21 August 2006

BONNEVILLE SALT FLATS - UTAH

Time: 17:55 (US)

Temperature: 33°C

Location: Wendover airfield, Utah

The team has spent the last two days replacing the 600bhp engines for the 750bhp 'record' versions in readiness for an attempt on the official diesel land speed record this week.

Preparation included checking engine pressures, fluids and for leaks before the start-up. At 12:45 the engines fired into life as everybody gathered around the car but the front engine suffered an oil leak which filled the oil system with fuel. After close scrutiny the engineers discovered the fuel pick-up pipe had collapsed.

The fuel pump was changed, the system was flushed out and the team are now preparing the car for its critical shakedown on Wendover airfield.