Despite some encouraging test runs on Saturday, the prospect of an early start yesterday, and several positive performances on the outward stretch, a series of minor technical problems bedevilled the car all day preventing driver Don Wales from capturing that elusive record before the tide came in again to cover the course.
"It was all very disappointing and frustrating," Don said. "Record breaking is never easy, and anything can happen. Now I know how my grandfather felt when he was at Pendine in the 20s. He must have had similar experiences, as every record attempt team does. But even though we failed to achieve what we had hoped for, the signs remain encouraging."
Don's encouragement is fuelled by the fact that there were no major technical mishaps, and the car was clocked at a maximum top speed on one run of over 140mph, proving that Bluebird is more than capable of performing.
"The problem was that we never got to the point where we could give the car its head. We were never able to run on full power. Yet we still achieved a respectable speed."
The car has now returned to its base at the Science Museum Transport Facility near Swindon where an exhaustive technical analysis is under way.
It had been hope to return to Pendine next weekend to resume the attempt. But the team has opted instead to spend the time ensuring that the problems are overcome before announcing a new date for the record attempt.
"Also, we desperately need more money to fund another attempt," Don explains. "Everyone involved has been very supportive, and very generous. But record breaking is not cheap, and we will need additional cash support before we can try again."
Press Release Ends.