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A record that has stood for 43 years is still standing. The Salt Lake City-based racing team going for the record didn't get it today.
For several years Nish Motorsports has been chasing the record because it's considered the "Holy Grail" of land speed records. Today they were hoping to make history.
This was supposed to be the year. Nish Motorsports was once again going for the "holy grail" of land speed records, using an engine with no turbo technology. Bob Summers set the record in 1965 at the Bonneville Salt Flats going 409 miles per hour. The Nish team was thinking faster.
Terry Nish, owner of Nish Motorsports, told us, "I think all the stars are lined up for us."
Driver Mike Nish said, "You couldn't ask for better conditions, so we'll just put it in someone else's hands right now."
However, just 30 seconds in, Mike had to shut off the engine. "The exhaust temperature was getting high, so I shut it down," he said.
At first the crew thought it was a shifting problem, but when they took the top off they noticed a valve sticking through the valve cover. When they removed that, they realized the problem was worse. A valve got stuck, and a buildup of pressure forced it through.
The crew then noticed more damage, enough to knock out all hopes of setting the record this year. "I've never been superstitious, but I'm starting to think Bob Summers, who died several years ago, I think he's up there somewhere saying, ‘No, not today,'" Terry said.
With all the setbacks they've had throughout the years in trying to set this record, today's might be the most disappointing for the team. With this car, and with this engine, they really thought they were going to get the record this year.
"It's just part of the deal," Mike said.
It's a deal where everything has to be perfect. "That's why these records stand for as long as they do," Mike said.
So the record is safe for another year. Nish Motorsports will go back to the shop, regroup and start planning for next year.
E-mail: acabrero@ksl.com
