1997 was the year the sound barrier was broken for the first and so far only time a car has broken the sound barrier. The car in question was the Thrust SSC.
11 years later in 2008, Bloodhound LSR (formally known as Bloodhound SSC) was founded in an attempt to set a new record of over 800mph.
Photo Credit: Aaron Stokes
However for this to happen, the team are looking for someone to pilot the car. It should be noted that Bloodhound LSR say: "Ultimately we are looking for a driver that must bring the reminding funding required for Bloodhound to set a new LSR [Land Speed Record]".
One of the ways that funds are trying to be raised is by taking the car on a trip around England. This 'roadshow' began at the British Motor Museum. After that, the car went to Silverstone race circuit (home to the British Gran Prix), then the car went around Central London. Once the car left Central London it made its way to the RAF Museum in Hendon for two days. After London the car went to the Brooklands Museum and the National Motor Museum in Beaulieu. The final stop on was at Caffeine and Machine.
This job formally belonged to Wing Commander Andy Green who also drove the Thrust SSC to its top speed. For the person that is chosen to drive Bloodhound they will be given training and mentorship from Wing Commander Green.
Stuart Edmonson lead the QnA at Caffeine and Machine. During which the success of the roadshow was mentioned: "It's [the roadshow] had in my view the desired effect.
"This twist had the effect of interest coming forward that was not there before."
Mr Edmonson went on to say: "The problem I have is that people don't realise what's on offer and I want the types of names you are thinking about."
The twist mentioned was before the roadshow took place there was very little mentioned to the press and fans, instead they opted for a short notice announcement of where the car will be going on its week long roadtrip.
Photo Credit: Aaron Stokes
Since the project began the car has run twice once in 2017 and once in 2019. So far the car has reached a top speed of 628mph, around 120 mph short of breaking the sound barrier and around 130 mph off passing the Thrust SSC.
During this run the car was only using one propulsion method, this being the engine from a Eurojet. In addition to this, a Nammo rocket can be used to help propel the car up to its 800mph goal.
It has not been an easy project to get off the ground as in 2018 it went into administration. During this period is when businessman Ian Warhurst stepped in and purchased, for an undisclosed amount, the business and its assets. It was during this time that the car was able to do its 628mph run. In 2021 Mr Warhurst stepped down as CEO after the pandemic had interupted plans to take the car back to South Africa.
Speaking to Autocar, Mr Warhurst said: "I've invested as much as I want to - a fair bit more than I intended actually. The idea was to prove the things could work, then get sponsorship that would take us to the last part of the journey, but that hasn't happened. Covid has made life very difficult."
Now the roadshow has come to an end, it is time to wait and see if someone is able to bring the funds that are needed to propel the Bloodhound LSR into the record books.
Komentarze