DEEP DIVE INTO FIA'S HISTORY: LAND SPEED RECORDS ORIGINAL DOCUMENT FROM 1924

14.11.22

The FIA has started to digitise its archives and will create an e-library accessible to all in 2024 to preserve its rich heritage. Among the scanned files is the original document (with the handwritten timing strip) of the "One Kilometre from a Flying Start" Land Speed Record.

land speed record

The record, which dates back to 25 September 1924, was gained by British racing motorist and motoring journalist Sir Malcolm Campbell on a 12-cylinder Sunbeam at Pendine Sands race track (South Wales). He won the world speed records on land and on water several times.

Here is the text of the original document with the timing strips attached: 

One Kilometre from a Flying start.

To Westward in 15.01" = 239.84 K.P.H.

To Eastward in 15.60" = 230.77 K.P.H.

Mean        15.305" = 235.217 K.P.H.

The Timing Strips taken from the Electric Chronograph are attached. 

I claim on behalf of Captain Malcolm Campbell a world's record for this performance. 

Mr H. Gregory, a competent Surveyor, measured the distance and his certificate of Measurement is attached. 

Official Time Keeper to the R.A.C., for the Automatic Electric Chronograph of the Royal Automobile Club

Other Land Speed Record original documents will be accessible in the FIA e-library.