Craig Breedlove

[AJR192]

Saw it posted that Craig Breedlove passed away yesterday. Can anyone confirm this?

[PorkPie]

if so,

it would be a very sad news....and the end of great era in speed - the 60's - a duel on a different level - he was the last from the racers who was involved...

R.I.P. Craig

you was a so great friend for a so long time....and thanks for that what you have done for the speed records community

you will be never forgotten

[WOODY@DDLLC]

https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-1-d&q=Craig+Breedlove

[manta22]

Sorry to hear of Breedloves passing; he was one of the guys I read about in Hot Rod Magazine years ago. A pioneer along with the Arfons in jet powered LSR. Here is a good video: https://youtu.be/7CF2JVqN8e0

[Stainless1]

Very sad news... His exploits on the salt got me interested in LSR in the 60's.  He was on the salt testing one of his sonic contender cars just before a WoS meet back in the 90's I think.  His press guy had him scheduled to meet with someone while we were talking and told him it was time to go... he told the guy he was talking to racers and he wasn't ready to leave... he put Linda in the car for pics, we discussed the fact that there was no roll cage... his reply, "you don't design a Lear Jet to survive a crash into a mountain" 
We chatted for about 20 minute including questions about our car and goals...
He was a very interesting and personable guy... GodSpeed Craig, you will be missed...

[DallasV]

"and for my next trick, I'm going to set myself on fire" - RIP Mr. Breedlove

[PorkPie]

1996

[MAYOMAN]

Craig showed us all that you didn't have to be a British millionaire or German car company to set the absolute world land speed record. The duel on the salt between Craig and the Arfons brothers in their home-builts was inspiring. Also, the Goodyear versus Firestone rivalry helped propel them, literally, at that time. We ended that era in 1970 with Gary Gabelich and The Blue Flame. But, Craig was really the innovator that showed us the possibility to "git er dun". Well done Craig.

[manta22]

1996

That photo is a treasure!

[gowing]

"and for my next trick, I'm going to set myself on fire" - RIP Mr. Breedlove

[aircap]

He was the one and only.

[N72727]

Craig Breedlove. This name will forever remain the *Spirit* of Bonneville.

RIP Craig.

[N72727]

What will happen to his workshop and projects?
Is the old Spirit of America restored?
Any information ?

[MAYOMAN]

Craig Breedlove?s imagination totally changed the land speed record vehicle design in 1963 with the Spirit of America, setting the absolute record several times with that vehicle. The thin body sitting on the triangular wheel layout was genius. Spirit of America introduced thrust propulsion for the first time. However, the 3-wheel layout controversially relegated Spirit of America to a FIM record certification, not FIA. Craig retired Spirit of America to exhibit in the Chicago Museum of Science and Industry in 1965 while he moved ahead with his Sonic 1 jet car. The Spirit of America now resides in the Indianapolis Motor Museum. The Chicago museum was only 3 miles from IGT where I worked. We were able to examine Spirit of America in great detail while working on The Blue Flame. FIA conceded we could have our 2 front wheels spaced 1 inch apart, preserving the aerodynamic layout of Craig?s record breaker. Thank you, again, Craig. Spirit of America resides in the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum collection in storage. It was last exhibited in 2016.

[Speed Limit 1000]

Craig was a true gentleman racer and innovator.  He always would dream big and lived large. He was the inspiration to all racers. God speed Craig you are at peace with friends.