Land Speed Record Attempt Falls Short

Land Speed Record Attempt Falls Short


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Alex Cabrero ReportingThe perfect conditions, the perfect car, the perfect team, and yet, Nish Motorsports didn't set the record they were after. Last week we told you about the Salt Lake City-based team trying to set the world land speed record on the Bonneville Salt Flats.

They've been chasing this record for more than a decade. In fact, Terry Nish, the team's owner, has been wanting this record since he saw it set in person back in 1965. Unfortunately he's going to have to wait longer.

Land Speed Record Attempt Falls Short

If you only knew how many times Cec McCray has been in this very spot, you'd kind of feel sorry for him.

Cec McCray: "We have to tear it down and go back through it."

He's one of the mechanics for Nish Motorsports, working on the Royal Purple, the car that was supposed to set the world land speed record this past week.

Terry Nish, Nish Motorsports: "Hard to explain. Probably the biggest single disappointment."

Terry Nish is the team's owner. Last week, he and the team, with his son Mike driving, were going for 414 miles an hour. That would set the world record for fastest car not using turbo-charged technology. However, broken engines, fuel line problems and a bunch of other things just didn't allow them to break the mark.

Terry Nish: "I think maybe we've been spoiled the last few years. We hold 14 world and national records. We only want one more. I didn't think we were being greedy, you know!"

Nish also says there's a reason why this world land speed record has been standing for more than 40 years. If it was easy to break, everybody would be doing it.

Terry Nish: "Bonneville Salt Flats, she don't give up these records real easy."

So, they'll get the car ready and try again. History is waiting.

Terry Nish: "We're not through. We'll get this record."

Nish says they probably won't make another run at this record until next year.

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