Summary: In a place so flat that you can literally see the curvature of the earth, the Bonneville salt flats have been the stage for many world records and record breaking attempts. In this episode, we speak with Danny Thompson, son of Mickey Thompson, about his upcoming quest to hit 450 MPH in the famous 1968 Challenger II. Segment 1: Breaking Records Famed driver, Mickey Thompson came infamously close to breaking the world land speed record in '68. After Mickey's time was cut short, his son Danny, is now preparing to continue the Thompson legacy, and break the piston driven world land speed record. Segment 2: Build Challenges Danny Thompson's career started at the age of nine, and he won his first quarter midget championship within a year. Flash forward, Danny is resurrecting Mickey Thompson's original 1968 Challenger II in an attempt to push 450 MPH in the salt flats at Bonneville. Find out the most difficult aspects of the build. Segment 3: Cutting Weight Can you imagine using 60 gallons of fuel to go five miles? Danny Thompson fills us in on the finer points of dry block engines, slowing down at 400+ MPH, and the challenges of driving on the salt flats. Segment 4: Unfinished Business With high speed comes great risks. Danny Thompson is aiming to break a world land speed record following the death of his father. Danny discusses the inherent dangers and complications involved with the record breaking attempt. Segment 5: Motorsports Legacy Mickey Thompson was an American racing icon, engineer, and most importantly a great dad. Danny Thompson discusses what it was like to grow up with a legendary father, and join him as a member of the Bonneville 200 MPH Club. Now he's seeking to bring home a record in the 400 MPH Club. Segment 6: Gearing Up The engines have been started, and the Thomspon LSR team is preparing for a functions test at a near by drag strip. Danny Thompson talks next steps for his 450 MPH record breaking attempt at Bonneville.
