I thought you might like to see this video of my final run on Sunday, 5th July in the Dean Lowe RPU at Pendine. Battling for traction I managed to push the car through at 104mph, which is 11mph improvement on last year. Still got a way to match Matt Farrant, who set a new course record of 116mph in his '29 RPU.
I think Steve did great. Did you see that cross wind?! And, don't forget, he's on sand, next to zero traction. I'm sure I would not have done even that good. In all the passes I made in that car, I never moved the wheel as much as Steve did on that one run. I am very proud of what Steve has accomplished with my old hot rod. The last two years he has had a major last minute thrash just to get the car to Pendine. The 327 sounds a hell of a lot better than last years tired old 305 smog motor! Don't worry Steve. You will get Matt next year. That old hot rod knows how to set records and win!! You done good my friend!!
There is no greater feeling the finishing a race, that is an improvement, and on top get the big thumbs up from the guy who build it!!! Wish it was me!!! Looking forward to finishing something and maybe get some sign of respect from the original builder.
Thanks Dean! I've got a few plans on how to improve things for next year to close the gap on Matt. All credit to his accomplishment though, he was flying! There's some great photos going up. Here's one of a couple of the coolest RPUs on the planet-
You're probably right fella and we have 2-days a year to practice and I'll be back there practicing same time next year
Hey! The "spaceman helmet" is 100% authentic for 1961! The Bell bubble shield was pretty much standard for open cars in the late 50's, early 60's. Details like the helmet are why the right guy (since it's not me) has my hot rod. Steve is fanatical about being 100% correct on the resto. I won't mention how much he spent to duplicate the '56 Corvette intake system! 1961 R&C Rod test at LIONS................
Steve awesome run! Not everyone can claim to hit a 100 MPH on sand so don't beat yourself up too much...Keep it up you never know you might beat it next year.
I got to sit in this car over 50 years ago when Dean drove it to Pasadena, stopped at the Powerine station on E. Colorado next to the old Bobs....cool to see the cockpit again!...good show!
Hi Steve,I spoke to you at the m4 services on the way back from Pendine,thanks for posting the video,brilliant.total respect to anyone who gets out there in those conditions and gives it 100%.hope you enjoy your t shirt.sean
Hey Sean, good to meet you. Hope you got home okay, I'm glad the rain stopped shortly after! Maybe catch up at the Hayride? Steve
Thats a great video, with a couple of real gentleman narrating. Dumb question, what is the length of the Pendine course???
Why dumb? I don't know for certain but I think it's about 1/2 mile; it feels to be about that and I'd say it's been the same for the 3 years the event has been (re)run. The speed is measured over 100 yards, at the end, obviously. I'd guess the true terminal speed of the cars able to still be accelerating in that final 100 yards would be higher than the reported speed. My 32 roadster with stock 4 banger is all done and dusted by or before the calibrating zone and has managed 71 - 72 mph, which is pretty respectable in the class. Traction is arguably the biggest difficulty. Big horsepower just doesn't work and sand drag tyres wouldn't be allowed (quite rightly) as they wouldn't be in the early hotrodding style of the event. It's a ton of fun. Chris
Thanks Chris for your explanation, I just had to assume I was the only one out here that didn't know. Traveling those speeds on smooth sand must feel like riding in a flat bottom boat.
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