Land speed record holder Breedlove to receive ‘Spirit’ award

Craig Breedlove - the first person to exceed 400, 500, and 600 miles per hour on land - will receive the fourth annual Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum “Spirit of Competition” Award at a dinner at the Museum on Wednesday, Oct. 19. Breedlove joins drivers Mario Andretti, Janet Guthrie and John Fitch as a Simeone Museum Award recipient.

Fifty years ago, Breedlove, determined to bring the land speed record back to the United States, began building his "Spirit of America" jet-powered car in his father's garage. On Aug. 5, 1963, he piloted the Spirit of America to a two-way average of over 407 mph on the salt flats of Bonneville in Utah. A year later, he broke through the 500 mph barrier, but destroyed his car in the process, and narrowly escaped serious injury. He returned in 1965 with a new car, the Sonic I, and went 600.601 mph - making him the first person to exceed 400, 500 and 600 mph on land.

Shortly before exceeding 600 mph in November 1965, Breedlove set 23 international speed records - including averaging 150 mph for 12 hours - co-driving the Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe (CSX2287) that is one of the star displays at the Simeone Museum.

Tickets for the presentation and dinner are $150 each, two for $275. You may also reserve a full table of 8 for $1,000. Order online here or, call 215-365-7233 and place your order with Amanda Bartley.

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