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Rosco McGlashanAustralian speed record-breaker
Country:
 Australia |
Content:
- Early Life and Inspiration
- Pro Stock Drag Racing and Inventions
- "Aussie Invader II" and Record Attempts
- "Aussie Invader III" and New Challenges
- "Aussie Invader 5R" and Record Pursuit
- Philanthropy and Recognition
Early Life and Inspiration
Born in Perth, Western Australia, in 1950, Roscoe McGlashan spent his childhood tinkering with anything on wheels, always striving to outpace his peers. At the age of 12, he was awestruck by the famed British racer Donald Campbell's visit to Australia. Campbell's "Bluebird" turbine engine ignited a passion in McGlashan to design and build a car that would surpass Campbell's legendary land speed record of 403 mph.
Pro Stock Drag Racing and Inventions
Undeterred, McGlashan left school and worked in the remote Pilbara region of Western Australia. Despite his youth, he managed to earn enough money to fund his hobby. In 1968, he made his motorsport debut in Pro Stock Drag Car racing, achieving instant success. Over several years, he pursued this endeavor as a means to sustain his passion for speed.
"Aussie Invader II" and Record Attempts
In 1993, McGlashan and a team of 25 volunteers embarked on the construction of his first jet-powered race car, the "Aussie Invader II." This project, powered by a 36,000-horsepower Mirage fighter jet engine, culminated ten years of hard work. On its initial test run, the "Aussie Invader II" reached 450 mph. However, unfavorable weather conditions forced the team to abandon further salt lake testing, sending them back to the drawing board.
"Aussie Invader III" and New Challenges
In February 1995, McGlashan and his crew returned to Lake Gairdner with the intent of breaking the 633 mph world record. Again, weather conditions thwarted their efforts, leading to the destruction of the vehicle. Undeterred, the team immediately began constructing an even more powerful machine, the "Aussie Invader III." However, the salt flat conditions once more proved unfavorable.
"Aussie Invader 5R" and Record Pursuit
News reached them that Andy Green had achieved a supersonic land speed record of 763 mph. In response, McGlashan announced the development of his most ambitious project yet: the "Aussie Invader 5R." This rocket-powered vehicle aimed to propel him past 1,000 mph. Measuring 18 meters in length and 3 meters in height, the bright blue "Aussie Invader 5R" resembled a sleek, rocket on wheels.
Philanthropy and Recognition
Beyond his pursuit of speed, McGlashan is an avid philanthropist, serving as a patron for "The Kids Cancer Support Group." His life's work and dedication have inspired five documentaries, numerous media appearances, and countless stories that continue to captivate and inspire.
