At a time when attention to Land Speed Records is rightly being concentrated on the Bloodhound SSC project, attempting to lift the World Record to over 1,000 mph, it is interesting that, for the first time in nearly 40 years, a fresh and successful attempt has been made at the ‘World Electric Land Speed Record’ for lightweight electrically-powered vehicles.
Under rules laid down by the FIA (Federation Internationale de l’Automobile) for a vehicle to qualify as ‘lightweight’ it must weigh less than 1,000 kg (2,204 lb) without the driver
Since 1974 the record has stood at 175 mph (achieved by ‘The Battery Box’ General Electric vehicle). However, the record has now been raised to 204.185 mph, by Drayson Racing’s B12 69/EV electric Le Mans prototype, driven by Lord Drayson.
Drayson Racing Technologies LLP is a research and development business, based in Oxfordshire, established as a racing laboratory to pioneer the development of sustainable technologies in motor sport.
8th July 2013.