Speed Record Club

speed on wheels, water and wings

Just for the Record - May 2009

contents:
Ecotricity GREENBIRD

Ecotricity GREENBIRD

“On the morning of 26 March 2009 on the ‘dry’ Lake Ivanpah, Nevada, USA The Greenbird, driven by British engineer Richard Jenkins, smashed the world land speed record for wind powered vehicles.

The Greenbird clocked 126.1 mph (202.9 kph), eclipsing the old, American held record of 116 mph, set by Bob Schumacher in the Iron Duck in March 1999 at the same location.”

So states the home page of The Greenbird website - and the culmination of 10 years work by Richard to achieve this goal.

What next? Richard now has his sights set on both the Ice and Water record. The vehicle for the Ice record is ready to go. Indeed, prior to his successful land attempt he had been in Canyon Ferry hoping that the right conditions would allow for an attempt on this record. Unfortunately, the ice did not recover from a snow fall prior to it starting to melt and break up on 1 March.

It appears the only possible window of opportunity is during the time between it freezing and the first snows. While Richard was aware of this, as he says, you can always hope! Anyway, the vehicle is now packed up in its trailer near the lake awaiting the next freeze. Richard will be back there in December, waiting for the first ice.

Once the ice record has been achieved Richard’s next goal is on water!

The Speed Record Club wishes Richard and the team the best of luck luck and will be following progress on their website at www.greenbird.co.uk

A four page report appears in FastFacts 73