Charlie Nearburg, 65, founded the oil and gas exploration company Nearburg Producing Co. Here, he stands with his land speed record car—the Spirit of Rett, named for his son, who died in 2005—in his shop in Dallas. Brandon Thibodeaux for The Wall Street Journal …  Mr. Nearburg stands with his crew chief Lee Ryan. The Spirit of Rett is the fastest normally aspirated single-engine car in history, with a top speed of 414.316 mph set at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah. Brandon Thibodeaux for The Wall Street Journal …  Mr. Nearburg looks into the Spirit of Rett’s cockpit. The car hits speeds of over 300 mph before downforce caused by wind can allow him to give the engine full throttle. Slower than that, the wheels will spin so fast they lose traction, even at 250 mph. Brandon Thibodeaux for The Wall Street Journal …  Mr. Nearburg is also an accomplished road racer, having competed in professional open-wheel racing and at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Brandon Thibodeaux for The Wall Street Journal …  A closer look at the steering wheel and instrument panel. To achieve his 2010 land speed mark, Mr. Nearburg eclipsed a record held by a car called Goldenrod, that had stood for 45 years. Brandon Thibodeaux for The Wall Street Journal …  More detail of the instrument panel. The ‘nitrous arm’ activates the car’s nitrous oxide system, which boosts power. The engine in the car at the time of the record was a 526-cubic inch V8 built by Reher-Morrison, of Arlington, Texas. Mr. Nearburg estimates its horsepower at 1,700, with nitrous oxide boost. Brandon Thibodeaux for The Wall Street Journal …  This photo shows the driver’s checklist when he is ready to make a run. Still, the unexpected can occur at 400-plus mph. ’You always have to be ready for any emergency procedures,’ says Mr. Nearburg, ‘but that’s in the back of your mind.’ Brandon Thibodeaux for The Wall Street Journal …  The crew chief Lee Ryan opening the car’s hatch. Brandon Thibodeaux for The Wall Street Journal …  This plaque commemorates the Spirit of Rett’s world record, sanctioned by the Paris-based FIA (Federation Internationale de l’Automobile), the same organization that sanctions Formula 1. ‘We’ve recently rebuilt The Spirit of Rett,’ says Mr. Nearburg. ‘Our record still stands, but we’re ready to roll again.’ Brandon Thibodeaux for The Wall Street Journal …  The Inspiration Behind a Land Speed Record
How Charlie Nearburg, inspired by the memory of his son, set a land speed record and why he keeps competing.