A new chapter in high-speed motorsport unfolded Tuesday at Utah’s Bonneville Salt Flats, where the JCB Hydromax hydrogen-powered car delivered an astonishing performance.
The 32-foot, twin-engine machine completed two record attempts, reaching 400.623 mph on its first run and an incredible 412.135 mph on the second. Its combined average of 406.320 mph set a new world land-speed record for a hydrogen-powered internal-combustion vehicle, pending official FIA confirmation.
Behind the wheel was former Royal Air Force fighter pilot Andy Green, who described the achievement as an “extraordinary” engineering accomplishment.
The project moved at remarkable speed itself. Engineers designed the vehicle in months, built it in just five weeks and arrived at Bonneville aiming to make history on their first visit.
Extreme heat, high altitude, engine cooling and stopping a 5,500-pound car traveling at 400 mph created enormous challenges. A specialized cooling system and parachutes helped keep the vehicle under control.
Green said the achievement demonstrates how hydrogen technology could shape a cleaner future for motorsport.
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