JCB Hydromax Sets New Bonneville Speed Record Ahead of FIA World Record Bid

JCB's hydrogen‑powered Hydromax streamliner recorded an average speed of 368.347 mph on the Bonneville Salt Flats, breaking the Southern California Timing Association (SCTA) record for the Blown Gas Streamliner class. The two‑run average was achieved during Bonneville Speed Week, with a first‑day speed of 367.141 mph and a peak of 369.554 mph on the second day. The vehicle was driven by Wing Commander Andy Green OBE, the fastest man on land, and is powered by two of JCB’s production‑based hydrogen internal‑combustion engines delivering about 1,600 hp.

The record serves as a warm‑up for an outright FIA land‑speed record attempt scheduled for next week. JCB also announced the upcoming opening of a $500 million, 400‑acre factory in San Antonio, Texas, which will employ roughly 1,500 workers to produce machinery for the U.S. market.