On March 23 1921, while his father was building a dog kennel in the garage, a boy was born into the world. His name, was Donald Malcolm Campbell. Donald was to continue a tradition, started by his father before him and was to make record breaking history for many years, especially 43 years later, when in 1964 he became the only person to set both land and water speed records in the same calendar year. A feat that will probably never be seen again.

The 'Speed Kings' as they were to be known, were a father and son pushing the boundaries of speed on water and land. Between them they achieved no less than 21 official world speed records, 11 on water and 10 on land. Donald had to work hard for his records, for unlike his father who was well off and spent virtually none of his own money on attempts, Donald had to use his own money, mortgage his home and battle on at times, with limited support. Donald's record breaking was in a time when some people thought it was no longer a matter of national pride.

It is a testament to Donald, that regardless of the many problems encountered, he never gave up. The 360 mph Utah crash in 1960, while disheartening and a huge financial blow, only made him stronger. In the shadows of his fathers abilities, some people thought he just could not do it, that he did not have it in him, Donald simply proved them wrong with his determination and courage.

Of course one cannot talk about the Campbell's without mentioning Leo Villa. Leo was the backbone to every single record attempt that Donald and Malcolm undertook. Therefore, it would have to be a fair assumption that without Leo Villa's guidance and skills, several, if not all of the records, may not have happened.

RacingCampbells.com would not have come about if I had not rearranged and cleaned out the bookcases at home in early November 2002. On doing so I found books I had not read for probably 25 years. The many books on the Campbell's were taken from the case and read again with much affection, for as a child many of these were gifts and gave me much joy to read. To me as a young boy, Donald Campbell was a hero, the bravest of the brave, a rare breed of man who ultimately sacrificed his life to be the fastest man on water. A man that did it tough, and in so doing, doing it better than his father.

I hope you enjoy the site.