JCB Dieselmax sets record

yesterday became the world's fastest diesel-powered car, as Andy Green set a new FIA international record of 328.767mph (529.099kph) on the Bonneville Salt Flats, Utah and beat the existing record by more than 100mph.

The JCB team will make a further attempt to raise the record today.

Running at daybreak yesterday, when course conditions were at their most suitable, Green achieved 324.265mph (521.853kph) on his first run.

Under FIA regulations he made his return 333.364mph (536.497kph) within one hour, to secure the new record, giving the average of 328.767mph (526.027kph).

The previous mark, set by Virgil W Snyder at Bonneville in the Thermo King Streamliner on August 25 1973, was 235.756mph (377.205kph).

Stepping from the car driver Green said, 'This is exactly what we came here to do - this is British engineering at its absolute best. We now have the fastest diesel in the world. We have now set two records in only four runs which is a stunning engineering and team achievement.'

'This is a marvellous achievement for JCB and a wonderful tribute to British engineering. I am hugely proud of everyone in the JCB Dieselmax team who have designed and built the car in less than a year and made it record breaker at the first attempt,' added Sir Anthony Bamford, JCB's Chairman, who witnessed the record run on the Salt Flats.

The JCB444 diesel engine normally powers the company's backhoe loaders and Loadall telescopic handlers.