86-Year-Old American Racer Sets New World Speed Records
Gary Matranga, an 86-year-old driver from California, has shattered two world land speed records at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah.
According to a report by Khaosod Online Thailand, 86-year-old Gary Matranga has achieved a remarkable feat in motorsport by breaking two world speed records at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah. Driving a modified 1966 Plymouth Barracuda, Matranga reached a speed of 308 mph (approximately 495 km/h) in the gasoline-powered vehicle category, surpassing his own previous record by 17 mph.
Following this success, he competed in the fuel-powered category, where he clocked a top speed of 310 mph (approximately 499 km/h). This performance allowed him to break a long-standing record of 305 mph that had remained unbeaten for eight years.
For residents and travelers interested in automotive history or extreme sports, this event highlights the enduring nature of human performance and engineering. While Matranga has expressed his ambition to reach speeds of 400 mph in future attempts, these goals remain speculative and have yet to be realized. The event serves as a testament to the specialized racing culture found at the Bonneville Salt Flats, a site often visited by enthusiasts of high-speed automotive challenges. Further details regarding his next scheduled competition or specific technical modifications to his vehicle have not been confirmed at this time.
