Construction-equipment maker JCB intends to break a land-speed record: two specially-built aerodynamic racers, featuring the 750bhp JCB444 diesel engine, will take part in high-speed runs at the Bonneville Salt Flats later this summer.

The team, led by former record-holder Richard Noble and including current fastest man on earth Andy Green, is aiming for 300mph. This is some way off the 736.035mph achieved by Green in ThrustSSC in 1997, but would smash the current record (235.756mph) set for diesel-powered vehicles back in 1973.

JCB’s chairman Sir Anthony Bamford said: ‘I am passionate about the importance of engineering excellence to Britain and I see using the JCB engine for this record attempt as a fantastic way of showcasing what British engineers can do. The JCB444 has been acknowledged as a remarkable piece of engineering and this programme to build the world’s fastest diesel-powered automobile is precisely the sort of technical challenge we should rise to.’

Green added: ‘We will be following in the tradition of British record-breakers by running at the sport’s spiritual home, the remarkable Bonneville Salt Flats. I am really looking forward to driving another British entry in the “300mph Club”, and a diesel-engined, wheel-driven one at that.’

(this article was taken from channel4.com)

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