The Spirit of America vehicles, created by Craig Breedlove, represent a significant chapter in the history of land speed racing. These turbojet-powered machines were instrumental in Breedlove's quest to break world speed records, and they left an indelible mark on the sport. From their inception in the early 1960s to their continued influence in later years, the Spirit of America vehicles showcased innovation, engineering excellence, and the relentless
pursuit of speed.
The Birth of Spirit of America
The Spirit of America was born out of Breedlove's ambition to push the limits of speed. In 1962, he designed a freewheeling tricycle powered by a General Electric J47 turbojet engine. Despite its unconventional three-wheel design, which did not comply with FIA regulations, the vehicle was accepted by the FIM. On August 5, 1963, Breedlove made his first record attempt with the Spirit of America, reaching a speed of 388.47 mph over the measured mile. The return pass saw him achieve a two-way average of 407.45 mph, marking the beginning of the Spirit of America's legacy.
The Spirit of America was notable for its lightweight design, which allowed it to maintain high speeds without the need for tire changes. This innovative approach set the stage for Breedlove's future record-breaking endeavors and established the Spirit of America as a symbol of speed and ingenuity.
Evolution and Competition
As Breedlove continued to refine the Spirit of America, he faced increasing competition from other speed enthusiasts. In 1964, he encountered rivals like Walt Arfons' Wingfoot Express and Art Arfons' Green Monster. Undeterred, Breedlove enhanced the Spirit of America's engine power, setting a new record of 468.72 mph. He then surpassed the 500 mph barrier with a speed of 526.28 mph, solidifying the Spirit of America's reputation as a formidable contender in land speed racing.
The Spirit of America's evolution was marked by both triumphs and challenges. During one record attempt, a drogue parachute malfunction led to the vehicle running on for five miles before coming to rest in a lake. Despite such setbacks, Breedlove's determination and the Spirit of America's engineering excellence continued to propel him forward.
Legacy and Influence
The Spirit of America's legacy extends beyond its record-breaking achievements. In 1965, Breedlove built an FIA-legal four-wheeler, Sonic I, which further pushed the boundaries of speed. On November 15, 1965, Breedlove achieved a record speed of 600.601 mph, making the Spirit of America the first vehicle to break the 600 mph barrier.
Breedlove's Spirit of America vehicles have inspired generations of speed enthusiasts and engineers, demonstrating the power of innovation and determination. The Spirit of America remains a symbol of the relentless pursuit of speed, reminding us of the possibilities that arise when vision meets engineering prowess.
