ThrustSSC News From Al Jafr (1) - Saturday 29th June 1996
by Andrew Noble
(Off-Road vehicle in Jafr Desert)
Track Work: The track preparation work is well advanced and ahead of schedule; work consists of filling and flattening
several crossing roads and grading some areas flat. The work is being carried out by the Royal Jordanian Air Force Runway Repair
Team with 10 machines and 11 men. Another 6 to 7 days are needed for completion.
Track Layout: The track is being laid out to give sixteen 50ft lanes over a distance of 10 miles.
Survey: The track layout has been surveyed by a 5 man team from the Jordan Geographic Centre, to give ½ mile and 1
mile intersection points, and by differential GPS (Global Positioning System) and theodolite alignment. Team sponsor Trimble's
GPS set gave amazingly accurate results in comparison.
Access: A 9.5 km access road to the central pits/spectator area will be graded and flattened and marked out for team,
car, press and spectator access.
Pit Area: 1 km from the measured mile will be the Main Control and Spectator and Press area. It is hoped to provide a
small grandstand, awnings and tents for shade and portable toilets. Thrust SSC merchandise will be available for sale. This area
will be laid out next week.
Lane Markings: We are still experimenting with different ways of marking the track lanes for Andy Green, using various
types of drags, ploughs and dyes (such as gypsum).
Royal Automobile Club Jordan: R.A.C.J. is giving enormous assistance to the Thrust SSC Team organising this event,
arranging timekeeping, marshals, enclosures for the pits area, road signs, and plenty more. All their best rally drivers and
enthusiasts will be giving up their time to be involved in these Land Speed Record trials.
