Driver who broke the sound barrier to attempt another land speed record in Utah

Andy Green, the only person to have broken the sound barrier in a car, is set to return to Utah's Bonneville Salt Flats this week to pursue another land speed record.

Twenty years ago, Green set the record for a diesel-powered car at 350.092 mph (563.4 km/h). On Tuesday, he will attempt to surpass that mark driving a hydrogen-powered vehicle, the JCB Hydromax. This 32-foot car, developed by British manufacturer JCB, is powered by two hydrogen internal combustion engines producing a combined 1,600 horsepower.

“

It’s the “fuel of the future”

Beyond seeking a new personal accolade, Green aims to highlight hydrogen's potential as a clean energy source. "It's the fuel of the future," Green stated in a July interview with The Associated Press. He also hopes to surpass existing world records for hydrogen internal combustion engines (185.5 mph) and electric vehicles (341.3 mph).

“

What the peak speed is, I can’t say. We just don’t know. Part of the adventure here is we’re going to find out.

Green achieved a practice speed of 368.347 mph (592.797 km/h) last week. However, to officially set the hydrogen record, he must achieve the speed under the scrutiny of the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile. He acknowledged the uncertainty of the peak speed, calling it "part of the adventure here is we're going to find out."

Green, now 64, came out of retirement for this project after JCB approached him with their hydrogen car plans. JCB's chairman, Anthony Bamford, emphasized the project's role in proving hydrogen's viability for heavy industries, stating, "If you're serious about emissions, you have to be serious about hydrogen, and a land speed project is the perfect way to prove it."

“

If you’re serious about emissions, you have to be serious about hydrogen, and a land speed project is the perfect way to prove it.