It seems Cook Motor Racing (CMR) are ready to run this week. :clap
Is there anyone on the salt who is also on landracing.com, and can provide us with a first hand account?
According to the most recent news item on the cmrchallenges web site
QuoteThe FIA LSR event is from 20th Oct 23rd Oct
So is it now all over, at least in terms of official record setting?
Disclaimer: I only get about 30 seconds to look at Facebook before it cuts me off, so my information is limited to what I can see in that time frame. This post says it is one day old. The pictures show they are very well organized and doing well for what little time they have left. I wish them the best.
Tom G.
PS. To all the thousands of Facebook members, how about some updates and pictures?
The following came from Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/CMRBolivia/
CMR Bolivia
1d
?
Getting REAl!
Cookie is altitude tuned and ready to go!
Wairua 1 s turn for the Dyno!!
Days late 😩😩 and under time pressure ⏰but course grading
finally underway!
Bring it on!! 💪
The word I am getting
The course was slow to prepare
His crew is dwindling due to other commitments
It is getting hard to have the FIA officials available
Needs to get it done in the next few days
Most recent FB post shows a video of the 2L NA Nissan coupe "Cookie" running on the "partially completed" course, 199 on a 174 record, unclear if officially timed or not.
Tim
Thanks everyone for your posts.
Tim, yes an 8 second video testing the course posted 18 hours ago.
Tom G.
https://www.facebook.com/CMRBolivia/
CMR Bolivia
18h
?
Course partially completed?..
Very 1st Exploratory Test Run by Reg with Cookie today - unofficially cracks World Record for 2 litre, unlimited class, non turbo, normally aspirated (current 174 mph) hitting 199mph 💪💪
CMR KIWI CAN DO at Its Best
The CMR Team have been in Uyuni for about three weeks trying to get some salt action happening,
Interested to know if M&M have been acting as their Bolivian fixers ?? :roll:
Reg pulled the plug today on his event. The logistics issues were too much to overcome.
Been there done that but with a lot less people. We were always able to run but never for the full event days. Jamie Williams and I are fully committed to putting on a professionally run event next year.
Boliviaspeedtrialsn.com
Oops it?s
boliviaspeedtrials.com
So close!
What next?
Well they have a new government.... maybe the new guys will try to drag them out of the third world although delaying Reg and team there for a month was probably an economic boom to the area :x aktion086
I think the only way for racing there to work is have the containers escorted (that means a guy with a stack of 100'$) through customs in Chile and the Bolivian border. That will keep them at the front of the line.... or at least in the line.
You can't race somewhere if your stuff doesn't arrive :dhorse:
Dum question from the peanut gallery, why not just stay in America? Why is it " better" to go there?
Obviously you don't know that Bonneville is at deaths door as far as a racing surface is concerned.
Sid.
I think I read here quite often. Is it better to have your car stolen or pay outrageous fees to keep what you paid for? I remember the discussion from last year. I'm not real big on third world country's politics.
Still a glimmer of hope?
CMR Bolivia now saying:
QuoteBlunt Reality.
S O S !!!!!! S O S..... Help!!!
Good news is CMR team in six days have built Camp and have four cars READY to break FIA Records.
(Have broken one un-officially in test run already.)
AFTER weeks of adversity all the ducks are in a row to push go!
BUT REALITY: Due to freight and other critical delays, we have not only had to postpone our FIA event 3 times - BUT have incurred massive extra financial $$$$$ costs.
GOOD NEWS is that we have secured another date with FIA in approx. 2 weeks!!
BAD News: PAST delays means we have NO funds left to stay!!
This amazing KIWI CAN DO Adventure is going to end in 2 days
without immediate financial assistance.
Working with Wairua 2 is going well but AT THIS POINT we will have to stop EVERYTHING to start packing to return to NZ in 48 hrs.
SOS Need Financial $$$$$$$$ Now
Sadly Go Fund is not the answer at the moment.
Time for Mr. Burk to step up for a totally worthwhile cause, He has been a Landspeed hero before!!!!
Thanks to everyone who has posted information on the event.
For us non Facebook people we appreciate the information.
Tom G.
There is a way to contribute to their funding now. From the https://cmrchallenges.co.nz/news/blunt-reality-sos-214/ web site:
QuoteSOS Need Financial $$$$$$$$ Now
Katrina is has set up a give a little page below
https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/world-records-to-be-set-by-cmr-kiwi-can-do-team?fbclid=IwY2xjawNuGjdleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFoa2pjNkFKTGN3NTcwMUFhAR4vUdTxtJVMfUus1VDw1og661FYqK_yH4XOwsV1I9Yfv1idIYhGIP98_lyG9w_aem_0SpEPhOv5t8MTQbB5tyTTg
More to come next newsletter.
muutt
Looks like they have raised a little over $20,000 in a day plus. I guess we will know pretty soon if it is a go or not?
Tom G.
There has to be a mind boggling amount of money rolled up in that whole venture & I thought George was the big spender!
Sid.
Latest I can see in my 30 seconds allowed on Facebook. Sounds like they are going forward.
Tom G.
CMR Bolivia
18h
?
WOO BLOODY HOO (From Reg)
The positive response to the previous email 'BLUNT REALITY'
and subsequent funding page (below) has been refreshing to recharge CMR Emotional Batteries
https://givealittle.co.nz/.../world-records-to-be-set-by...
Also because of other practical offers 😊😊😊😊 and If the support continues to grow..........
CMR's final last chance chasing FIA Records is going forward set for 14th to 20th November!!
Share, share, share
$27,755 donated
Given by 162 generous donors in 2 days
Once in a lifetime opportunity!
No idea what the 'Kiwi Can Do' test involves, but I'd be willing to bet anyone reading here would pass with flying colours.
QuoteSOS - Urgently need Data loggers, Tuners, Mechanics, General helpers. Want an adventure? Now's your chance!
Due to multiple delays most of our Team who have committed to being here since early September have had to return home and only a few can return.
Join the CMR Volunteer Team at Uyuni Salt Lake at final last chance event chasing FIA Records 14th to 20th November (Initial Dyno & testing Runs 12th to13th Nov )
🛬 You cover your flight to La Paz, Bolivia plus evening meals.
🛌 CMR will cover domestic Bolivian travel, (between La Paz and Uyuni Salt Lake ) your accommodation, breakfast and lunch.
Sound like you? Or tag someone you think would excel at this challenge
You will need to pass the 'Kiwi Can Do' test.
This is a New Zealand run motorsport land speed racing event.
We need people who:
✅Are 100% Team players, adaptable, with the ability to brainstorm.
✅Have the right 'Kiwicando' attitude, and passion.
✅ Contribute their skills, wherever we need help - without any drama - to get the job done!
Apply here NOW, and Reg will be in touch to have a quick chat.
https://cmrchallenges.co.nz/opportunities
The Kiwi can do test is highlighted in GREEN. Would be tough for a lot of people
The fund keeps growing. It is at $32,195 donated. Given by 188 generous donors in 8 days.
They are about a third of the way to their goal. I wish them the best.
Tom G.
My guess is that there are other contributors who don't appear on the Give a Little Page, so they may be closer to their target than we can see there.
In any case, they are now saying:
Quote... Chasing FIA records can now go forward.
......
Most other Hurdles are being overcome. CMR Final Last Chance chasing FIA Records, 17th to 19th November. Initial Test Runs 14th to 16th November. Initial Dyno & testing 12th to13th November.
More details to follow
We may get to see some fast runs in a week or so ...
Quote from: TrickyDicky on November 06, 2025, 11:41:31 AM
My guess is that there are other contributors who don't appear on the Give a Little Page, so they may be closer to their target than we can see there.
In any case, they are now saying:
Quote... Chasing FIA records can now go forward.
......
Most other Hurdles are being overcome. CMR Final Last Chance chasing FIA Records, 17th to 19th November. Initial Test Runs 14th to 16th November. Initial Dyno & testing 12th to13th November.
More details to follow
We may get to see some fast runs in a week or so ...
Thanks for the update. I hope we will.
Tom G.
New Update:
Human Resilience at it's best 10 November 2025
Four weeks ago this adventure was DEAD in its tracks!
Thanks to your amazing response CMR is still breathing. But we remain on an aspirator, so please do continue sharing the Givealittle page wide and far - as we strive to raise the shortfall of USD$125k needed to make this happen.
The focus, work ethic, innovation, creative thinking, and camaraderie of our Team has been second to none.
Unfortunately with a months delay (after three heartbreaking postponements) we have been functioning on a skeleton crew these last two weeks - as most of our team has progressively had to head home.
The good news is a few of our experienced Kiwi team are on planes heading BACK this week. It's a huge sacrifice that also impacts their families and employers but we can't make history without them!! THANK YOU TEAM.
Thanks also to new volunteers from around the world who have responded to our pleas for crew. We can't wait for you to arrive!
We still urgently need general crew, and DATA LOGGERS. If that's you , or someone you know - and you are ready for a Landspeed bootcamp - contact us now on info@cmr.org.nz.
Time is ticking:
Initial Dyno and testing 12/13 Nov
Initial test funds 14/15/16 Nov
FIA records 17,18,19 Nov
$35,945 donated
Given by 197 generous donors in 13 days
Tom G.
Some Dannenfelzers on the way, apparently.
For those of us that don't do FB, we'd all appreciate updates from FBookers if things get posted on FB.
Thank you!
GW
I don't do FB either, but it is possible to see the most recent post without signing in. Latest (today) is:
QuoteFantastic to have some crew arriving back to Uyuni from New Zealand this week, along with new crew and FIA.
CRM have been in Uyuni since first week of September - and endured circumstances that have delivered three event postponements!
Kiwis never give up while there?s still a way forward! Its just a matter of finding a way!
Still short of people on the ground!
Still dramatically short of funds!
But going ahead anyway!
FIA record days 17-20th November!
Pre- event program in place between now and then.
Thank you for your ongoing support. Your generosity and support has resuscitated us and given us the confidence to recommit to these last chance new dates!
They are not currently saying anything about fuel, but a few days ago Joe Amo teased out that they were still waiting for the correct "racing fuel".
Reading between the lines, it appears:
- Still short of people and money, but will be able to go ahead with what they have
- Fuel shortage/unavailability could severely limit running
- Mentioned by no one, but there is likely to be rain in November
Photo shows Wairua 2 - two of the four driven wheels.
They just did a successful test run of that car. No mention of how fast, but must have shifted etc. Fingers crossed
Latest update on donation page.
Tom G.
Count down to FIA record setting 12 November 2025
A few key team members who had to return home are arriving back in to Uyuni each day this week???. The pressure is on to complete the test program in next few days - particularly the streamliners!
As you know we lost the fourth container in transit and the replacing the missing contents has been a challenge. Our Team are literally creating magic everyday in terms of problem solving. Thanks to you we have been able to
Fly back FIA officials for the race days next week! We are proceed in flynin good faith that we will eventually raise the shortfall we need to pay all our event generated costs and get everything back home!
Thank you for being part of our team. We greatly appreciate your support! If you are not already - please follow us on Facebook:CMR Bolivia
That is where we will post results as they come to hand.
$36,815 donated, Given by 202 generous donors in 15 days.
Latest update.
Tom G.
Two sleeps to go! 15 November 2025
New Team members still arriving in daily ahead of FIA Record days 17/30 November. 🏎️🏎️🏎️
Welcome back to those original team members who have flown the 35 hour trip back! ✈️
Emergency funds still required to cover the 200k shortfall from multiple delays and the challenges of running an event in a developing country. 💲💲
Please and thank you 🙏🙏🙏in advance for spreading the word about our Give a Little Page ...........https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/world-records-to-be-set-by-cmr-kiwi-can-do-team
Two people staying overnight at base camp on the salt every night🥶🥶🥶
Course completed and ready for FIA approval 👌✅
Two more sleeps to go................😴😴
$38,710 donated
Given by 217 generous donors in 18 days.
CMR Bolivia
4h
?
✅Another Test day on the Salar de Uyuni!
✅Wairua 1 and Cookie ready to run.
✅Mini ready to start after part replacement yesterday
✅Wairua 2 tests in a day or two.
✅Team up to strong numbers again thanks to the addition of new skilled crew.
✅Stamina in Spades
✅CMR Kiwicando alive and well.
Significant support still require to address our massive funding shortfall. Thanks all in advance and THANKS to all who have already supported
CMR Bolivia updated their cover photo.
4h
?
Wairua 2 Successful 1st Test Run
Quote from: TrickyDicky on November 11, 2025, 09:02:05 AM
Some Dannenfelzers on the way, apparently.
Yes, two of Fred Dannenfelzer's relatives are in Bolivia helping. :clap :clap :clap :clap :clap
Tom G.
Great interview with Reg Cook. 20 minutes long and very informative.
Tom G.
Latest update
Radio New Zealand Interview with Reg 16 November 2025
Yesterday?s interview with Radio New Zealand outlines the realities of this event. It?s worth the 20 minute listen to gain understanding and insight directly from Reg Cook .
https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/sunday/audio/2019012886/reg-cook-the-fastest-senior-citizen-on-earth
I listened to that interview and I heard a hint of Kiwi desperation. I'm sure Reg realizes why all the previous attempts in Bolivia have fallen short. He mentioned his age, being nearly 80, the financial challenges and of course the logistics of dealing with an unstable third world country. I won't be surprised if he has success with the three cars that have already proven themselves, but the Wairua 2 is relatively untested and just one little glitch could be a setback. hopefully enough crew will arrive to meet any challenges.
Landspeed racing is such a small niche of the automotive racing hobby that I feel this is not just a "Kiwi Can Do" but a ""Geriatric can do event"". As a fellow old guy I'm pulling for him all the way.
I would challenge his comment about Uyuni being the "only" place in the world where he can get 18miles of hard smooth salt to go 500mph,,
Just across the ditch, approx 2200miles as the crow flys from his base in N'Zed, is Lake Gairdner, where, in 1994 Rossco McLashan set the Australian Record at 500mph :wink: :roll: :-D
Latest Post.
Tom G.
November 17, 2025
Its Going to Happen #220
WOO BLOODY HOO . Chasing FIA Records in Bolivia is going to happen !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Past
4 weeks ago this adventure was DEAD in its tracks.
Good news
Due to some Core CMR team returning & other Ring ins enormous effort. Also THANKS for the amazing response to Our fund raising CMR R still Just Breathing. We have heaps to go ? so we appreciate your ongoing help spreading the link.
https://givealittle.co.nz/?/world-records-to-be-set-by?
KIWI CAN DO Now chasing records in 1 days time.
Reality
Because of continuing mounting difficulties factors out of CMR control. Sadly we will get no days testing & only 2-1/4 days from 17th to 19th Nov event rather than the original 16 days planned back in October
.In the words of Steve Horne this has always been an OUTRAGEOUS ADVENTURE
But The Twist & turns of Difficulty & Betrayal have really tested the Resilience / Tenacity of the remaining team. All involved will continue Jump hurdles in the next 24 Hours. Hope the weather holds & no more unforeseen Hurdles !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The CMR Chasing FIA records is still Alive
LONG LIVE KIWI CAN DO
HUMAN RESILIENCE
NEVER GIVE UP
A few additional words from the similar web site post:
QuoteReality ? The Records we chase has to B reduced to what is practical in 2 days
1st cars to run will B Wairua 1 & Cookie weather & wind dependent
Testing runs with Wairua 2 & Mini will depend on time left / Wind & Weather
Thanks TrickyDicky for adding that additional information. Here is the weather report for Bolivia Salt Flats.
Tom G.
10 Day Weather- Uyuni, Potos?, Bolivia
As of 1:22 pm GMT-04:00
Today
Day
65?
W 19 mph
Abundant sunshine. High near 65F. Winds W at 15 to 25 mph.
Tue 18
Day
69?
11%
E 19 mph
Sunshine in the morning followed by cloudy skies during the afternoon. High 69F. E winds at 5 to 10 mph, increasing to 15 to 25 mph.
Wed 19
Day
68?
19%
E 17 mph
A mix of clouds and sun early, then becoming cloudy later in the day. High 68F. Winds E at 10 to 20 mph.
I hope the wind does not create a problem for them like it did for Target 550 in Australia. Fingers crossed.
The weather reports you get are from Uyuni airport, it is a good 70 - 80 miles from the track. They really don't have any relationship with the weather on the salt flats. In all the times we have been there, with a couple exceptions and for a short periods of time, we would typically have 3 - 5 mph winds at most equivalent to 1.5 to 3 at sea level. With density altitude running as high as 16,000 feet wind force is 60% less than the same speed at sea level.
Thanks Ack, appreciate the correction.
Tom G.
Wairua 1 ran 316 mph yesterday. Easily faster than the records (254 mph for km by Phil Hill and 267 mph for mile by AJ Foyt), but broke the gearbox on the return run.
Also, "Cookie" set a record but below 200 mph.
QuoteEventually after FIA officials & other dignitaries arrived. CMR Bolivia LSR 2025 started 1.30 pm
Brilliant ?
Wairua 1 2000 cc ? 1st on course chasing 254 Mph Record.
WOO BLOODY HOO ?
Low power test run on 30 % Powered to 510 Kph 334 Mph ( New Reg PB ) Just needed another low powered back up run to Get FIA record. Sadly return run gear selection issues. Also to rub salt into the wound 2nd spare Weismann 8 speed gearbox for Wairua 1 has not been finished on time. !!!! ☹☹☹☹ Wairua 1 Chasing Outright FIA 433 Mph record is probably now a no go
Good News
Cookie is flying. Now has New FIA record 184 Mph. Old record 154 Mph. Hopefully if weather holds can chase 200 Mph.
Tomorrow
Cookie ? Chasing 200 Mph
Mini ? 1st test runs
Wairua 2 ? Hopefully testing ion Dyno for more Tuning configuration etc then Test runs.
Quote from: ack on November 17, 2025, 04:13:20 PM
The weather reports you get are from Uyuni airport, it is a good 70 - 80 miles from the track. They really don't have any relationship with the weather on the salt flats. In all the times we have been there, with a couple exceptions and for a short periods of time, we would typically have 3 - 5 mph winds at most equivalent to 1.5 to 3 at sea level. With density altitude running as high as 16,000 feet wind force is 60% less than the same speed at sea level.
Oops I got it backwards the reduction in wind force is 40% not 60%.
Two pictures.
Tom G.
The trouble is that the people supporting this effort want to see a time slip from Wairua 2.
Gotta be safe at all times and at every step, but I'm sure hoping - especially given all the obstacles - that all things fall into place and Wairua 2 unleashes the fury.
GW
understanding is the "sedan" that thay claim set a FIA record has also been run at Bonneville, what speeds (records?) did it achieve at Bonneville ??
I don't think it's a claim, I think it's a fact. R Cook is in the record book as having run 191 in G/gas coupe in 2018. I think the Wairia 1 liner picked up about 50mph over it's BV record. I think they expect to go over 200 in the G coupe. We should know a lot more by the end of today.
It is a claim until said record is ratified by the FIA,,
Another day, another broken car.
QuoteMini
Has done 3 shake runs showing potential. But Tricky needs more configuring of water pumps & boost control.
Wairua 2
Has had more configuring done & hopefully will test run tomorrow
Cookie
While on Dyno chasing Xtra power with Nos had a mishap with explosion in inlet manifold, which totally destroyed inlet system / Bonnet etc so Cookie will not B trying to go faster.
Wairua 1
Gearbox issues can not B repaired in time & without our promised Weismann spare gearbox. No more runs are possible.
Tomorrow.
Wednesday
Hopefully Wairua 2 1st proper test runs
More runs with Mini
At least the 184 mph in A-II-7 should be an FIA class record (subject to ratification). Will that be the first car international record set in Bolivia?
Maybe they can focus on Wairua 2 today? :dhorse:
First "G" motor, in a Pontiac Firebird, n/a, on gas, no add-ons to "set" a record over 200......Bonneville 2025.....200.989.....G/GALT
The FIA officials are leaving tomorrow morning. There will be no more FIA records set.
Facebook post,
CMR Bolivia
9h
?
MINI TODAY showed its potential with a 155 Mph - with more to come - before having to abort the run due several minor problems.🥲
Tomorrow we hope to find out MINI Potential & chase 160 + Mph
WAIRUA2 TODAY had more configuring done & now hopefully running as it should & ready to go👍
Tomorrow is last chance for TEST run and see Wairua 2's potential.🏎️
TODAY was the last day of short official FIA LSR event. Officials had to leave. We needed six days and in the end were lucky to have three AND have the weather hold out.
TOMORROW we will however be back on the course making runs with FIA timekeeping equipment - for unofficial times!
REALITY
This has been a long hard tortuous journey of KIWI CAN DO Resilience.
Tomorrow will be the final day to chase speed in Bolivia 2025 with MINI and WAIRUA2🤞
TOMORROW IT CAN HAPPEN
HOLD YOUR BREATH
Cheers
The Hopeful Geriatric
Meantime - still working towards out 200k shortfall and appreciate any support possible
cmrchallenges.co.nz/news
November 20, 2025
Bolivia last day of FIA 3 Day #223
Today was the last day of short FIA event.
Mini
Woo Hoo
Showed its potential with a 155 Mph with more to come before aborting the run due several minor problems
Tomorrow hope to actually find out MINI Potential & chase 160 + Mph
Wairua 2
Has had more configuring done & now hopefully running as it should & ready to go
Tomorrow is last chance for test run & C Wairua 2 Potential.
REALITY
This has been a long hard Tortuous Journey of KIWI CAN DO Resilience
Tomorrow will B a final day to chase speed in Bolivia 2025.
TOMORROW IT CAN HAPPEN
Tomorrow is last chance for Wairua 2 & MINI to C their Potential
HOLD YOUR BREATH
The latest
We Nailed it!
Fastest Mini in the world!
172.968 mph ( 278.334 kph)
Not Official by FIA as FIA Steward has departed BUT for all of us and rest of world Yeeeeeeees!!
Congrats to all our magnificent team!
Reg won his first race over 50 years ago in a Mini! Full circle moment for him and Mini Man John Provo. John was his Mini Man then and again today both at 79 years old!! Kiwicando at its best! Never too old to get the job done!
Made me laugh. 9 miles of perfect salt to slow down and they pulled the chute.
So that's it (for 2025) ...
QuoteWe appreciate all your support! It has been a long adventure and new lifelong friends have been made along the way! The Kiwi Can Do Spirit is alive and well in all our CRM Bolivia supporters!
QuoteGr?cias por traer las pruebas a Bolivia, d?nde se batieron records avalados por la FIA, CMR Bolivia logro su objetivo, la Agencia Despachante de Aduanas Catedral SRL fue testigo de este importante logro. Y tambien muy agradecido por ser parte de este proyecto.
Wairua 2 reported to have made a 308 mph/496 km/h test run, presumably after the FIA had left.
Probably needed to have reached this stage about 6 weeks ago if they were to have had any chance of breaking the record. :friday
Struggling to resize photo but got there now:
Now comes the next chapter, getting his stuff outta Bolivia :roll:
Put it in storage in Bolivia for 9 months and pick up the test program next year?
QuoteWAIRUA 2 1st Cautious Test Run. Brilliant / Amazing. 496 Kph 1st test run on 40 % throttle.
WOO BLOODY HOO
WAIRUA 2 is a WEAPON
Easy to drive. Tracks Straight. Worked Perfectly. Fantastic TRACTION
WAIRUA 2
CMR Streamliner to chase 800 Kph 500 Mph. Has shown it to be a contender to become the World Fastest Piston Engine Wheel Driven Car of all time. Love it / Built in NZ By KIWI CAN DO !!!!!!
Thanks to all the Amazing extended team who have helped make this a WONDERFUL Day
Quote from: TrickyDicky on November 24, 2025, 12:24:55 AM
Put it in storage in Bolivia for 9 months and pick up the test program next year?
Quote
Don't know too much about the third world countries I see...
My suggestion... Take it with you or never see it again :? cromag :cheers:
Expect a email showing misc parts of the car and a Ransom. 😆
After all of the bad luck these people have gone thru, I hope they are able to get all of their stuff home and in one piece, plus be able to pay for the shipping etc. Best of luck on the journey returning home.
Tom G.