Landracing Forum

Misc Forums => Health, Welfare, and Passings => Topic started by: Vinsky on February 01, 2013, 02:42:54 PM

Title: Russell Wright of the Burns & Wright land speed team has passed away.
Post by: Vinsky on February 01, 2013, 02:42:54 PM

Long time land speed enthusiast and record holder Russell Wright has passed away after a long illness.
It was 1955 when the Russell Wright and Bob Burns took their Vincent Black Lightning to a FIM record of 185.15, with one pass at 198.3. The following year they came to Bonneville but failed to improve their record.
Early in 2005, I was fortunate to locate the Burns & Wright special in a photo of a real estate listing. I contacted the owner, Jeff Elghanayan about Russell's search for the Vincent, and that July 2005 would be the 50th anniversary of the record run. Jeff planned a fantastic reunion at their Lake Arrowhead estate and invited 300 friends and fans to celebrate.  Russell got on the bike as they fired it up and with tears in his eyes and shaking hands revved the beast to life. Russell with wife Elaine then presented Jeff with the large sterling trophy Russell was awarded for setting the record, very pleased that it would always be with the Vincent Black Lightning.
I'm sure many of you have seen the youtube video of the Burns & Wright run http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-XjoExOoDXU.
There is a stone marker on Tram Rd. Christchurch, NZ marking the record run.  This is where the ashes of Bob Burn were scattered and now the resting place of Russell Wright. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Elaine.
Russell Wright, RIP

Title: Re: Russell Wright of the Burns & Wright land speed team has passed away.
Post by: Glen on February 01, 2013, 03:24:51 PM

Russ, god speed and rest in Peace :x

Title: Re: Russell Wright of the Burns & Wright land speed team has passed away.
Post by: Stainless1 on February 01, 2013, 03:44:54 PM

Sounds like Russ and Bob are back together for another go... Godspeed guys

Thanks John, Our thoughts and prayers are also with Elaine.

Title: Re: Russell Wright of the Burns & Wright land speed team has passed away.
Post by: wobblywalrus on February 01, 2013, 09:54:37 PM

Thanks for posting that.  He lived quite a life.

Title: Re: Russell Wright of the Burns & Wright land speed team has passed away.
Post by: John Noonan on February 01, 2013, 10:21:42 PM

Wow, Russell, Sam Wheeler and I posed for pictures in Australia when we went there to race, Russell had the original shirt that had him on it for his FIM record setting runs in 1955.  The shirt was still in the plastic and Michelle and I said he should take it out and wear it proudly and that he could have copies made, the next time we saw him he was wearing that shirt and always had a smile from ear to ear.

He was an icon in the LSR community and many of us are better for meeting him at various stages of our life.

RIP Mr. Wright.  :|