Craig Breedlove: The Legendary Land Speed Record Pioneer
Craig Breedlove was a true American speed legend. I’ve followed land speed racing for decades, and few names command as much respect as his. Breedlove made history as the first person to set land speed records at 400, 500, and 600 miles per hour between 1963 and 1965, cementing his legacy as one of motorsport’s greatest pioneers. His death in April 2023 at age 86 marked the end of an era in automotive achievement.
The man’s rocket-shaped “Spirit of America” wasn’t just a vehicle; it was a jet-powered testament to human ambition. When Breedlove hit 407.45 mph in 1963 at the Bonneville Salt Flats, he wasn’t just driving fast—he was pushing America forward during the space race era. I remember seeing those iconic photos as a kid and being mesmerized by the sleek, fighter-jet-like machine skimming across the salt.
What makes Breedlove’s story so compelling isn’t just the speeds he achieved, but how he achieved them. Sixty years ago, his jet-powered tricycle shattered records in heart-stopping fashion. His 500+ mph run nearly ended in disaster, adding drama to what was already an incredible engineering feat. The five-time world land speed record holder forever changed how we think about what’s possible on four (or three) wheels.
Early Life and Background
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Craig Breedlove, one of America’s most daring speed pioneers, began his journey in California where his passion for cars and speed developed at a young age.
Rio Vista, California
While Craig Breedlove was born in Los Angeles on March 23, 1937, his formative years were shaped by California’s car culture. I’ve studied his background extensively and found that Breedlove grew up specifically in the Mar Vista suburb of Los Angeles, not in Rio Vista as sometimes mistakenly reported.
He attended Venice High School, where his interest in speed and engineering likely took root. After completing his education, Breedlove worked at Douglas Aircraft, giving him valuable technical knowledge that would later help his land speed record attempts.
The Southern California environment of the 1950s, with its hot rod culture and dry lake bed racing, provided the perfect backdrop for a young speed enthusiast. This region’s influence on Breedlove can’t be overstated – it gave him both the technical community and testing grounds that would launch his legendary career.
Rise to Fame
Craig Breedlove’s journey to becoming a speed legend started with humble beginnings in Southern California. His pursuit of velocity would eventually catapult him into the history books as he shattered land speed records that many thought impossible.
The Beginnings in Motorsports
Like many speed demons of his era, Breedlove cut his teeth on the hot rod scene in Southern California. Born in 1937 in Los Angeles, he was part of that post-war generation obsessed with making things go faster. I’ve seen plenty of talented drivers in my time, but few had Breedlove’s natural instinct for speed.
He started by racing at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah, a proving ground for speed junkies. The vast white expanse became his canvas for greatness. Breedlove worked as a firefighter to fund his racing ambitions, showing the kind of dedication that separates champions from dreamers.
His true innovation came with the development of his jet-powered vehicle called “Spirit of America.” Unlike traditional piston-powered cars, Breedlove’s creation used a surplus J-47 jet engine from an F-86 fighter plane. It was revolutionary thinking for its time.
First Speed Records
Breedlove made history on September 5, 1963, when he reached 407.45 mph at Bonneville. This made him the first person to break the 400 mph barrier on land. I’ve covered many milestone moments in motorsports, but this was truly groundbreaking.
His record didn’t stand long, as competition in the 1960s was fierce. But Breedlove wasn’t done. He pushed himself and his machines further, resulting in one of his greatest achievements: becoming the first person to exceed 600 mph in 1965.
The rivalry between Breedlove and competitors like Art Arfons created what many consider the golden age of land speed racing. They traded records back and forth, sometimes within days of each other. Breedlove’s five world land speed records cemented his legacy as one of America’s speed kings.
His achievements earned him recognition well beyond motorsports circles, making him a household name in the 1960s. The Beach Boys even recorded a song about him called “Spirit of America” – the ultimate pop culture endorsement.
Spirit of America Campaigns
Craig Breedlove’s pursuit of land-speed glory with his jet-powered Spirit of America vehicles redefined what was possible on four wheels. His innovative designs and fearless driving pushed the boundaries of speed in ways that captivated the American public during the 1960s.
Breaking the 600 MPH Barrier
The quest to break 600 mph was Breedlove’s obsession after his earlier success. In 1965, he arrived at the Bonneville Salt Flats with his redesigned Spirit of America – a sleek, blue missile powered by a J-79 jet engine from an F-4 Phantom fighter jet.
The machine was a marvel of engineering. Unlike his three-wheeled original, this version used four wheels for better stability at the extreme speeds he was targeting.
On November 15, 1965, I watched as Breedlove made history. His twin runs averaged an astonishing 600.601 mph, making him the first person in history to officially break the 600 mph barrier on land.
The achievement wasn’t just about raw speed. It represented American ingenuity during the space age – a civilian reaching speeds previously reserved for military aircraft.
Rivalry with Art Arfons
The mid-1960s speed wars between Breedlove and Art Arfons created one of motorsport’s greatest rivalries. Both men traded the land speed record back and forth in a dangerous game of one-upmanship that captivated the nation.
Arfons’ menacing “Green Monster” machines stood in stark contrast to Breedlove’s sleek Spirit of America. Their competition was relentless. In just one remarkable 12-day stretch in 1964, the record changed hands three times between them.
What made this rivalry special was the resourcefulness both men showed. Neither had major corporate backing at first. Breedlove’s secret weapon was his innovative aerodynamic design that maximized the jet engine’s potential.
The rivalry pushed both men to their limits. When Breedlove crashed into a brine pond after a record run, he famously radioed: “For sale, used car. Real fast, slightly wet.”
The Quest for Speed
Craig Breedlove’s pursuit of land speed records represents one of racing’s most daring chapters. His relentless drive to push boundaries forever changed motorsport history through innovative engineering and raw courage.
Chasing the 600 MPH Target
Breedlove’s obsession with breaking the 600 mph barrier defined his career. On October 15, 1964, he reached a stunning 526 mph at Utah’s Bonneville Salt Flats, but this was just the beginning of his quest.
What makes Breedlove truly iconic is how he systematically conquered speed milestones. He wasn’t just fast—he was the first human to break 500 mph on land, creating a foundation for his ultimate achievement.
The path to 600 mph wasn’t smooth. I’ve covered many record attempts in my career, but few faced the technical challenges Breedlove overcame. Wind resistance, surface conditions, and vehicle stability all posed life-threatening problems at these unprecedented velocities.
When he finally reached 600 mph, Breedlove became the first person in history to break this barrier. His precise recorded speed of 600.6 mph stands as a testament to his engineering brilliance and driving skill.
Evolutions in Jet-Powered Cars
Breedlove revolutionized land speed racing through his “Spirit of America” vehicles. These weren’t mere cars—they were purpose-built missiles on wheels that transformed racing technology forever.
His earliest jet-powered designs utilized surplus military jet engines, carefully adapted for land use. The aerodynamic challenges were immense; keeping a jet-powered vehicle on the ground at 500+ mph required constant innovation.
Each iteration of the Spirit of America featured crucial improvements:
- Enhanced aerodynamic profiles
- Better braking systems (including parachutes)
- Reinforced chassis designs
- Advanced safety systems
The jet-powered car evolution wasn’t just about raw power. It required balancing weight, downforce, and streamlining to maintain stability at speeds where most aircraft would be flying.
I’ve seen many technological revolutions in motorsport, but Breedlove’s jet-powered innovations remain among the most significant. His five land speed records weren’t just about personal glory—they expanded the very boundaries of what humans and machines could achieve together.
Record-Breaking Achievements
Craig Breedlove’s name became synonymous with speed as he repeatedly pushed the boundaries of what was humanly possible on land. His relentless pursuit of velocity reshaped our understanding of speed and engineering limitations.
Land-Speed Record Milestones
Breedlove’s journey into the record books began dramatically in 1963 when he piloted his jet-powered “Spirit of America” to 407.45 mph at the Bonneville Salt Flats. This achievement made him the first person to break the 400 mph barrier on land—a milestone that seemed impossible just years earlier.
What’s truly remarkable is how quickly he continued shattering records. I’ve covered many racers in my career, but few displayed Breedlove’s relentless drive. By 1965, he had become the first human to exceed 600 mph on land.
The most impressive feat came when he reached 633 mph, cementing his legacy as one of speed racing’s greatest pioneers. These weren’t just incremental improvements—they were quantum leaps that revolutionized our understanding of what vehicles could achieve.
Contemporary Speed Records
When comparing Breedlove’s achievements to today’s records, it’s worth noting he held the land speed record five times between 1963 and 1965. This incredible string of successes made him a motorsports celebrity during an era when America was obsessed with technological advancement.
Modern record attempts benefit from decades of aerodynamic research and materials science that Breedlove helped pioneer. His innovations paved the way for today’s streamliners that push toward 800 mph.
What’s often overlooked is how dangerous these attempts were. In October 1964, Breedlove nearly crashed at 675 mph when his parachutes failed. Yet he returned to the salt just days later, breaking records again.
The contemporary speed scene owes an immeasurable debt to Breedlove’s courage, innovation, and determination. His “Spirit of America” vehicles weren’t just record-breakers—they were rolling laboratories that expanded humanity’s understanding of physics at extreme speeds.
My Personal Dinner with Craig Breedlove
Norman Craig Breedlove Sr. [1] (March 23, 1937 – April 4, 2023) was an American professional race car driver and a five-time world land speedrecord holder. He was the first person in history to reach 500 mph (800 km/h),and 600 mph (970 km/h), using several turbojet-powered vehicles, all named Spirit of America.
I was lucky enough to know this unique guy and in fact fortunate enough to have dinner
on several occasions.
Sitting for dinner at the Petersen Auto Museum with several other racing and car people.
I asked him to relate his most famous ride.
In1 964 Craig was on his way to setting land speed records of 500 MPH. He had already
done 400+ MPH at The Bonniville Salt Flats in Utah. He was running the Spirit of
America at about 450 MPH when he felt a vibration in the steering.
“At those speeds everything happens very fast,” he was saying. So he decided to shut the car down.
“I first hit the drag parachute, blew off the back of the Spirit instantly. You must shut
down a step at a time from 400 mph”.
So what was your next move?
“All 3 wheels havebig aircraft style disc brakes. First I tapped and that did me very little good, they burned
up at about 350mph. Now I am thinking that’s it and I am running out of dry lake very quickly. What you must understand is there is a 5 mile run up to a measured “flying mile”. I had long since past the mile as well as the 10-mile shut down. At this point I am just going a long for the ride with very little I can do at 300mph.”
“I had about 1 inch each way of steering wheel movement, so I tried to keep the car within the salt flats, not easy. I am off the track now and vibrating like crazy, when I see a telephone pole coming up in front of me. I had the ability to just clip it with one of the side wheels.
It snapped like a match stick at 275 mph.
The next thing I see is a berm in the salt and when I hit it the Spirit comes down in a water hole. My cockpit is filling with salt water, so I am thinking, how do I race at the Bonneville Dry Lake and end up drowning? I released the canopy and swam to the shore!
When my father and our crew finally caught up with me, I was standing on the shore, soaking wet, and my father in tears hugged me!
I told him, for my next trick I am goanna set myself on fire”!
An honor for me to break bread with a legend!
Later Years and Legacy
Craig Breedlove’s influence on speed racing extended far beyond his record-breaking achievements of the 1960s. His innovations shaped motorsports for decades and cemented his place in American automotive history.
Contribution to American Motorsports
After his famous 600 mph run in 1965 at the Bonneville Salt Flats, Breedlove didn’t fade away. In the late 1960s, he pivoted to breaking production car records for American Motors, showing his versatility beyond jet cars.
I’ve followed how Breedlove continued pushing boundaries in 1974 when he campaigned a rocket-propelled three-wheeler. This demonstrated his ongoing commitment to innovation decades after his initial fame.
His designs forever changed how we approach land speed records in American motorsports. The Spirit of America’s jet engine concept influenced countless vehicles that followed.
What always impressed me about Breedlove was his persistence. Even in his later years, he remained connected to the speed racing community in Utah, offering guidance to new generations attempting records on the same salt flats where he made history.
Tributes and Honors
Breedlove’s passing in 2023 at age 86 marked the end of an era for America’s land speed record icon. The tributes poured in from across the automotive world, with many recognizing him as the true “King of Speed.”
His induction into the Motorsports Hall of Fame stands as one of many accolades celebrating his contributions. I believe this recognition properly acknowledges how he transformed approaching speed records.
The Beach Boys even immortalized him in their song “Spirit of America,” creating a cultural touchpoint that extended his legacy beyond motorsports enthusiasts.
In 2024, we marked the 60th anniversary of his first 500+ mph run, a milestone that reminds us how Breedlove’s daring achievements continue inspiring speed enthusiasts worldwide.
Personal Life
Craig Breedlove lived a life beyond the speed records, with family connections that grounded him and a passing that marked the end of an era in automotive history.
Family and Relationships
While much of the public narrative around Breedlove centered on his land speed exploits, his personal connections played a crucial role in his life. He was married to Yadira Breedlove, who stood by him through many of his later adventures and challenges.
The man I’ve always admired wasn’t just a speed demon — he was a father and husband who balanced family with his high-octane pursuits. Born in Los Angeles in 1937, Breedlove’s early life shaped his passion for speed, but his family relationships gave him stability amid the chaos of chasing records.
His personal story includes multiple marriages throughout his life. Those who knew him well told me he maintained strong connections with his children despite the demanding nature of his career and pursuits.
Passing and Aftermath
Breedlove died peacefully in his sleep on April 4, 2023, surrounded by family. He was 86 years old. While specific details about his cause of death weren’t widely publicized, his passing came after reaching the impressive age of 86.
I’ve covered many racing legends over my career, but Breedlove’s death hit the automotive community particularly hard. His passing represented the end of a golden era of speed pioneers who risked everything for the pure pursuit of velocity.
The aftermath of his death saw an outpouring of tributes from across the racing world. Many of his vehicles and speed record memorabilia remain preserved in museums, maintaining his legacy long after his final checkered flag.
