Land Speed Record Archives Reveal Fearless Era of Speed 2026

Land speed record history is being revealed through newly digitized archives, showcasing the fearless era of speed breakers. The recent achievement by a British team at Bonneville adds to a legacy spanning over a century.

The New Hydrogen-Powered Record

On Tuesday, JCB's Hydromax car took the hydrogen-powered International Automobile Federation (FIA) land speed record, reaching 406.320mph at Bonneville. The car was driven by Andy Green, the former RAF wing commander who holds the current outright land speed record of 763.035mph, set in 1997 in the ThrustSSC car. Green also became the only person to have broken the sound barrier on land.

This new record is part of a rich history of land speed record attempts, and the FIA is now digitising more than two million documents and pictures from its archive. The collection relating to the land speed record, held in the FIA storage facility in Valleiry, France, is one of the first projects to be made public.

The Archive Digitisation Project

“This is the first time they’ve been available outside of the boxes that were stored in Valleiry,” said Roger Banowetz, the president of the FIA land speed records commission. “I was pushing to get the land speed record archive digitised, it’s really important to have that material available for everybody.”

Alongside the documents and pictures are hand-written notes, letters and official records, annotated by those witnessing or taking part in the record attempts. This distinct, human element reaches back through the years, offering a unique glimpse into the challenges and triumphs of speed pioneers.

Historical Context

The battle to be the fastest began shortly after the invention of the motorcar at the end of the 19th century, initially under electric combustion power. The French were early leaders, but soon British and American drivers took up the challenge. The Bonneville salt flats in Utah became a iconic venue for these attempts, offering a flat, vast surface ideal for high-speed runs.

Over the decades, the land speed record has been pushed from around 40mph in the early 1900s to over 760mph today. Each record required not only engineering innovation but also immense personal courage, as drivers faced extreme risks and the constant threat of mechanical failure.

Comparison of Notable Land Speed Records

Key Takeaways

• The FIA is digitising over two million documents from its land speed record archive.
• Andy Green remains the only person to break the sound barrier on land.
• The new hydrogen record demonstrates ongoing innovation in speed technology.
• Historical records include hand-written notes and letters from participants.
• The Bonneville salt flats continue to be a central venue for record attempts.

FAQ

Best Products We’ve Tested and Rated

Our testing team has hands-on reviews of battery chainsaw, shoes heel spurs, crystal glass cleaner, wheelbarrow concrete, and tattoo machines. Every option below was compared across price, build quality, and real-world performance, with honest pros and cons. We update these guides regularly as new models arrive, so the recommendations stay current.

Our testing team has hands-on reviews of coconut oil oil pulling, training collar stubborn dogs, surf fishing reel, mattress arthritis, and irons. Every option below was compared across price, build quality, and real-world performance, with honest pros and cons. We update these guides regularly as new models arrive, so the recommendations stay current.