Backing Warby’s World Speed Record Chase
We are proud sponsors of Warby Motorsport supporting David Warby with his dream of smashing the Outright Unlimited World Water Speed Record.
David Warby is one passionate Aussie bloke and he has a personal mission to break this record with the help of his Aussie team.
It’s personal because David’s father, Ken Warby, is the current record holder. In fact, Ken Warby is the only man in history to design, build and drive a boat to an Outright, Unlimited World Water Speed Record, of a death defying, 317mph (511kph)!
This record was set back in 1978 and hasn’t been beaten to this day. Ken also holds another unbroken World Water Speed Record from 1977. We find this incredible, especially when you think of all the advances in technology over the last 40+ years.
We have a funny feeling Ken won’t hold the record much longer with David’s determination to make his dad proud as punch when he finally breaks it.
David has been putting his SPIRIT2 jet boat to the test on Blowering Dam in Tumut NSW reaching in excess of 400kph, making him the fastest man (who lived to tell the tale) on water in 35 years.
The big dream for David is to reach 560kph – that’s totally insane but something we can’t help but be a part of here at RTM and Jaycar!
Our late owner, Gary Johnston was very passionate about our involvement with Warby Motorsport to help David achieve his big dream.
Gary was delighted when RTM, followed by Jaycar, became official sponsors in 2018 and recounted watching intently as Ken Warby broke Donald Campbell’s record back in 1977 and set the current world record in 1978.
We continue to sponsor Warby Motorsport and support the team in developing custom solutions for the SPIRIT2 jet boat.
We’re right alongside David, his team and his SPIRIT2 jet boat as we patiently wait and watch as the dream gets closer and closer. On ya, Dave!
You can follow the Warby Motorsport team on their website and Facebook page.
Watch the 60 Minutes story on Warby: "Like Father, Like Son" here.
Update 9/12/22
Warby Motorsport was back on the water recently at the Manning River; Despite a fluctuating 20-25km cross wind the team managed to get the feedback and data needed for their upcoming prep run at Blowering Dam early in 2023. Weather conditions permitting of course.
Keep it going Dave!
Back on the Water
Spirit 2 Enroute to the Action
The Spirit 2 Captain
Update 17/05/23
Our condolences to David Warby and his family on the passing of his father, Ken Warby, in February this year.
The team has made improvements to the boat in recent weeks, and are in good shape for their upcoming run on the 27th and 28th of May at Blowering Dam. The team and locals will first pay their respects to Ken at the sign with his achievements at Blowering Dam before commencing their runs.
This will be their first run without Ken there, and we’re wishing them all the best!
Update 02/06/23
Warby Motoring On
Warby Motorsport was back at Blowering Dam over the 27th and 28th of May for further test runs of the Spirit of Australia 2, and the modifications made to the hull for improved handling in the lead up to the world record attempt.
Despite the weather not being ideal, recent modifications saw the handling of the Spirit of Australia 2 improve significantly, safely managing 380kmh even with the 20kmh crosswind.
A large number of supporters were camping at the site to both watch the test runs, and to pay their respects to Ken Warby , with Tumut Rotary Club on hand to provide food and coffee for everyone present. Many of the people there were present for the day that Ken broke his own record back in 1978, with some of them coming all the way from South Australia.
Warby Motoring On