British Steam Car Challenge sets world speed record. Finally.
by Jeremy Korzeniewski on Aug 25th 2009 at 5:04PM 
Finally, after much ado and a number of stalled attempts, the British Steam Car Challenge team has finally set the world record it has sought for so long. With an official two-way average of 139.843 miles per hour, the steam-powered streamliner really is the Fastest Kettle in the World. Congrats!
Driver Charles Burnett III was behind the wheel for both outings, and he managed to reach a peak speed of 136.103 mph on the first run and 151.085 mph on the second. Both passes were made in the presence of the FIA, so after all the correct paperwork is filed, the previous record, set at 127 mph in 1906 by Fred Marriot in a Stanley Steamer, should officially be eclipsed. Shortly after the two runs took place, Burnett said:
Click past the break for the official press release. Thanks to all who sent this in!It was absolutely fantastic I enjoyed every moment of it. We reached nearly 140mph on the first run before I applied the parachute. All systems worked perfectly, it was a really good run. The second run went even better and we clocked a speed in excess of 150 mph. The car really did handle beautifully. The team has worked extremely hard over the last 10 years and overcome numerous problems. It is a privilege to be involved with such a talented crew, what we have achieved today is a true testament to British engineering, good teamwork and perseverance.
[Source: British Steam Car Challenge]
PRESS RELEASE:
British team breaks oldest land speed record
Edward's Air Force Base, California: Tuesday August 25th:
Today at 8.19am (California time) Charles Burnett III successfully broke the land speed record for a steam powered car – which has stood for more than 100 years – achieving an average speed of 139.843mph on two runs over a measured mile.
Driver Charles Burnett III piloted the car for both runs reaching a peak speed of 136.103mph on the first run and 151.085mph on the second. The new international record, which is subject to official confirmation by the FIA, breaks the previous official FIA record of 127mph set in 1906 by American, Fred Marriott, driving a Stanley steamer at Daytona Beach.
As he was congratulated by his jubilant crew, principal driver, Charles Burnett III said:
"It was absolutely fantastic I enjoyed every moment of it. We reached nearly 140mph on the first run before I applied the parachute. All systems worked perfectly, it was a really good run. The second run went even better and we clocked a speed in excess of 150 mph. The car really did handle beautifully. The team has worked extremely hard over the last 10 years and overcome numerous problems. It is a privilege to be involved with such a talented crew, what we have achieved today is a true testament to British engineering, good teamwork and perseverance"
Project Manager Matt Candy said:
"The first run took place at 7.27am when the air temperature was a cool 63 degrees Fahrenheit, the team turned around the car in 52minutes (with just 8 minutes spare) in preparation for its return run. The British Steam Car takes 2.5 miles to accelerate and after the measured mile, a further 2.5 miles to decelerate – so each run was over 6.5 miles. The FIA requires that the return run takes place within 60 minutes. The times of the two runs are then averaged to obtain the official recorded speed. Compared to the testing we did in Britain, the British Steam Car ran 12 times the distance and twice the maximum speed – all within one hour. It's been a huge challenge for all."
Pam Swanston wife of the late project manager Frank Swanston was overcome with emotion after seeing Charles power the supercar across the dry lake bed, she said:
"If only Frank was here today, it was his vision that made it a reality. He would be incredibly proud of the team's achievements and always believed we would succeed. Today we celebrate this record for Frank"
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
paulwesterberg 7:40PM (8/25/2009)
So after 100 years and huge advances in technology they could only beat the old record by a measly 24mph? I bet jessie james could build a faster car in a one hour tv special.
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Luke 9:21PM (8/25/2009)
This is in no way a "green car." Stop telling us about it.
My car is an air car. It burns gasoline mixed with air. Why not report about THAT?
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Luke 4:27AM (8/31/2009)
Nearly every vehicle on the road, including a Hummer, can go that fast and still use a FRACTION of the energy. So how on earth is that car a "green car"?? Is this autobloggreen, or is it autoblog-obscene?
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FitFan 2:01AM (8/26/2009)
I know you were exaggerating to make a point, but an H1 can't even hit 100mph stock. The H2 and H3 can probably hit 105mph if you have enough road and a tail wind.
Keep in mind that the world record is based on the average speed of a two way pass. The top speed of this vehicle was > 150mph, which is faster than most cars on the road.
What I find remarkable is the fact that the top speed was so damn fast back in 1906!
mark 9:16AM (8/26/2009)
you must give them more credit. the story says they have overcome many problems over the last ten years to accomplish amazing feat. i suspect the problems either involved alcohol, drugs or both.
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GoodCheer 9:46AM (8/26/2009)
I can't help but think that they could have done more work making a fair body for that car. The one they have has so many bumps and lumps on it, it's got to slow them down.
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RG 11:03AM (8/26/2009)
Steam power doesn't have to be dirty. The thing that I think is strangest about this car is that it is so large and heavy. It is very complicated. With all that effort I'd want to see 300 mph out of it but that's just not going to happen. If you've ever seen a 1906 Stanley Steamer, there was nothing too special about it by comparison. No steam turbine. Just a small steam engine drivetrain powering the rear wheels with a boiler in the front. It was simple yet look how fast it went.
By using modern materials and a flash boiler, it should be quite easy to improve on the old engine without going as crazy as this contraption. A more standard car design can also be made to go 150 mph without too much effort. It doesn't need to be 30 feet long or weigh several thousand pounds. Although the above comment about Jesse James being able to do this was a bit sarcastic, I don't think it's that far fetched. This is no different than NASA spending over a million dollars in the 60's to develop a pen that would write in zero gravity when the Russians just used pencils. Don't overthink the issue. Just improve what was done over 100 years ago and beat it. Low budget, less complexity. This shouldn't be a problem. With a closed loop steam recovery system and some good heat management, it could even be very clean.
Neat accomplishment but with all the effort in the form of time and money put into it, it's just not that impressive.
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ian 1:36PM (8/26/2009)
Isn't the speed record for a steam train close to 127 mph?
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Peter Rockwell 1:44PM (8/26/2009)
It puts me in mind a comment a friend of my dad's made about his Rolls Royce: "A triumph of craftsmanship over engineering." If one's goal is to go 150 mph, perhaps a steam-powered vehicle isn't the way to do it. But then, the Brits seem to have a penchant for using inappropriate means to an end; e.g., golf.
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Rick 1:57PM (8/26/2009)
I assume it runs on propane or something. I'd be more impressed if the guy was wearing an engineer hat and pulling a coal trailer and had to shovel some in before each run.... or maybe put some wings on it and get off the ground.... no wait - put a nuclear reactor in it - then you have a green steam machine.
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