JCB has taken a major step toward making motorsport history after its hydrogen-powered Hydromax streamliner set a new Southern California Timing Association (SCTA) speed record at the renowned Bonneville Salt Flats. The record-breaking performance serves as a crucial milestone as the team prepares for an official FIA world record attempt.
Piloted by Wing Commander Andy Green OBE, the 32-foot-long twin-engine JCB Hydromax achieved an average speed of 368.347 mph, surpassing the previous SCTA Blown Gas Streamliner (AA/BGS, 500+ cubic inches) class record of 348.342 mph, which had stood since 2010. The streamliner recorded 367.141 mph on the first day and reached a top speed of 369.554 mph on the second day, establishing the highest average in the class in 16 years.
The record-breaking vehicle is powered by two production-based hydrogen internal combustion engines developed by JCB, producing a combined output of 1,600 horsepower. The achievement demonstrates the growing potential of hydrogen as a high-performance, zero-emission alternative fuel in motorsport and advanced engineering.
JCB Chairman Lord Bamford hailed the accomplishment as a significant achievement, stating that the result highlights the capability of the company’s hydrogen engine technology ahead of its upcoming FIA world record attempt. The successful SCTA run reinforces JCB’s commitment to proving that sustainable hydrogen-powered vehicles can compete at the highest levels of speed and performance.
