Thompson Challenger I and Challenger II LSR cars on show at Motorsports Hall of Fame

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By: RACER Staff | 18 hours ago


A pair of all-American Land Speed Record cars representing the past and present glory of man’s never-ending pursuit of speed are headed to the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America (MSHFA) at Daytona International Speedway.

Danny Thompson, son of the late Mickey Thompson (MSHFA Class of 1990), is delivering this week to the MSHFA both his father’s 1960s era Challenger I as well as his own world-record-setting Challenger II. Both cars will be on loan to the MSHFA and on display for a limited time starting this Monday.

To celebrate the arrival, Thompson will be the featured guest in an open-to-the-public presentation at the MSHFA focused on his family’s lifelong fascination with speed and the story behind Challenger II’s incredible world-record run into the history books at 448.757 mph last year on the legendary Bonneville Salt Flats (pictured at top).

Scheduled to be held in the Hall’s Petersen Theater, the presentation takes place this Monday, May 13 at 7 p.m. EDT. Admission is $10 in advance or at the doors of the MSHFA, a non-profit 501(c)(3) through the Motorsports Museum Foundation, that has been in operation since 1989.

Setting 295 records at Bonneville alone, Mickey Thompson held more speed and endurance records than any other man in the world. A diverse and multi-talented motorsports personality, as a driver Thompson won races and championships in everything from midgets to sports cars. He was also a mechanical innovator, designer and master promoter who founded SCORE International and stadium off-road racing through the Mickey Thompson Entertainment Group.

It was Thompson’s dream of becoming the fastest man alive, however, that drove him to design and build Challenger I in the garage of his California home. Its four supercharged Pontiac engines produced a combined 2,000 hp that was enough, in September of 1960 at Bonneville, for Thompson to go faster than anyone had before: 406.60 mph. The incredible triumph wasn’t an official record, though, because an engine problem prevented completion of a required return run.

Thompson returned to Bonneville with the Autolite Special (pictured below) in 1968 for another shot at the piston-powered Land Speed Record only to see his plans washed out by flooding on the salt flats. The car then sat for more than 30 years until son Danny restored it and made attempts of his own.

Renamed Challenger II, the car is remarkably the same as it was when Mickey Thompson designed and drove it. The original Ford 427s were swapped for two 2,500 hp aluminum Hemi engines, but underneath it was the same chassis with the same aerodynamic body work tying it all together. During Bonneville Speed Week 2018, Danny made both his and his father’s dreams come true, setting a new world record of 448.757 mph in Challenger II.

Related

Mission accomplished, Danny Thompson retires Challenger 2

Video: Danny Thompson's Challenger 2 record run

UPDATED: Thompson's Challenger 2 sets new LSR record at Bonneville

Danny Thompson today owns both Challengers that are presently being driven from the West Coast to Daytona Beach and the MSHFA.

Tickets for the Monday, May 13 presentation are $10 and available in advance and at the door. For more information, visit the MSHFA at Motorsports Hall of Fame of America or call (386) 681-6843.

The Motorsports Hall of Fame of America is open seven days a week and is located at the Daytona International Speedway (DIS) Ticket and Tours Building on International Speedway Boulevard, just outside of DIS NASCAR Turn 4.


Challenger, Challenger 2, Danny Thompson, Mickey Thompson, Historic, Industry, LSR

 

Mickey Thompson: Fastest Man on Wheels

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King Rose Archives
Published on Apr 14, 2009

Mickey Thompson roared out of the hot rodding world of Southern California to become the "Fastest Man on Wheels," when his Pontiac powered Challenger One broke the 400 mph mark at the Bonneville Salt Flats. This didn't become an official record because of difficulties he encountered on a second run. The speed authorities require a second run and take the average for the record books. This promotional film captures the drama of his attempt.
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Tying some racing history together
See last post in thread:
See it before it goes away.



*****************************
Inside the NASCAR Hall of Fame*********************

You Tube

NASCAR Hall of Fame Tour 2013************************

You Tube

NASCAR Hall of Fame Museum Tour... Charlotte, NC



*************************************

Abandoned tracks in Florida area and other places (updated)
https://www.tamparacing.com/forums/ge...s-fl-area.html

Bonneville History
https://www.tamparacing.com/forums/ge...e-history.html
A bit of Bonneville History Part 2
https://www.tamparacing.com/forums/g...ml#post9420343

Daytona History
https://www.tamparacing.com/forums/ge...a-history.html

Drag Racing History
https://www.tamparacing.com/forums/dr...ml#post9366328

This link has some historic drag racing pics.

https://www.tamparacing.com/forums/dr...pics-ever.html


Local historic drag racing track Twin City Oldsmar

https://www.tamparacing.com/forums/ge...florida-4.html


Indianapolis History

https://www.tamparacing.com/forums/ge...ml#post9373490

24 Hours of Lemans history

https://www.tamparacing.com/forums/ge...s-history.html


Lemans

Lime Rock Park history

https://www.tamparacing.com/forums/au...rock-park.html


Pikes Peak racing history
Is Pikes Peak a road Race?


https://www.tamparacing.com/forums/ge...ml#post9362624


History of Race Cars

https://www.tamparacing.com/forums/ge...ml#post9370578

Road Racing History
https://www.tamparacing.com/forums/g...g-history.html

Sebring history

The way to part 2 "A brief History of Sebring Raceway" is here:
https://www.tamparacing.com/forums/g...-40-posts.html
-------------------------------------------------
This was the original brief history of Sebring part 1
https://www.tamparacing.com/forums/general-car-chat/816701-sebring-raceway-brief-history-part-1-has-now-exceeded-40-posts-115-posts.html
---------------------------------------------------

A bit of stock car racing history

https://www.tamparacing.com/forums/ge...ml#post9362625


Tying some Tampa Racing history together with links: Tampa International Raceway (Fair Grounds)

https://www.tamparacing.com/forums/ge...l-raceway.html

 

New ownership saves Bloodhound SSC

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By: RACER Staff December 17, 2018 7:06 AM The Bloodhound SSC project, whose hopes of achieving 1,000mph on the ground appeared to be at an end after its assets were put up for sale last week, has been given a new lease of life after the assets were purchased by British entrepreneur Ian Warhurst.The price paid for the Bloodhound supersonic vehicle, which is powered by a jet engine bolted to a rocket, was not revealed but Andrew Sheridan, the appointed administrator for the sale of the assets said the new owner — who the BBC says is the managing director of an engineering company specializing in turbochargers, repair kits and turbo parts — intends to continue the project.“Ian has a strong background in managing highly successful businesses in the automotive engineering sector and he will bring considerable expertise to bear in taking the project forward,” Sheridan said. “He will be outlining his plans for the project in detail early in the New Year.”Sheridan added that the UK the Ministry of Defence and Rolls Royce — builder of the Bloodhound’s jet engine originally designed for the EuroFighter aircraft — both backed the sale.“We have been overwhelmed by the passion that clearly exists for Bloodhound and are thrilled that we have been able to secure a buyer who is able to give this inspiring project a future,” Sheridan added. “In the meantime, we would particularly like to thank the Ministry of Defence and Rolls Royce for their support and collaboration throughout this process, without which it would not have been possible for the project to be in a position to continue.”The Bloodhound project was created to break the existing land speed world record of 763mph (1,228km/h), with ambitions to push the record beyond 1000mph (1609km/h). Trial runs at speeds up to 200mph were conducted last year in on an airport runway (pictured), while 500-600mph runs were previously scheduled for for 2019 on South Africa’s Hakskeen Pan, with top-speed attempts planned for 2020 or 2021. It’s not yet clear whether this schedule will be followed under the project’s new ownership.

 

Bloodhound supersonic car for sale after project halted


Anatomy of the car: The Jet Nozzle









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BLOODHOUND SSC - 1,000 mph car


Published on Oct 16, 2017






















The EJ200 Typhoon jet engine's nozzle is key to getting reheat (aka afterburners). The titanium petals open and close to manage the airflow, generating the trust to reach supersonic speeds.




Image courtesy Flock London



















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By: RACER Staff December 8, 2018 3:32 PM Project Bloodhound’s mostly finished supersonic vehicle — built with a jet engine bolted to a rocket in an attempt to break the world land speed record — is up for sale after attempts to find financing for the project failed. And the car itself is available for the cost of only around $318,000.Bloodhound Programme Ltd, the company behind the initiative to break the land speed record, entered into administration in October to try and save the project, meant to “hit speeds of 1000mph at a specially built, 18km long, 1500m wide racetrack at Hakskeen Pan in the deserts of the Northern Cape of South Africa,” as well as serve as a focal point for STEM education in the United Kingdom, the project’s website states.Planned test runs above 500mph were supposed to take place in late 2018 before trying to break the world land speed record in late 2019. The team tried to find around $33 million in funding to complete the project.“You’re going to need to find a few million to get it running to full speed,” driver Andy Green told the BBC. “We have basically completed the main structure, the desert is ready; we just need the funding.”Project Bloodhound was founded in 2007 and has operated on a private partnership and sponsorship model, with support from a variety of partners including Rolls Royce and Rolex. The UK Ministry of Defence lent prototype jet engines for the car, and the Northern Cape Provincial Government in South Africa supported the creation of the Hakskeen Pan track. Individual donations from members of the public have also supported the development of the car and the global education program.This 2017 video details the EJ200 Typhoon jet engine’s nozzle:

Up to this point, the car has been tested to speeds up to 200mph, but the project team said the test also helped to develop and test propulsion, aerodynamic and telecommunications technologies with the potential for applications outside of the project.“Since [entering administration in October] we have worked tirelessly with the directors to identify a suitable individual or organization who could take the project forward,” joint administrator Andrew Sheridan told the BBC.“Despite overwhelming public support, and engagement with a wide range of potential and credible investors, it has not been possible to secure a purchaser for the business and assets.“We will now work with key stakeholders to return the third-party equipment and then sell the remaining assets of the company to maximize the return for creditors.”

 

World of Speed 2017

Bonneville World of Speed 2017

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Blind speed record holder: Dan Parker

"I'm not a blind man trying to race. I'm a racer who went blind." ~Dan Parker

As many of you know, March 31, 2012 I was in an accident that forever changed my life. So much has happened since then and I've exceeded specialists expectations in my recovery. I want to start by thanking everyone that have helped me through my healing, and to all who have contributed to my dream of being the first blind man to race the Bonneville Salt Flats……It’s always been a dream of mine to race on the Salt. After the accident, I thought that dream was over. Then it came to me one night in bed that I could do this. Losing my eyesight did not have to stop my goals and dreams.
My land-speed trike is a specially constructed configuration using an Aprilia 50cc motor and a 20mm Lectron carburetor. I've designed the frame and bent the tubes myself using bump dots on my tubing bender and friends have helped with the welding.

My journey is not over. I plan to return to the Salt and have many plans in the works. All of you know someone who is disabled whether it be a disability from birth, progressing through the years, or a tragic accident. We don't want to be seen as disabled but an individual who has talents and has to use a little ingenuity.

Blind speed record holder: Dan Parker

"I'm not a blind man trying to race. I'm a racer who went blind." ~Dan Parker

As many of you know, March 31, 2012 I was in an accident that forever changed my life. So much has happened since then and I've exceeded specialists expectations in my recovery. I want to start by thanking everyone that have helped me through my healing, and to all who have contributed to my dream of being the first blind man to race the Bonneville Salt Flats……It’s always been a dream of mine to race on the Salt. After the accident, I thought that dream was over. Then it came to me one night in bed that I could do this. Losing my eyesight did not have to stop my goals and dreams.
My land-speed trike is a specially constructed configuration using an Aprilia 50cc motor and a 20mm Lectron carburetor. I've designed the frame and bent the tubes myself using bump dots on my tubing bender and friends have helped with the welding.

My journey is not over. I plan to return to the Salt and have many plans in the works. All of you know someone who is disabled whether it be a disability from birth, progressing through the years, or a tragic accident. We don't want to be seen as disabled but an individual who has talents and has to use a little ingenuity.

 

World's Fastest female motorcycle racer Valerie Thompson
Valerie Thompson becomes the world’s fastest female motorcycle racer at the Bonneville Motorcycle Speed Trials with a 300.263 MPH average in the timed mile and a top speed of 304 MPH.

This is one of many cracks Valerie has made in the glass ceiling and she has only just begun. Thrilling to see her perspective from the cockpit of the “7” Motorcycle Streamliner.

 

Tying some racing history together
See last post in thread:
See it before it goes away.

*****************************
Inside the NASCAR Hall of Fame*********************

You Tube

NASCAR Hall of Fame Tour 2013************************

You Tube

NASCAR Hall of Fame Museum Tour... Charlotte, NC

https://www.tamparacing.com/forums/a...ml#post9441920

*************************************

Abandoned tracks in Florida area and other places (updated)
https://www.tamparacing.com/forums/ge...s-fl-area.html

Bonneville History
https://www.tamparacing.com/forums/ge...e-history.html

Daytona History
https://www.tamparacing.com/forums/ge...a-history.html

Drag Racing History
https://www.tamparacing.com/forums/dr...ml#post9366328

This link has some historic drag racing pics.

https://www.tamparacing.com/forums/dr...pics-ever.html


Local historic drag racing track Twin City Oldsmar

https://www.tamparacing.com/forums/ge...florida-4.html


Indianapolis History

https://www.tamparacing.com/forums/ge...ml#post9373490

24 Hours of Lemans history

https://www.tamparacing.com/forums/ge...s-history.html


Lemans

Lime Rock Park history

https://www.tamparacing.com/forums/au...rock-park.html


Pikes Peak racing history
Is Pikes Peak a road Race?


https://www.tamparacing.com/forums/ge...ml#post9362624


History of Race Cars

https://www.tamparacing.com/forums/ge...ml#post9370578

Road Racing History
https://www.tamparacing.com/forums/g...g-history.html

Sebring history

The way to part 2 "A brief History of Sebring Raceway" is here:
https://www.tamparacing.com/forums/g...-40-posts.html
-------------------------------------------------
This was the original brief history of Sebring part 1
https://www.tamparacing.com/forums/general-car-chat/816701-sebring-raceway-brief-history-part-1-has-now-exceeded-40-posts-115-posts.html
---------------------------------------------------

A bit of stock car racing history

https://www.tamparacing.com/forums/ge...ml#post9362625


Tying some Tampa Racing history together with links: Tampa International Raceway (Fair Grounds)

https://www.tamparacing.com/forums/ge...l-raceway.html