Meet the people behind JCB’s records
At JCB, we’re proud to have been at the forefront of speed for decades, combining engineering and innovation in our machines to break new ground in our industry. From project directors to drivers, there have been so many key figures behind our records, and we want to celebrate their incredible efforts.
Record 1: JCB Dieselmax
In 2006, the JCB Dieselmax engine was the innovation behind a new record: the fastest diesel-powered car and a new land speed record.
Who were the team behind JCB Dieselmax
63 people made up the team behind the Dieselmax also known as ‘Project H1’, who worked together across 21 months of gruelling planning, building and testing.
Initiated by Lord Bamford, who wanted to prove the strength of the JCB444 engine, Project H1 was led by Project Director Dr Tim Leverton. He worked alongside Aerodynamics Specialist Ron Ayers, and Formula 1 Engineer John Piper, who all came together to work on the car and engine design. And of course, there was the all-important driver.
Who was the JCB Dieselmax driver?
Wing Commander Andy Green drove the JCB Dieselmax car, a Royal Air Force Officer who went on to set the land speed record in 2006. Andy Green’s world record still stands today, reaching 350mph on the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah.
Record 2: JCB Fastrac
In 2019, JCB broke the record for the world’s fastest tractor – and the JCB Fastrac top speed of 135.191 mph was captured on camera for a Channel 4 TV documentary.
Who were the team behind JCB Fastrac?
JCB Project Lead Alex Skittery led the team behind the record-breaking JCB Fastrac – featuring a 7.2 litre, 6-cylinder JCB Dieselmax engine producing over 1,016hp. While many people were involved in the aerodynamic analysis and development of the vehicle, three in particular stood out.
Mark Richards was responsible for the engine that achieved the horsepower; Jade Turner worked on the chassis, using the relatively new Topology Optimisation software to make it as light as possible; and Thomas Cullen worked as a key engineer across all aspects of the project.
Who drove the world’s fastest Tractor?
As for the driver, that was of course former motorcycle racer, lorry mechanic and thrill seeker, Guy Martin. With a few records already under his belt, Guy was ready for a new challenge: to become Guy Martin, Fastest Tractor driver. Guy Martin’s world record attempt took place at Elvington Airfield near York, with a 1.92-mile runway that created the perfect location for the new world record.
Record 3: JCB GT
In 2014, JCB broke the world record for the fastest Backhoe Loader with the JCB GT – taking the crown during an Australia-wide stunt tour.
Who were the team behind the JCB GT?
Lord Bamford assembled a unique team of people for the fastest digger attempt, under the supervision of long-serving JCB Demonstration Driver, Malcolm Grindley. Malcolm spent two years at the wheel of the JCB GT, demonstrating its capabilities all over the world. He was joined by Chief Engineer Dave Brown, who developed the JCB dragster, powered by a 1,200hp engine.
Who drove the JCB GT?
JCB Demonstration Driver Matt Lucas, A.K.A ‘The Dig’, was the man behind the wheel of the JCB GT for its world record title. The JCB GT Backhoe took the crown for fastest digger when it reached a speed of 72mph at the Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 in New South Wales, Australia.
Discover more of JCB's history with speed
View moreJCB Dieselmax: The world record-breaking journey
The JCB Dieselmax top speed is one for the history books. Find out more about the world record-breaking journey.
JCB’s journey to the fastest tractor in the world
Discover how JCB made the fastest production tractor and achieved the JCB Fastrac top speed.
JCB GT: World’s fastest Backhoe Loader
Wonder what the fastest JCB digger is? Explore the JCB GT, the world’s fastest Backhoe Loader.
The JCB Dieselmax Engine: The tech and design behind the innovation
Take a look at the Dieselmax engine and innovative engineering behind JCB’s record-breaking run.
Bonneville Speed Week
Discover the Bonneville Salt Flats records that have made Speed Week an unmissable event for racing lovers worldwide.