11th November 2011
Going fast in a short space of time is the fun part of land speed record racing, with the issue often being stopping. To make a record pass you need to have 2 runs over the same measured mile in opposite directions within 1 hour.
The run up distance to the timed mile is a lot shorter than the distance needed to stop, due to the fact you have to throttle the engine down in stages. The further the car is down the track the further you have to come back to start the return run and this all eats into that precious 1 hour limit, which is needed to refuel, recharge the helium tanks and check the car over.
Long-standing team member and Team Manager Peter Taylor explains how the air brakes work.
