Las Vegas Sun

December 1, 2009

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High winds thwart racers in land speed attempt

Saturday, Oct. 4, 1997 | 9:09 a.m.

Both drivers wanted to make runs Saturday but were thwarted when winds kicked up on the Black Rock Desert, 125 miles north of Reno. They plan to make runs Sunday if the weather cooperates.

Winds kicked dust on the dry lake bed up to 300 feet in the air and obscured visibility.

Green has only made one run since pushing his jet-powered Thrust SSC on Sept. 25 to a 714.144 mph record, 81 mph faster than the old record set in 1983 by his boss, Richard Noble.

The British team's next goal is to become the first on land to achieve the speed of sound - 750-765 mph on the desert. Plans call for the crew to gradually increase speeds over the next several days in an attempt to reach Mach 1.

Breedlove is trying to coax his Spirit of America above 400 mph and toward Green's record despite a rash of mechanical problems.

Both teams also are being plagued by financial difficulties.

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