Major II. 0. D. Segrave, driving a Sunbeam car, broke
all the short international motor records at Daytona Beach, Florida, on Tuesday. Down wind he touched a speed of 2071 miles an hour. His average speed for the kilometre, mile, and five kilometres was 203 miles an hour. This seems almost incredible, and the wonder is that Major Segrave was able to steer at such a speed. The variation of a hair's breadth in direction becomes a serious deflection almost before it can be recognized. Major Segrave knocked down some of the flags marking the course without even knowing that he had done so. This was not surprising, however, as from his seat he could not see any point on the track nearer than a hundred yards ahead. It is often asked what is gained by reaching these dangerous speeds. There is always sonic moral gain in exploits of daring, but quite apart from that it is certain that the running of engines at tremendous pressure in racing cars and aero- planes has taught engineers endless lessons in design and construction.
* * *
Previous page
