Challenging Land Speed records is a family affair for Don Wales. It’s the latest chapter in legendary Bluebird history.
Don Wales and the Bluebird Electric team will attempt to break the UK Speed record on July 2-3 on the four-mile stretch of beach at Pendine Sands, South Wales. This is not the first time a Bluebird has set Land Speed records at Pendine. Don Wales is following in a family tradition started by his grandfather, Sir Malcolm Campbell MBE and continued by his Uncle, Donald Campbell CBE.
Sir Malcolm Campbell ran 301.12 mph in 1935 in the Bluebird on the Bonneville Salt Flats, Utah. Son, Donald, continued the record breaking tradition and broke the 400-mph barrier in a turbine powered Bluebird. Don Wales, nephew of Donald, holds a World Land Speed Record, two American National Records and eight UK records!
The latest Bluebird rides on Goodyear Land Speed Eagles and is powered by two brushless permanent magnet motors that generate 812 foot pounds of torque. Supplying the “juice” for the electric motors is a Nickel-Cadmium vented wet cell power pack with 300 batteries.
The speed trial at Pendine Sands, part of preparations for an attempt in 2013 to break 500 mph, has been made possible thanks to an overwhelming response from volunteers who are generously giving up their time to assist the 30-strong Bluebird Electric team.
In addition to the record attempt, Bluebird Electric will be raising awareness for their chosen charities; Help for Heroes, Wessex Heartbeat and The Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospitals
Sponsors include Castrol, Aggreko, Ford, Goodyear, Dura, Bluestone and the Prince of Wales Hotel Pembrokeshire. You can follow the progress of Don Wales and Bluebird and receive the latest news by signing up on their website, www.bluebirdspeedrecords.com
The team can also be followed on Twitter, www.twitter.com/bluebirdspeed and the Facebook page, www.facebook.com/pages/Bluebird-Speed-Records/174745655870142