Wing Commander Andy Green's next chapter is set to write itself – quite literally, at 300mph. The retired RAF fighter pilot from Gerrards Cross, Buckinghamshire, has been coaxed into attempting a new world land speed record by his wife, Emma, who signed him up for the challenge after Lord Bamford, chairman of JCB, gave him a call.
JCB's innovative Hydromax car, which runs on hydrogen digger engines, boasts an impressive environmental record – its exhaust emissions are solely steam that can be drunk once condensed. The vehicle recently demonstrated its capabilities at RAF Wittering in Cambridgeshire last month, reaching 208mph during testing.
Green is no stranger to breaking barriers: in 1997, he became the first person to exceed the speed of sound on land behind the wheel of the ThrustSSC, hitting 763mph across Nevada's Black Rock Desert. A decade later, in 2006, he set a world land speed record for a diesel vehicle, reaching 328.767mph in the JCB Dieselmax. In contrast, his personal vehicle – a 1904 Stanley Steam Car – tops out at just 15mph and requires regular stops for water refills.
Green's affinity for speed stems from his illustrious career as an RAF fighter pilot, where he flew planes like the Phantom, Tornado F3, and Harrier in various conflicts. However, driving a car at extreme speeds differs significantly from piloting a supersonic jet – particularly due to constant interaction with the ground and challenges posed by drag, acceleration, and braking distances.
This week, Green is heading to Utah to begin his record attempt, which will start with SpeedWeek, an event run by the Southern California Timing Association (SCTA). Following this, they'll pursue an officially recognised Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) record in August. As he embarks on this new endeavour, wife Emma – a medic – will be part of the support team, eager to experience the excitement firsthand.