."
Don't miss out on this captivating read that combines thrilling action with a compelling human drama. Get your hands on Speed Duel: The Inside Story of the Land Speed Record in the Sixties and join Arfons and Breedlove on their exhilarating journey. Visit our website to learn more about this incredible book and order your copy today.
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