Standard man sets world record in land speed racing

Times Contributor

 

Standard resident and avid car builder and driver Ted Allan broke the world record in his class of land speed racing at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah this August.

Allan says, “Land speed racing is not a new sport. Cars have been racing in Bonneville for well over 100 years and making it the Mecca for ‘hot rodders’ and racing enthusiasts. 

“This August, Bonneville saw well over 570 vehicles and owners arrive from all over North America, Australia, Italy, New Zealand and Sweden.”

After Allan’s 5-mile test run on Aug. 13, he hit 212 mph. His second run hit 228 mph, breaking the record of 217 mph by a Californian the day before. In order to make a record “official” racers must do a back-up run. It was some back-up as his vehicle pushed 231 mph, which gave him an average record speed of 230.192 mph, breaking his original world record set earlier that day, thereby necessitating another official second run. His fourth run hit 235 mph, which was his personal best but didn’t officially count because they had to abort the second back-up run because of a wind situation.  

For many, racing at Bonneville and El Mirage represents the last area of motorsports where people are encouraged to come up with their own ideas and try them out, without the need for million-dollar sponsorship deals. No matter what people like to build and race, at Bonneville and El Mirage there’s bound to be a class to race it in. Dream it, build it, race it.

Another aspect of the sport that appeals to a lot of the racers is its lack of commercialism. This is racing that’s put on by racers, for racers. You won’t find any corporate suites or posh restaurants overlooking the Bonneville Salt Flats. The atmosphere at one of these meets in some ways resembles what one might find at many other motorsports events — teams working hard and having a good time. What you’ll find at Bonneville and El Mirage that’s a rare commodity is the tradition involved. Where else could you find people competing in race cars that were originally built in the fifties?

A friend of the family, Don Siewart, was the man who precipitated Allan’s love of cars and racing. Siewart helped prepare Allan for his first build in November 2001 and by 2002 had his 1928 Ford Pickup truck built and race ready. Then in 2009 Allan, after modifications, got his truck racing up to 210 mph, but then his engine blew up. At the time the world record for this class was 214 mph. 

Allan wasn’t discouraged as he decided to build a new car in October of 2010 and had it completed race ready for the August 13, 2011 races in Bonneville. This time Allan had gone from his 1928 truck to building a 1926 Ford Roadster.

The vehicles built for these races are unique and have a few rules laid out for them to be able to qualify to race. 

Allan’s Roadster had original dimensions from the windshield rearward whereby the width and height was just as an original 1926 Ford. From the windshield forward racers are allowed the freedom to build the body as they want in order to make it as aerodynamic as possible. Looking at the vehicle, one can tell the streamlined front to the wide backend is ideal for speed.

Allan was pleased that his car worked beautifully as it was designed and pays tribute to his crew. 

“My most important crew member is my beautiful wife of 30 years Dianne, without her none of it would be possible and I am thankful for her support and encouragement,” says Allan. Dianne has raced in the past herself and picked up speeds of 171 mph, but she hasn’t decided whether she’ll drive the Ford Roadster.