1908/11/18 Brooklands Record Attempts
Note: This is a sub-section of 1908 Brooklands Calendar
F. Newton sets record of almost 120 m.p.h. in his 90 h.p. Napier Samson.[1]
'F. Newton made a successful attempt at Brooklands yesterday to beat the short-distance 90-h.p. record made by him on October 30 this year when he covered the distance in 15.655 sec., this being the rate of 114.98 miles an hour. He decided to make an attack on the short-distance 60-h.p. record, but in this he failed, owing to crankshaft breaking. Newton complained of the wind pressure along the railway straight, and it was suggested that a trial run the reverse way might be a good thing. Having obtained the consent of Colonel Holden and Mr. Rodakowiski, Newton essayed a run round on the 90-h.p., and although he had never previously driven a car right-hand inside, it was clear he had done a very good time. It was officially announced that the old record had been broken, and that nearly 120 miles hour rate for lap had been achieved. The actual time the dying half-mile was 15.083 5ec., which works out speed rate of 119.34 miles an hour. Newton, who is probably the best driver of high speed motors in England to-day. announced that he has definitely decided to retire from motor racing.'[2]