JCB Hydromax world land speed record attempt surges ahead

British engineering giant JCB’s bid to set a world hydrogen land speed record is surging ahead – with the car now built and testing under way.

The company unveiled its aim to set the record with the unveiling of the JCB Hydromax car – powered by two JCB hydrogen digger engines – at its World HQ in Staffordshire on May 12th.

Now just over a month later, the building of the car is complete and full testing is under way at RAF Wittering in Cambridgeshire, England where it reached a speed of 177mph yesterday driven by Wing Commander Andy Green OBE.

Next month the car will be flown to Bonneville, Utah, USA in preparation for its record bids on the Salt Flats – including an attempt to set a Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) world hydrogen land speed record. The FIA is the global governing body for motor sport and the federation for mobility organisations worldwide.

JCB Chairman Anthony Bamford has spearheaded JCB’s £100 million investment to develop hydrogen powered internal combustion engines. JCB diggers powered by the technology are now  rolling off production lines.

“Twelve months ago this car was a set of drawings being discussed by a room full of engineers. Today it is a reality and on wheels, running, and being tested in the UK. The team has done a wonderful job to get us to this point. Our focus now turns to the real challenge: setting a world hydrogen land speed record in Bonneville.”