LAND SPEED RECORD: WHY ARE THE AMERICANS NOT IN THE RACE?

Question

It has been 45 years since the Americans took the world land speed record. Then came along Richard nobel and then his new driver, Andy Green to break the Sound Barrier raising the record to 763 MPH. Nobel and Green are now set to try to break 1000-MPH. The question is why have not the Americans entered the race to engineer a vehicle to beat the British attempt? Surely, the engineering aspect alone should set the Americans on an attempt to show the world they are the better engineers and designers of the two. What are your thoughts on the matter?

Answer 1

There evidently aren't any Americans with big$$$$$$ who think that holding the land-speed record is a worthwhile endeaver, or else we would snatch it up.

There is no big payoff at the end of the land speed record holding road.



Right now all the big$$$$$ holders are concentrating on commercial space travel.

Answer 2

You'll have to ask Breedlove & Fossette why...



http://www.speedace.info/spirit_of_america_2.htm



http://www.roadsters.com/750/#teams





One reasons for such a long time between attempts is the great expense to mount a project of this magnitude and sophistication at such high speeds with jet / rocket powered cars. Your now in the super sonic range which present additional technical challenges.

Answer 3

Why do you assume they are better engineers?