JCB's demon digger hits 333mph

World's fastest diesel ploughs into record books

By John Oates • Get more from this author

Posted in Science, 23rd August 2006 08:37 GMT

JCBdieselmax is officially the world's fastest diesel-powered vehicle after hitting 333 miles per hour yesterday.

The car completed two runs - the first at 324mph and the return run at 333.3mph - giving an average of 328.8mph. This easily beats the previous record of 235.7mph set in 1973.

The team is not finished yet, and will make another attempt later today. Record attempts are made early in the morning when conditions on the salt flats are best.

JCB chairman Sir Anthony Bamford said: This is a marvellous achievement for JCB and a wonderful tribute to British engineering."

The car uses two standard JCB engines tuned to produce 750bhp.