Corus plays key role in JCB DIESELMAX diesel land speed record attempt

Corus Corporate Relations Director, David Jackson, witnessed first-hand the effect of Corus’ contribution to the JCB DIESELMAX assault on the land speed record for diesel-powered cars. He spoke at length with Chief Engineer, Tim Leverton, about the steel tube Corus supplied to the DIESELMAX team.

High stiffness and light weight were critical specifications for the chassis steel needed in the JCB DIESELMAX streamliner. Unable to source suitable material in the UK, JCB turned to Corus, who quickly managed to find the correct steel outside the country.

Commenting on the support from Corus, JCB DIESELMAX Chief Designer John Piper said: "Corus has been fantastic. The DIESELMAX team received timely help and procured steel tube for the chassis frame, which had exactly the right external dimensions and wall thicknesses for our design."

Mr. Piper continued: "The steel tube supplied to the JCB DIESELMAX not only allows the vehicle to remain lightweight, but very importantly also delivers the chassis stiffness that is essential in a vehicle of this length, and for undertaking a land speed record attempt in a car of this type."

As an official supporter of JCB's attempt to break the diesel land speed record, Corus representatives were among a select audience invited to witness the test run of the JCB DIESELMAX car on Monday 24th July at RAF Wittering near Peterborough.

The diesel land speed record attempt will take place during August 2006 at the Bonneville Salt Flats, Utah.  The JCB DIESELMAX streamliner will be driven by Wing Commander Andy Green, the fastest man on earth.