Friday 7th April 1922

Racer Sig Haugdahl drove the 13.8 litre aero engine powered Wisconsin Special over 180.27 mph on a one-way run at the Daytona Beach racing oval. Haugdahl’s speed was remarkably 24mph faster than the previous world land speed record. There was no clutch, the engine was hooked directly to the rear axle. He structurally taped the body to reduce drags. Haugdahl was the first racer to balance the wheels and tyres on his race car and also the first to travel three miles in a minute. His record however, was never observed by the USAC governing body as none of its members were present to witness the event. Haugdahl’s unofficial record would go untouched for over a decade.