Word: rippel
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Dates: during 1960-1969
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...idea for the race came from Caltech Physics Graduate Wally Rippel, 23, whose experiences with Los Angeles' eye-smarting smog had inspired him to create a fumeless electric car two years ago. When he heard that students at M.I.T. were developing a similar electric model-as are several auto companies, including Ford, General Motors and American Motors-he challenged them to a transcontinental race. The aim of the operation: to stimulate interest in non-air-pollutant electrics...
Neither team had easy going. On the second day out, as Caltech's Rippel approached Seligman, Ariz., he downshifted at 40 m.p.h. and heard a sickening crunch. Twenty-three hours passed before a new engine could be flown in from Michigan by sponsoring Electric Fuel Propulsion Inc. At Amarillo, Texas, an electronic nightmare of popping fuses and exploding diodes cost another four hours plus some added penalties for replacements...
...DAVID A. RIPPEL...