Corners. They’re what we’re all about here at DirtFish. We don’t mind if they’re fast or slow, if they tighten, open or turn back on themselves. We just can’t really get excited about driving straight.
Unless it’s straight at 400mph. Then we’re in. Even more so when it’s 400mph in a Hydromax made by British engineering powerhouses JCB and Prodrive.
Motorsport relevance? That comes courtesy of the FIA – with the governing body of world motorsport bringing the stopwatch.
Looking forward to Bonneville and an August attempt at a hydrogen-powered land speed record, FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem said: “This is a historic moment for speed, technology and innovation. JCB’s return to the Bonneville Salt Flats for the hydrogen-powered land speed record attempt is a defining chapter. It is an effort that pushes the boundaries of aerodynamics, engineering excellence and human bravery, while showcasing what is possible when ambition and innovation come together.
“From Bluebird to ThrustSSC and the new JCB Hydromax, the FIA has a proud history of certifying these historic moments. These vehicles inspire the innovators, scientists, and engineers of tomorrow. This hydrogen-powered vehicle will not just attempt to break a world record, but it will shape the future of high-speed sustainable motoring altogether.
“This world record attempt represents the pinnacle of human achievement on land and has the potential to redefine what is possible in motorsport and automotive technology.”
Hard to argue with any of that. So, let’s not.
Let’s, instead, listen to the man whose hands will be on the wheel of a vehicle powered by a pair of internal combustion engines which come with four cylinders and a whopping turbocharger apiece (somewhere between a total of 1500 and 2000bhp to answer the obvious question).
Wing Commander Andy Green (call sign ‘Dead Dog’) is no stranger to speed – he qualified to fly planes like the 1500mph Tornado F3 and remains the world’s fastest driver after he topped 763mph aboard ThrustSSC back in 1997. He’s also no stranger to danger having captained the RAF’s team at the Cresta Run in St, Moritz.
More recently, Green turned the oil burners up to max JCB’s Dieselmax out at 350mph at Bonneville. That was 20 years ago in August. Two decades on, and still under the watchful eye of the FIA, he’s going even harder.
“Hydromax is lighter, more powerful and faster than its predecessor of 20 years ago,” said Green. “Once again, we’re going to show the world just how good British engineering and technology really is. This August we’re going to smash the hydrogen-powered vehicle record in the world’s fastest and most exciting zero-emissions vehicle. I can’t wait.”
The zero-emissions aspect is key for Malcolm Wilson, FIA deputy president for sport.
“JCB’s return to the Bonneville Salt Flats is an exciting moment, not only because of the company’s previous success with Dieselmax, but because this project demonstrates how record attempts can continue to push the boundaries of engineering and innovation,” he added.
“Hydrogen combustion is an area of real interest across the mobility and motor sport sectors, and the JCB Hydromax provides a powerful example of how motorsport can be used as a test bed for innovation.”
The 32-foot Hydromax, built in an engineering partnership with Prodrive, starts testing next month before shipping out to Utah for Bonneville Speedweek (August 1-7).
Going straight on salt at speed? Yes please.
