World speed-record attempt

By Conor Mills

24th October 2008

Take a look at the 1,000mph car. Twelve years on from their last record breaking run, Andy Green OBE and Richard Noble OBE are at it again. Auto Express was there back in 1997 supporting the pair, when they famously piloted the Thrust supersonic car (SCC) through the sound barrier onto a world-record speed of 763.053mph. And this time they’re looking to go three steps further.

In their latest attempt, the pair are aiming to set a new record of 1,000mph, which if successful would eclipse the current record by 237mph. Code-named the Bloodhound project, the four year challenge will be sponsored by the fuel additive company STP.

Combining jet, rocket and piston-engined power, the 12.8m, 6,400kg Bloodhound SCC will be developed in full public view at the team's HQ in Filton, Bristol. Visitors will have full access to the car and with constant website updates, the project will offer a unique look at the whole process.

The three-step plan will start with an 800mph bid in 2009, the car will then continue to evolve, with a 900mph run scheduled for 2010 and the final 1,000mph attempt set for 2011. The venue for the record runs are still unconfirmed, but Black Rock Desert, Nevada, the scene of Green’s record with the Thrust SSC, is the most likely.