The JCB DieselMax passed in to the record books on Tuesday, 22 August as it became the world’s fastest diesel powered car setting a new record of 328.767mph.

Driven by former RAF fighter pilot Andy Green, the DieselMax set the new FIA international record at the Bonneville Salt Flat, Utah, beating the previous record by almost 100mph. 

However, the team is not content with the new record and will attempt to raise the record again on Wednesday, 23 August.

Running at daybreak, when course conditions were at their most suitable, Mr Green achieved 324.248 mph (518.797 kph) on his first run. Under FIA regulations he made his return 333.339 mph (533.342 kph) within one hour, to secure the new record, giving the average of 328.767 mph (526.027 kph).

The previous mark, set by Virgil W Snyder at Bonneville in the Thermo King Streamliner on 25August 1973, was 235.756 mph (377.205 kph).

Stepping from the car Mr Green said: “This is exactly what we came to do today – this is British engineering at its absolute best. We now have the fastest diesel in the world.

“We have now set two records in only four runs which is a stunning engineering and team achievement.

Project Director Tim Leverton added: “To have built the world’s fastest diesel is a stunning achievement for the whole JCB DIESELMAX team, and the car performed superbly.”

“Our goal was to set an official FIA record in excess of 300 mph, and we have achieved that, and more. The success is a tribute to everyone who has worked so tirelessly and with such passion to make JCB DIESELMAX a world beater.”

Sir Anthony Bamford, JCB’s Chairman, who witnessed the record run on the Salt Flats paid tribute to the team for their hard work over the past year: “This is a marvellous achievement for JCB and a wonderful tribute to British engineering.

“I am hugely proud of everyone in the JCB DIESELMAX team who have designed and built the car in less than a year and made it record breaker at the first attempt.”

JCB DIESELMAX was born from Sir Anthony’s vision and desire to showcase the extreme performance of the JCB444 diesel engine which normally powers the company’s backhoe loaders and Loadall telescopic handlers.