Kaye Don Record-breaking racer, motorcycle dealer. Date of Birth: 10.04.1891 Country: Ireland

1. Early Life and Motorcycle Racing Career
2. Transition to Car Racing
3. Land Speed Records
4. Attempt at the Sunbeam Silver Bullet
5. Entry into Motorboat Racing
6. Tragic Incident in 1934
7. Ambassador Motorcycles and Retirement

Early Life and Motorcycle Racing Career

Kaye Ernest Donsky, better known as Kaye Don, was born on April 10, 1891, in Dublin, Ireland. He began his career as a motorcycle racer, where he quickly gained notoriety for his exceptional skills and record-breaking performances.

Transition to Car Racing

Don's thirst for speed and adrenaline led him to transition from motorcycles to car racing. He became a formidable competitor on the famous Brooklands track in England. In 1928, he won the inaugural Ards-Belfast circuit race in Northern Ireland and set a new land speed record of 212.05 km/h.

Land Speed Records

Don continued to push the boundaries of speed, breaking his own record twice in the following years. On September 22, 1928, he reached a speed of 216.04 km/h, and on June 9, 1930, he shattered the barrier again with a speed of 221.41 km/h.

Attempt at the Sunbeam Silver Bullet

In 1929, Don attempted to break the world land speed record in a specially designed car named the Sunbeam Silver Bullet. The car, equipped with two 24-liter engines, was a marvel of engineering but ultimately failed to set a new record.

Entry into Motorboat Racing

Don's adventurous spirit and desire for challenges extended beyond land vehicles. In 1931, he entered the Harmsworth Trophy Race on the Detroit River, competing against renowned American boaters Gar and George Wood. Don became the first person to surpass a speed of 100 mph in a boat and narrowly defeated Gar Wood's record by about 2 km/h.

Tragic Incident in 1934

While preparing for the 1934 MG Magnette race, Don experienced a tragic accident that resulted in the death of MG employee Francis Tayler. Don was found guilty of manslaughter and sentenced to four months in prison. Despite being granted special privileges during his incarceration, the incident left a lasting impact on his life.

Ambassador Motorcycles and Retirement

After the war, Don focused on the production and sales of motorcycles. He founded Ambassador Motorcycles, which produced a wide range of popular models until it was acquired by DMW in 1962. Don retired soon after, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most accomplished and versatile record-breaking racers of his era. He passed away at the age of 90 in Chobham, Surrey, England.