Can anyone tell me where I can find video of Craigs white Spirit of America car making passes at Blackrock? I can't seem to find quality video of the car and it's runs.
we had to do book reports in sixth grade. i read a book on craig and actually enjoyed doing a book report on it. the battle between arfrons and the green monster and craig was amazing.
I used to hang out with his step son when I was younger and even then when I was at his house Craig had issues with his health. He could not even lift or extend his arms over his head without doubling over in pain. They had the shop in Rio Vista Ca on Front st and logan... but craig also owned a little RV Resort and inland delta marine harbor called snug harbor. I could understand why he was always so tired SHOP and the resort made for long days
@sanfranciscobay; The facts? no one knows for sure, from interviews of those who were there, sidewind and ruts in the course.
The car was bought by the late Steve Fossett, who completely rebuilt and extensively modifed the car. (Marathon racing in Sparks, Nevada did the work.) Fossett died literally looking for a suitable place to run the car. (He was looking at Diamond Valley.) His widow, Peggy Fossett has the car for sale. It is ready to go. Damn shame no one has stepped up to the task.
Brave man, yeah. But Art Arfons was the REAL man of the salt. Craig had millions in backing and teams of construction engineers and mechanics. Art did it all himself, with his own money in his barn. He gave the Breedlove machine a run for it's money, besting them time after time.
@os101king Read Craig's book. He built both cars in his tiny garage, with alittle money from Goodyear. Not taking anything away from Arfons that had a Firestone sponser.
The Spirit was built before Craig had a dime from Goodyear or Shell, and your claim about "millions" in backing and teams of construction engineers and mechanics is just silly.
1. What are the facts in regards to the car rolling on its side?
2. What is the current status and the future of the car as of Sept 09?
From what I remember, Craig Breedlove sold the car to Steve Fossett and he had it on his website that he was going to run the car but was killed in an aircraft accident Sept 07.
I am proud to say my brother was part of the team that worked on this car. When I went to visit him, I saw the car up close and it is amazing how small the drivers seat is. The speedometer went by the 100's! Fosset took over, lets hope the acheivement never dwindles.
For the record Thrust SSC's rear suspension didn't collapse at any time, not even when it was asked to cross the Jordanian desert ruts at 500mph! It suffered damage, but NEVER collapsed even then, which is why the driver lived through that day ( along with the active suspension jacking the angle of attack "ride height" up in a fraction of a second ).
Craig Breedlove is a fabulous ambassador for the land speed record,and has always said Thrust SSC took the record fair and square.He's the expert.
Funny, but the Thrust SSC team thought Craigs car was too light and were worried for him as they deliberately built Thrust SSC heavy to keep it on the ground and stop any lifting at near and beyond supersonic speeds, which Craigs car was affected by. Lovely looking car though and hope it gets a second chance at breaking the sound barrier and if it beats Thrust SSCs speed then that will be a good target for the Bloodhound to aim for
Has anyone heard of a movie/documentary called "Challenge Of The Salt" (maybe alternately titled "I'm Going To Set Myself On Fire")? A couple of record collector friends of mine found a 1971 soundtrack done by Charles Bernstein of this. Is this the same as "One Second from Eternity"? The soundtrack was pressed in L.A. at Gold Star studios and that doc was British, so I'm confused.
He sold this new Spirit Of America car to Steve Fossett (the millionaire balloon record setting guy)after failing to capture the record in 1997 against Thrust SSC. Fossett will use the car to try to break the record in 07 or 08.
i hope someone beats thust ssc`s record so we can get some more "whose the fastest man on earth" action =) like when art arfons and craig breedlove battled it out
Thankyou jangho9 - yes it would be great to see that. I think the only thing holding things up is time/money to build them and a decent venue. I hear Lake Eyre in South Australia would be a good venue...
I don't think that the testing for safety at supersonic speeds was as rigourous as Thrust ssc because they planned to run it at mach1 without a pilot and if it was ok do it with Criag. Thrust ssc they knew it would work because of the aero testing.
Can anyone tell me where I can find video of Craigs white Spirit of America car making passes at Blackrock? I can't seem to find quality video of the car and it's runs.
sanfranciscobay 3 months ago
we had to do book reports in sixth grade. i read a book on craig and actually enjoyed doing a book report on it. the battle between arfrons and the green monster and craig was amazing.
fasttruck93l 7 months ago
Yes. Balls of steel.
Rick258442 1 year ago
I used to hang out with his step son when I was younger and even then when I was at his house Craig had issues with his health. He could not even lift or extend his arms over his head without doubling over in pain. They had the shop in Rio Vista Ca on Front st and logan... but craig also owned a little RV Resort and inland delta marine harbor called snug harbor. I could understand why he was always so tired SHOP and the resort made for long days
barnessf 1 year ago
@sanfranciscobay; The facts? no one knows for sure, from interviews of those who were there, sidewind and ruts in the course.
The car was bought by the late Steve Fossett, who completely rebuilt and extensively modifed the car. (Marathon racing in Sparks, Nevada did the work.) Fossett died literally looking for a suitable place to run the car. (He was looking at Diamond Valley.) His widow, Peggy Fossett has the car for sale. It is ready to go. Damn shame no one has stepped up to the task.
aruju01 1 year ago
Brave man, yeah. But Art Arfons was the REAL man of the salt. Craig had millions in backing and teams of construction engineers and mechanics. Art did it all himself, with his own money in his barn. He gave the Breedlove machine a run for it's money, besting them time after time.
os101king 1 year ago
@os101king Read Craig's book. He built both cars in his tiny garage, with alittle money from Goodyear. Not taking anything away from Arfons that had a Firestone sponser.
slicksnot 1 year ago
@os101king
The Spirit was built before Craig had a dime from Goodyear or Shell, and your claim about "millions" in backing and teams of construction engineers and mechanics is just silly.
ObserveAndTestify 4 weeks ago
Correct Thrust SSC designer Ron Ayers always talks about the twin engines being required for stability rather than needing the power.
Breedloves car was probably lifted by the shockwave starting to form beneath those rear 'wings' around the wheel pylons.
abioape 1 year ago
Just beautiful.
Goes great with a Reuben and beer ;-)
babaluboo123 1 year ago
its has wheels nd goes on land so its technically a car
hawkvenom4 2 years ago
I just cant understand one thing. its not even a CAR. its a plane without wings.
amokachi31 2 years ago
A couple of questions for anyone:
1. What are the facts in regards to the car rolling on its side?
2. What is the current status and the future of the car as of Sept 09?
From what I remember, Craig Breedlove sold the car to Steve Fossett and he had it on his website that he was going to run the car but was killed in an aircraft accident Sept 07.
sanfranciscobay 2 years ago
ha you wish
glynhoyland 2 years ago
Beautiful music, the Moonlight Sonata. Nice contrast to the video
ingareinar007 2 years ago
I am proud to say my brother was part of the team that worked on this car. When I went to visit him, I saw the car up close and it is amazing how small the drivers seat is. The speedometer went by the 100's! Fosset took over, lets hope the acheivement never dwindles.
margaretsen 3 years ago
I think if Craig really wanted to, he would break it. That man's got alot of heart. He's still one of my heroes.
popeme1970 3 years ago
For the record Thrust SSC's rear suspension didn't collapse at any time, not even when it was asked to cross the Jordanian desert ruts at 500mph! It suffered damage, but NEVER collapsed even then, which is why the driver lived through that day ( along with the active suspension jacking the angle of attack "ride height" up in a fraction of a second ).
Craig Breedlove is a fabulous ambassador for the land speed record,and has always said Thrust SSC took the record fair and square.He's the expert.
593OLYMPUS 3 years ago
response to fab7080...is your grandmother Porshia still living in Grants Pass, OR?
preemie74 3 years ago
On paper Craigs car is faster with better power to weight ratio with aerodynamics than the SSC, but...............
Westbound70 3 years ago
Funny, but the Thrust SSC team thought Craigs car was too light and were worried for him as they deliberately built Thrust SSC heavy to keep it on the ground and stop any lifting at near and beyond supersonic speeds, which Craigs car was affected by. Lovely looking car though and hope it gets a second chance at breaking the sound barrier and if it beats Thrust SSCs speed then that will be a good target for the Bloodhound to aim for
Warhead3000 2 years ago
He drove the AMC in the Texas take over! Great run huh?
odelgado78 3 years ago
It's nice of craig to have a go at beating us in 1997. Better luck next time old chap. Give me an S give me an S give me a C go thrust go. woo hoo!!
motormouth1974v3 3 years ago
its a shame hes not going to try for the record if it anybody can get it back it is definately him .i hope to see him try in the future
bmitcher 4 years ago
Has anyone heard of a movie/documentary called "Challenge Of The Salt" (maybe alternately titled "I'm Going To Set Myself On Fire")? A couple of record collector friends of mine found a 1971 soundtrack done by Charles Bernstein of this. Is this the same as "One Second from Eternity"? The soundtrack was pressed in L.A. at Gold Star studios and that doc was British, so I'm confused.
jobbersquash 4 years ago
Comment removed
SarahBree 4 years ago
Went to middle/high school with his daughter (Chris): Give her my love. I just remember her Dad as being *a really, cool, really great* Dad!
Mavarla 3 years ago
very good
gazoil5 4 years ago
bravo!
spiker50000 4 years ago
He's STILL doing it at the age of 70, isn't he? Wouldn't it be great if he could get another record? A truly remarkable daredevil.
Perranporth 4 years ago
He sold this new Spirit Of America car to Steve Fossett (the millionaire balloon record setting guy)after failing to capture the record in 1997 against Thrust SSC. Fossett will use the car to try to break the record in 07 or 08.
venmus93 4 years ago
Zeriouslly , awesome video! great job=)
i hope someone beats thust ssc`s record so we can get some more "whose the fastest man on earth" action =) like when art arfons and craig breedlove battled it out
;)
jangho9 5 years ago
Thankyou jangho9 - yes it would be great to see that. I think the only thing holding things up is time/money to build them and a decent venue. I hear Lake Eyre in South Australia would be a good venue...
Zeriouslly 5 years ago
North American Eagle, let's hope for the best.
skoczzy 4 years ago
I don't think that the testing for safety at supersonic speeds was as rigourous as Thrust ssc because they planned to run it at mach1 without a pilot and if it was ok do it with Criag. Thrust ssc they knew it would work because of the aero testing.
moggoon 5 years ago