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Image Not Available for Speed Champ Ken Paints Way To Record
Speed Champ Ken Paints Way To Record
Image Not Available for Speed Champ Ken Paints Way To Record

Speed Champ Ken Paints Way To Record

Date21 March 1976
Object numberANMS1163[370]
NameNewspaper clipping
MediumInk on paper
ClassificationsEphemera
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Graeme Andrews
DescriptionAn article from the Sunday Telegraph by Delmore McNicoll titled 'Speed Champ Ken Paints His Way To Record'. The article tell s of Ken Warby's financial struggles to keep his dream of breaking the world water speed record going.HistoryOne of the biggest hurdles Ken Warby faced breakinbg the 300 mph speed record was finding the money to do so. Initally Warby was totally self funded. All his money went into the design and construction of SPIRIT OF AUSTRALIA. He managed to secure two sponsors - Fosseys and the Shell Oil Company - but their input and support did not nearly cove all the costs involved. Warby, in an attempt to spend more time on the SPIRIT OF AUSTRALIA and fund the project, took up painting and selling his works as he toured shopping centres with the boat. At the time McNicoll wrote this article Warby had just set the new Australian water speed record but was still working towards the world record.SignificanceOne of the constant themes throughout Warby's journey to the world record was the lack of funding and corporate support for his bid. Australia seemed unenthused by his attempt and Warby, from the beginning, was forced to fund the overwhelming majority of the project himself.