Flashback to October 6

Sports History

1983

Richard Noble sets a new land speed record of 1019 kph (633.468 mph), driving Thrust 2 jet-powered car at the Black Rock Desert, Nevada.

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The memorable date of October 4th, 1983, has etched its place in automobile and speed record history. It’s the day when Richard Noble shattered the land speed record, reaching an astonishingly fast 1019 kph (633.468 mph), using the powerful Thrust 2 jet-powered car. This remarkable event took place at the vast, open expanse of the Black Rock Desert, Nevada, an ideal location for such high-speed endeavours due to its lack of natural or man-made obstacles.

Performance vehicle enthusiasts worldwide know Richard Noble as a key figure in the high-speed world, due to his incredible determination and ambitious endeavours. The man behind the steering wheel of the Thrust 2 is renowned for his commitment to pushing the boundaries of automotive speed limits while continually innovating advanced technology.

For those curious about the Thrust 2, it was no ordinary car. It was and still is a marvel of modern engineering. Built explicitly for the purpose of breaking the land speed record, Thrust 2 was a revolutionary vehicle featuring state-of-the-art jet propulsion technology. The powerhouse used in this jet-powered vehicle was a Rolls-Royce Avon jet engine. This engine, which provided the astonishing speed burst, was typically found in high-performance aircraft rather than on the ground, making the achievement even more impressive.

The combination of Richard Noble’s fearless spirit and the Thrust 2’s engineering, took place in the heart of the Black Rock Desert. A vast, arid flatland in Nevada, this location was chosen due to its terrain – miles of flat, hardened playa, which provides optimal conditions for high-speed attempts. The geography here allows a straight course of up to 13 miles without any obstructions, making it the perfect spot for Noble’s attempt.

The day of the record run saw perfect conditions – a bright, clear day without any crosswinds to interfere with the run. With the thrust of the massive jet engine behind him, Richard Noble took off down the desert playa. Onlookers and officials could only watch as the vehicle accelerated, leaving behind a massive dust trail.

Noble’s run had been carefully monitored, and the data collected provided irrefutable evidence: he had indeed broken the previous record by reaching speeds of 1019 kph (633.468 mph). This achievement was all set in concrete by the official measurements taken by the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), the governing body responsible for verifying and recording such events.

There was much jubilation for Richard Noble and British engineering. This feat put the nation on the global map in terms of record-breaking speed achievements and vehicle engineering marvels. From enthusiasts and experts in the field to ordinary people at home, people celebrated this significant achievement of shattering the land speed record.

The journey towards this record-breaking speed showcased the synergy of human ambition and technological advancement. Richard Noble’s record remains an important benchmark in the timeline of speed records, showcasing the possibilities of what can be achieved when determination, courage, and science converge. With this event, Noble didn’t just break a land speed record – he inspired generations of engineers, car enthusiasts, and dreamers, proving that limits exist only to be broken.

To this day, the historic event continues to resonate with millions. Whether you’re an auto enthusiast or a motorsport expert or an adventurous spirit, the story of Richard Noble and his Thrust 2 will forever be embedded in the annals of speed racing history. This incredible land speed record of 1019 kph (633.468 mph) achieved on October 4th, 1983, will forever symbolize the relentless human pursuit for glory and achievement.

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