In 2006, the JCB Dieselmax became the fastest diesel-powered car in history at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah, reaching 350.092mph in the hands of wing commander Andy Green.
This August, JCB and Green will return to Bonneville in an attempt to secure the land speed record for a hydrogen-powered car with the new Hydromax. Lighter and more powerful than its Dieselmax predecessor, the Hydromax is powered by a pair of hydrogen-fuelled internal combustion engines producing 1600bhp combined.
The 32-foot contender follows £100m of investment and five years of research and development into hydrogen technology – technology already powering JCB diggers in production.
‘Twenty years ago, JCB took two of its diesel engines, sprinkled some magic engineering dust on them and put them into a racing car,’ Green said. ‘We raced the Dieselmax up to an astonishing speed – and a new FIA world record – of over 350mph. Today, that car is still the fastest diesel-engined vehicle in history.’
JCB chairman Lord Bamford, who led the hydrogen programme, is equally ambitious about what the attempt represents. ‘Britain has a proud heritage of setting speed records and, as a British company, I’m excited to challenge for a new one using hydrogen. This is not just about speed – it’s about showcasing the world-class engineering talent we have here in the UK.’
The Hydromax will run during Bonneville SpeedWeek, timed by the Southern California Timing Association, before the team pursues the official FIA-governed record at the Salt Flats.
Andy Green will discuss the attempt at the Concours des Légendes at Wilton House, June 19-21 2026. Tickets are available here.
