Century-old speed record may be won on Goodyear tyres

ERJ staff report (DS)

Edward's Air Force Base, California -- A UK-based team is attempting the world speed record for a steam-powered car. The record was set at 127mph (204 kph) by American, Fred Marriott, driving a Stanley steam car in 1906. This was confirmed by the FIA. However, in 1985 the "Barber-Nichols Team" and their vehicle 'Steamin' Demon' carried out three successful passes and achieved an American National Record at 145.607mph (234 kph). There was no attempt to establish an FIA record.

The car will run on Goodyear tyres. The team says the tyres are "Goodyear's Speed Eagles", and gives the size as 23 x 15 on the front and 28 x 15 on the rear. The team had not clarified these dimensions as this story went to press.

The team made its first official record attempt on Wednesday, but technical problems meant they will make a second attempt today (Thursday).

On Tuesday 18 August, the team successfully carried out 5 test runs in excess of 100mph ahead of its bid to break the century-old world land speed record for steam-powered vehicles.

The car weighs 3 tonnes and has a top design speed of 274 kph (170 mph).

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www.steamcar.co.uk