MICKEY THOMPSON CHALLENGER 1 LAND SPEED RECORD ATTEMPT @ BONNEVILLE 60534
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- čas přidán 24. 08. 2024
- This April, 1962 black and white television program “Adventure Tomorrow” was hosted by actor Peter Hansen (:28), interviewer Dr. Martin Klein, Director of Research, Communications Control Corporation (:49), and was produced by George Van Valkenburg. This broadcast is titled “The Fastest Man of Wheels.” It features Mickey Thompson, who on September 9, 1960 became the first American to break the 400 mph barrier at 406.6 mph. He did so in his 1959 Pontiac Challenger 1 at Utah’s Bonneville Salt Flats. The footage shows bringing the car to the Salt Flats, inspecting it, Thompson entering the car, the push car, and a test run of the 11-mile drive, including some filmed from the car itself through the 2” windshield as he follows the black line painted on the salt (:33-6:09). Back in the studio, Dr. Klein interviews Mickey (6:17-8:56). We return to footage following the test drive. The salt is rough and so the crew works over three weeks on the race path to smooth it out, using water (8:56-10:20). Back at the shop, yarn is attached to the vehicle to study the air flow and a spoiler is added (10:21-10:33). The footage moves to September 9. Members of The United States Auto Club calibrate their electronic measuring instruments in the official timing stand (10:34-11:00) as everything on the car is tested (11:01-11:13). The braking parachutes are checked (11:14-11:25). The rims and specially-built Goodyear tires are mounted (11:26-11:53). Back at the studio, Dr. Klein and Mickey talk about this hand-built car, using an exact kit model (11:58-14:42). They look at samples of the special Goodyear tires. The results of proving they can go 400 mph has allowed this technology to be applied to jet tires and to improve automobile tires (14:43-15:55). The footage returns to September 9 as Thompson decides the timing is perfect to try for the record. He wears a special rubber fire-resistant suit and a small breathing mask as he is locked into the car (15:56-18:05). The epic run is now shown as he achieves 406.6 mph on the outgoing run. A broken drive shaft prevents him from getting a two-way record (19:06-20:00). Back at the studio, Dr. Klein mentions Mickey and his wife Judy both won in their classes in the Mobilgas Economy Run the previous week, which they did in 1962 (20:01-20:30). Mickey’s next plans are to design a car to race in May at Indianapolis (20:31-21:42). [Tragically, Mickey and his wife were murdered in their driveway in 1988, orchestrated by a former business partner.]
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Mickey Thompson did this on a low budget low tech program in 1960. Open trailer towed and car pushed by a Pontiac wagon. How sad the demise of Mr &Mrs Thompson. And later the demise of Pontiac.
that prick Goodwin should endure near fatal beatings on a sporadic basis so he never knows when there coming
and.....his beatings should be broadcast over all media!
This is awesome! I've been a MT fan all my life,(I'm 60) but this is the first time I've heard him speak!
I produced this program. Thanks for recovering it. How many other Adventure Tomorrows do you have?
George I think this is the only one we've ever located. Wish we had more! So glad you found it though.
The soundtrack is great I miss when documentary’s had a their own jazz band on hand
IRON MAN. His son Danny is carrying on Mickey's legacy. Think everybody who runs on the salt has a little Mickey Thompson in their blood and in their hearts. GOD BLESS every driver who puts it all on the line on every run. And to the crews who help make it possible, and to the families, wives, girlfriends who back the dreams of all who race.
LEGEND.
MotorTrend denies that Ken Drosbeke had anything to do with the Challenger! That is my Dad! RIP 1987
Mickey was friends with Bunkie Knudsen.. from Pontiac and GM. Bunkie gave him 4 389s
I have actually built this very Revell model kit and super detailed every engine in the And did all of plumbing on it added every cable then built a salt flat base for it.
It would be nice if the SMPTE numbers weren't on the film
At least it should be below the URL fo Periscope
That pretty much obliterated the most important moment of the video. Who's idea was that?
The scale model is fantastic
@Jim Man I'm working on that same model right now! Copyright date 1962 on the box.
That's what I'm talking about
yep and this is where the motor industry was born and speed was born, now think of how much it cost to try and break the piston engine 4 wheel sound barrier, now till that is done, we can say that that record is open to anyone, which most people in the game can do with a jet engine, but its about piston engines and wheels on the ground turning and not jet engines?
Most tyre patents owned by micky, now think of why he really went into the speed demon thing, its not because he wanted to break records, but more to start a bigness after that like everyone else did after they broke records back then almost every single person in the states who holds a record have aftermarket bigness ?
Are you interested in Space Age films? I have several on my CZcams channel you might like.
George do you have anything on 16mm film? We'd be interested in transferring it to video for you, for free.
did he say electronic industry, at the 14:22 mark, WOW now that is a prediction, get into computers in the 1960's and learn the FORTRAN and other numbered programming format's and you will be a millionaire before you know it. :)