The SAH has received the following research inquiries. Please direct any questions to the researcher.
The Role of the Racing Car in the Field of Sports Heritage
My name is Ben Huntley, I’m a PhD student studying motorsport heritage at Bournemouth University, UK. The primary aim of my research is to investigate the role of the racing car within the story of motorsport, a sport often overlooked within the field of sport heritage.
The car has played an undeniably central role throughout motorsport history, central to the sport’s genesis and development over the past 135 years. However, the car itself as a character within the story of motorsport, as a heritage object, tends to be overlooked when telling that story in favour of the heroic drivers and athletes who drive them. This is problematic due to the complex, synergistic relationship between the driver and the car. Not only do drivers and cars rely on each other in order to compete, but certain drivers are often indelibly linked to certain teams and events, for example Tom Kristensen, Audi, and Le Mans.
My research investigates how racing cars function as heritage objects and how they are used to interpret and communicate motorsport history. The first stage of this study is a Delphi study exploring what it is that makes certain racing cars iconic, what makes them stand out as main characters. A Delphi study is a series of questionnaires sent out to an anonymous panel of experts. The initial, scoping round involves getting opinions and viewpoints from experts about the topic which are then analysed to identify key themes. These themes are then circulated back to the panel in further rounds, with the aim of developing consensus among experts.
If you’d like to be involved with this exciting research, or you’d like some more information, please email me at bhuntley@bournemouth.ac.uk
Note: Ben Huntley is an SAHB member
American Napier Motor Car
My name is Michael Shears and my web site was awarded the E. P. IngersolI Award for 2024.
I am researching the American Napier motor car built between 1904 and 1912 and I am seeking advice from someone with knowledge of the American Napier and its nameplates and emblems. I would be most grateful if you could put me in touch with someone who might be able to help me with my research. I can then give more specific details of my enquiry.
Mike Shears can be contacted at Mike.Shears@arup.com
Kenneth Crittenden and the Krit Motor Car Company
Cassie Meyer and her partner are researching the Krit Motor Car Company and especially its founder, Kenneth Crittenden. They would love to interview someone with any knowledge or biographical information on Kenneth Crittenden or an interest in the Krit Motor Car Company. Cassie can be reached at cmeyer1121@gmail.com
Invention of the Seatbelt
Three students at the Immaculate Conception School in Towson, Maryland are researching the invention of the seatbelt. They are looking for someone who can help them with the following questions:
1. How have seatbelts revolutionized our cars?
2. How have seatbelts made a change in our social and economic lives?
3. What are other ways that seatbelts are used in our daily lives?
4. What reaction caused inventors to think about creating the seatbelt?
If you would like to help these students, Tanner Bell can be reached at tbell@theics.org