Cable Racing (1967)

Maidstone, Kent. Several shots show Bill Bennett (in the bobble hat) and Fred Shepherd preparing a model racing car for a run. The wheels are warmed up on a grindstone, then Bill carries the car to a special track surrounded by a wire fence. Commentator says “This is an American idea called cable racing.... because the cars go so fast they have to be tethered“. Bill fixes the car to a cable coming from the centre of the track, then runs off, pushing the car with a pole to start the ignition. From what looks like a rather shaky start, the car speeds up tremendously until we can barely see it as it zips past! Amazing! C/U of a stopwatch being started; Bill, Fred and a small crowd watch the car fly past; the camera follows the car around the track (with some difficulty) three times. Commentator says the world record for cable racing is 155 miles an hour, held by an American car. Bill brings the car to a stop by holding a duster to the front of it. Note: on file is a letter from Bill with more tec