Jet-Powered Giants on the Racetrack: Unraveling the Mystery of the Howmet TX
As the dust settles on the legendary racetracks of the 1960s, tales of speed, innovation, and the quest for glory echo through motorsport history. But amidst the familiar roar of piston engines, one story remains shrouded in mystery and innovation—a tale of ambition that propelled a race car, not with conventional fuel, but with the sheer force of a helicopter's heart. This is the story of the Howmet TX, an American legend that rewrote the rules of racing with a whirlwind of jet power.
The journey into this enigmatic chapter begins in the late 1960s, a period marked by significant achievements in automotive engineering. It was an era when the Gulf-liveried GT40s were clinching victories at Le Mans, further etching the name of gas-powered engines into the annals of racing lore. Yet, in the shadow of these conventional titans, another marvel was taking shape—a sports prototype powered not by gasoline, but by the futuristic allure of a gas turbine engine, originally crafted for the skies.
In the aftermath of the Second World War, the gas turbine engine soared to prominence in the aviation industry. Celebrated for its exceptional power-to-weight ratio, compact design, and unparalleled reliability, this revolutionary engine soon caught the attention of automotive pioneers. The first to embark on this bold venture was Rover, which introduced JET1, the world’s inaugural gas turbine-powered car. Although JET1 never transcended its prototype phase, it ignited a flame of curiosity and inspiration across the industry.
The saga of gas turbine experimentation continued in Britain as Rover joined forces with British Racing Motors (BRM) to create a Le Mans contender. Across the pond, Chrysler embraced the challenge, resulting in the street-legal Turbine Car. But while Chrysler's endeavor was eventually shelved, the spirit of turbine-powered vehicles lived on, captivating the imaginations of American motorsport aficionados.
The Dreamer: Ray Heppenstall
Ambition knows no bounds, and in the case of Ray Heppenstall, not even multiple rejections could deter his vision. An active race driver with an unyielding passion, Heppenstall dreamt of dueling with giants like Ford's GT40 on the world’s most prestigious racetracks. His dream sought an engine that could make it a reality, leading him to knock on the doors of the Allison Engine Company and Williams Research, among others. However, it was the support from Howmet Corporation and the subsequent acquisition of two gas turbine engines from Continental that translated his dream into the Howmet TX.
From Helicopter to Racetrack
The true essence of innovation lies in its transition from concept to creation. The Howmet TX (Turbine eXperimental), adorned with engines originally intended for a military helicopter, was a testament to this. Boasting a lightweight frame, a remarkable 350 hp output, and an astounding 57,000 rpm capability, the TX was a force to be reckoned with. Despite lacking a conventional gearbox, the ingenuity of its creators ensured it was battle-ready for the racetrack, complete with a reverse gear enabled by a small electric motor.
A Pioneering Chassis
The pursuit of excellence led Heppenstall to Bob McKee and McKee Engineering, tasked with constructing a chassis that could harbor the unparalleled power of a gas turbine. The result was not one, but two masterpieces of engineering, marked by fully independent suspension systems and four-wheel disc brakes, setting the stage for Howmet TX's entry into the annals of racing history.
A Glorious, Yet Brief, Racing Odyssey
The Howmet TX's journey on the racetrack was a spectacle of highs and lows. The 24 Hours of Daytona witnessed its promising surge to the forefront, only to be curtailed by mechanical woes. A similar fate awaited at Sebring and Brands Hatch, underscoring the volatile nature of innovation. Yet, in the SCCA National Championship, the TX found its rhythm, clinching victories and etching its name in the record books. Despite its brief stint in racing, the Howmet TX's legacy as a pioneering turbine-powered victor endures.
Legacy of the Howmet TX
Today, the Howmet TX lives on, not just as a relic of motorsport history, but as a symbol of relentless innovation. Fully restored to their 1968 specifications, the surviving chassis stand as testaments to a vision that dared to look beyond the conventions of their time. Through the roar of their jet engines, the spirit of the Howmet TX reminds us of the endless possibilities that await on the frontier of automotive innovation.
For those intrigued by this marvel of engineering, a deeper dive into its story is available through Jay Leno's Garage, offering an intimate glimpse into the legacy of the Howmet TX, and the indomitable spirit that drove its creation.