I also feel the same way about using reaction motors (jets and rockets) to set land and water speed records - they seem to fall into the rather arbitrary category of "let's do everything we can to go as fast as possible except put wings on on it."
Ultimately, though, it is even more about the courage to try it than the technology.
indeed- the idea that you can strap a rocket to anything to increase its velocity really only serves to advance things like braking and tire technology. That is, however, a valid pursuit.
Ultimately, though, it is even more about the courage to try it than the technology.