Guy Martin drives Fastrac tractor into the record books

The achievement follows JCB’s first Guinness World Record for the fastest tractor at Elvington in June. Called Fastrac One, it reached 103.6mph with Martin - a mechanic, motorbike racer and TV presenter - at the wheel.

A team of JCB engineers in Staffordshire then set about developing Fastrac Two, which was lighter than its predecessor, helping it hit a peak speed of 153.771mph on its way to recording an average of 135.191mph at Elvington.

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The record-breaking attempt was overseen by Guinness World Records, who confirmed that the JCB Fastrac completed two runs, in either direction through a speed trap set 1km apart, within the allotted time, to set the 135.191mph record.

“The biggest challenges have included aerodynamics, reducing weight and improving performance - getting a five-tonne tractor to safely reach 150mph, and stop again, is not an easy task, but we’re all so proud to have not only reached these goals, but to have exceeded them,” said Tim Burnhope, JCB’s chief innovation and growth officer.