bobburman

Bob Burman. He set speed marks for the mile in 1911 while driving the Blitzen Benz.

Amazing photo.

that is one monster car

"Burman duly lined up at Daytona Beach on April 23, 1911, this long, wide expanse of coastline providing the perfect venue for high-speed trials. Tapping the car’s full potential, he squeezed out an average 225.65 km/h for the mile with flying start and 228.1 km/h over the kilometre with flying start – a new land-speed record which was to remain unbroken until 1919." www.autospeed.com/cms/A_2745/article.html

It's interesting to see that it is driven by a sprocket chain.

This picture appears to have been taken at Daytona Beach, Florida. Long before Daytona was associated with NASCAR it was the place to go to set land speed records. The hard-packed sand was excellent for this purpose. Actually, most racers started in Ormand Beach and drove toward the pier at Daytona. As speeds increased, it became difficult to negotiate the tight fit under the pier. Eventually those attempting land speed records turned to the Bonneville Salt Flats. Burnam set speed records for the mile (137.83 mph) and the kilometer (138.3 mph) at Daytona on April 22, 1911. At the time, it was the fastest a human had ever traveled.

Please see stumblng.tumblr.com/post/25353354, where I've added a link to a comparative photo.

Thank you both for the information, and yes stumblng.tumblr, this photograph does seem to exhibit the phenomenon of focal plane shutter distortion.

nice!

fabulous photo...reminds me of the fabulous movie "The World's Fastest Indian"!

Bob Burman Lou Disbrow Jack Tower Joe Grennon

synchmaster500: Thanks for the information! It's confirmed and we're updating the records.

Hi, I'm an admin for a group called Goggles, and we'd love to have this added to the group!

Yup, they’re “race car” drivers…

Wow! Jack Tower (3rd from left) is my Grandfather! I have some pics from his races (and one of a crash at Indy), but I have never seen this one. He raced in the 1911 Indy 500. The results: Fin: 24, St: 23, Car No. 26, Jackson Automobile, He also raced in the 1913 Indy 500. The results: Fin: 19, St: 25, Car No. 6, Mason Motor: Duesenberg. He crashed and a broken leg. His mechanic (the mechanic rode in the car as well in those days) had broke ribs and internal injuries. I was told he later died, but I'm not sure. My mother told me he set a speed record in one of the time trials, but I don't have that info. Anyway, my Grandfather raced, worked with many car companies, and did a test drive across the country at one point. He designed some car features. He also wrote poetry, stories, lyrics, and a bit of music. He must have been a very interesting man. He passed away, however, before I was born so I never had the pleasure of knowing him. Wonderful surprise to come across this photo.