WENDOVER, Utah (AP) — Andy Green, known for breaking the sound barrier in a car, returns to Utah. He’s attempting to set another record with a hydrogen-powered vehicle.
British driver Green set a land speed record for a diesel-powered car at 350.092 mph (563.4 kph) at Bonneville Salt Flats, twenty years ago. He’s now focused on hydrogen, the ‘fuel of the future.’ Green praised its clean energy potential in a July interview.
He’s driving the JCB Hydromax, a creation of British equipment manufacturer JCB. With its sleek design and yellow color, the car runs on two hydrogen combustion engines producing 1,600 horsepower. These engines ignite hydrogen gas with air for power bursts.
While Green targets the diesel record, he also aims to surpass hydrogen engine records and electric vehicle speeds. Last week, he reached 368.347 mph (592.797 kph). To set the hydrogen record officially, he must repeat this in front of the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile on Tuesday.
“What the peak speed is, I can’t say. We just don’t know,” Green remarked.
He previously broke the sound barrier, reaching 763.035 mph (1,227.98 kph) with jet power in Nevada’s Black Rock Desert. Sonic booms from his run affected Gerlach.
At 64, Green returned after JCB’s proposal. The company invested over $134 million into hydrogen engines, which emit no carbon dioxide. JCB Chair Anthony Bamford stated that serious considerations about emissions require commitment to hydrogen.
While hydrogen production depends on its source, JCB committed to green hydrogen purchase. Green acknowledges unique safety dilemmas due to hydrogen’s properties. However, he assured thorough testing and preparation for risks.
The Bonneville Salt Flats attract speed record seekers since 1914. The salt flats, remnants of a lake bed, cools car tires with underlying aquifer.
Spectators usually stand over 400 meters from the 10-mile long course, viewing through binoculars. The landscape has been a setting for films like “Independence Day” and “The World’s Fastest Indian.” Green’s attempt follows a tragic incident last year where a driver died aiming for a record.
Green’s efforts begin pre-dawn Tuesday.
___ Rico reported from Atlanta. Video journalist Serge Cartwright contributed reporting.
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