WORLD’S FASTEST PRODUCTION CAR? REALLY?
FIA has not done everything correctly and without criticism over the years. But, it (and its predecessors) has done a commendable job for over a century maintaining legitimacy of world and international land speed records. The vehicle classes and record distances and times are carefully defined and universally understood. The record event rules are clear and readily followed. BNI is similarly respected in their more limited venue.
However, the Nat Geo chapter “Breaking Barriers” lacks credibility. Mediacom and Bandits Brothers, the producers, have foisted on the uninformed public an infomercial as a documentary subject.
It is quite disturbing that the producers set a Hennessy Performance commercial against a backdrop of actual LSR achievements in an attempt to create authenticity for its premise, a “world record” for “top speed” with a “production automobile”. None of that is demonstrably factual.
What sort of a record is claimed? A momentary maximum speed measured by a (Racelogic VBOX 3i) GPS (calibrated?) operated by the record claimant. Who certified the achievement? Hennessy claimed they broke Bugatti’s record. That isn’t even the record that Bugatti claimed! See Sunday Times 04032014.
At least Bugatti used an independent speed certifying body, TUV, to proclaim their record average speed run over a one kilometer distance in both directions. Guinness World Records, at least, claims those are important requirements for claiming the record. Why not FIA? Hmmmm!
Apparently, there is not even consensus the Hennessy Venom GT or the Bugatti Veyron (whose “record” was allegedly broken) are actually production automobiles. See this topic of discussion at the Guinness World Records website. Guinness World Records? Oh my God!
It is of no importance that commercial entities claim some made-up “world record” for million dollar toys. What really sticks in my craw is the producers of this con job using the hard-earned credibility of Xydias (my hero), Breedlove, and Andy Green (balls of titanium) to validate their questionable enterprise.
This infomercial is, in my opinion, an insult to everyone in this landracing community and all real land speed racers who ever lived. I guess that I’m just a grumpy old man.
If you missed the infomercial, Youtube links are attached.