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Diesel speed record smashed for Britain
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29/08/2006
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On August 23rd, the JCB Dieselmax established a new diesel powered land speed record at Bonneville Salt Flats, breaking the previous record that it had established only the previous day.
On Tuesday August 22nd, Wing Commander Andy Green drove it to an FIA-sanctioned speed of 328.767mph. Returning soon after daybreak on the 23rd, he recorded 365.779mph (588.664kph) on his first run and 335.695mph (540.248kph) on his return, giving an average of 350.092mph. In order to establish a record under the regulations, the car had to complete two passes in opposite directions within an hour.
Green said: “I am so pleased that we have got the car to 350mph which was always our ultimate goal and that was with a slow start to the second run. There is so much more to come as the car is pulling like a train and we still haven’t used sixth gear!
“Today’s record proves the potential we have always believed JCB Dieselmax to possess. This is another great result for a wonderful team and a testament to British engineering.”
JCB Group Engineering Director and Dieselmax Project Director Dr Tom Leverton said, "350mph is a fantastic speed for a diesel-powered car. To have built the world's fastest diesel in such a short timescale is a wonderful achievement for the JCB Dieselmax team. What is even more impressive is to set three records – 317.021mph, 328.767mph (526.027 kph) and 350.092mph (563.418kph) - in only six days. Once again we have demonstrated the engineering and team effort that has gone into creating this extraordinary car.”
The previous record for a diesel powered car was 235.756mph set by Vergil W Snyder on August 25th 1973 in his 'Thermo King Streamliner', also at Bonneville. More information from JCB Dieselmax
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Author
Tom Shelley
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