Andy Green, 64, Targets Land Speed Record with Hydrogen-Powered Car at Bonneville Salt Flats

Wendover, Utah – Andy Green, the only individual to have broken the sound barrier in a car, is set to make another attempt at a land speed record this week at the Bonneville Salt Flats. The British driver, who previously achieved a record of 350.092 mph (563.4 kph) in a diesel-powered vehicle, is now focusing on a hydrogen-powered car in a bid to not only surpass his own record but also to highlight hydrogen as a viable clean-energy alternative.

A New Era of Speed

Green will be piloting the JCB Hydromax, a 32-foot (9.75-meter) vehicle designed by British construction equipment manufacturer JCB. The car, characterized by its bright yellow color and pencil-like shape, is equipped with two hydrogen internal combustion engines that produce a combined output of 1,600 horsepower. These engines, adapted from JCB’s construction machinery, utilize pressurized hydrogen gas mixed with air to generate power.

In his pursuit of the diesel record, Green also aims to break existing world records for hydrogen internal combustion engines, currently set at 185.5 mph (298.5 kph), and electric vehicles, which stand at 341.3 mph (549.2 kph).

Record-Breaking Aspirations

During practice runs last week, Green reached a top speed of 368.347 mph (592.797 kph). However, to officially establish a new hydrogen record, he must achieve this speed in front of the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile, the governing body of motorsports. Green expressed uncertainty about the peak speed he might achieve, emphasizing the exploratory nature of this endeavor.

Green’s previous achievements include setting the outright land speed record of 763.035 mph (1,227.98 kph) in 1997, a feat accomplished in a vehicle powered by twin jet engines. His record-setting runs in Nevada produced sonic booms that resonated throughout the nearby town of Gerlach.

Commitment to Clean Energy

At 64, Green initially thought his racing days were behind him until JCB approached him with plans for the new hydrogen vehicle. The company has invested over $134 million in hydrogen-powered engines, which they claim emit no carbon dioxide from their exhaust systems. JCB Chair Anthony Bamford stated that if the industry is serious about reducing emissions, hydrogen must be a focal point, and a land speed project serves as an ideal platform to demonstrate its potential.

However, the environmental benefits of hydrogen depend significantly on its production methods. Currently, most hydrogen is derived from fossil fuels. JCB has committed to sourcing green hydrogen, produced using renewable energy, although this constitutes a small fraction of global hydrogen production.

Safety and Technical Challenges

Hydrogen combustion engines present unique safety challenges due to the gas’s high pressure and flammability. Green noted that the team is meticulously managing these risks. The JCB Hydromax has undergone extensive testing, and Green has dedicated months to understanding the vehicle’s dynamics, engine coordination, and the deployment of a parachute for deceleration on the salt flats.

The Bonneville Salt Flats, a remnant of a prehistoric lake bed located approximately 100 miles (160 kilometers) west of Salt Lake City, has been a site for land speed records since 1914. The area is known for its smooth, glassy surface, which is ideal for high-speed runs. Spectators typically observe from a distance of about a quarter of a mile (400 meters) from the 10-mile (16 kilometers) straightaway.

A Historic Setting

The salt flats have also served as a backdrop for various films, including “Independence Day” and “The World’s Fastest Indian.” Green’s attempt is scheduled to begin about an hour before sunrise on Tuesday. This endeavor follows a tragic incident last year when driver Chris Raschke lost his life while attempting to set a land speed record at Bonneville.

Green’s return to the racing scene underscores a commitment not only to speed but also to the promotion of hydrogen as a clean energy solution, potentially paving the way for future advancements in sustainable automotive technology.

Source: www.emirates247.com

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Published on 2026-08-10 23:01:00 • By the Editorial Desk