90 years ago this week

[Robert Rampton]

As Speed Week gets underway here in Utah out on the salt flats, I thought fans of auto racing trivia might note that on August 12, 1914, a few miles south from the present Bonneville speed course, Theodore A. Tetzlaff aka "Terrible Teddy" and his friend and mechanic Dominic Basso became the first men to drive a purpose-built speed car across the salt flats of Utah in persuit of a record. Piloting the Moross owned 200 hp Blitzen Benz No. 2 they made an attempt to lower the American speed record for the flying mile, 141 mph, held at that time by Bob Burman. Evidence suggests they accomplished it, travelling a speed of 142.85 mph. Irregularities put the time and speed under a cloud and the record was rightly rejected by the AAA, the event fading into automotive history oblivion.
I will be heading out very early in the morning for my annual trek to the salt for a couple of days. When I go I always like to think what it might have been like out there on the salt 90 years ago. Hot but very cool.
Everybody have a good weekend.
Bob.

[marcus]

I have the date as the 11th of August , anyone know which one is correct ?