Speed-team Britons bid to go supersonic
People
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Richard Noble (right) led the British team to America yesterday hoping to break the world land-speed record - but still pounds 200,000 short of the money needed for the bid, due to start on Saturday.
The twin jet-engined Thrust SSC car is going to the Nevada Black Rock desert, where the crew hope to break the existing record of 633 mph - set by Noble at the same venue in 1983 - and go beyond the sound barrier of 750mph.
But cash shortages have bedevilled the attempts, and it was only a last- minute infusion of thousands of pounds which made it possible for the team to head off yesterday from Stansted airport in a giant Russian Antonov transport plane, which carried the 16-metre long, 10-tonne needle-shaped car and the 30 support crew.
Thrust SSC's driver, Squadron Leader Andy Green, has recovered from a broken ankle - suffered at a swimming pool - and will be up against another potentially supersonic vehicle, Spirit of America II, driven by the veteran US racer and former world land-speed record holder Craig Breedlove.
"The two cars will probably start off at about 500mph and try to get 50mph faster with each run," said a Thrust spokesman.
"Richard's team has got enough money to fly out but need more if they are to stay in Nevada."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments