World land speed record challenger to star at CRC Speedshow

21-22 July 2012

ASB Showgrounds, Greenlane, Auckland

Media statement

31 March 2012

World land speed record challenger Jetblack to star at CRC Speedshow

Jetblack, the New Zealand-led challenge for the world land speed record, is bringing their full-size concept car to CRC Speedshow in July.

The massive, sleek black concept car will dominate all other vehicles on display at this year’s CRC Speedshow at the ASB Showgrounds on 21 and 22 July. The monocoque chassis of Jetblack concept car is nearly 13 metres long and 1.65 metres high, providing very tangible evidence of New Zealand ’s first-ever world land speed record attempt.

Ultimately aiming for a top speed in excess of 1,000 mph to secure the world land speed record, Jetblack founder Richard Nowland, from Wellington , says the Jetblack challenge aims to challenge for the ultimate world record by 2016.

“We have a New Zealand-led team working in partnership with world-class technology companies and some of the greatest engineering minds in the world,” says Nowland.

For show organiser Keith Sharp, the opportunity to feature such a technology-focused ‘car’ at CRC Speedshow was one he didn’t want to miss.

“When I first saw photos of the Jetblack concept car last year, I knew this would be perfect for CRC Speedshow fans. To take on the British and US teams that have dominated the world land speed record books, now that’s a cool project!” says Sharp.

Nowland adds: “The goal for Jetblack is to promote New Zealand ’s engineering and innovation capability. Every single part of the car must be designed – there is almost nothing we can take off the shelf. And that poses great opportunities and challenges for our technology, engineering and manufacturing industries.”

One of CRC Speedshow’s regular exhibitors – Racetech Racing Supplies – is contributing to the Jetblack project with a heavily-researched, custom-built race seat for the recently appointed driver, RNZAF Wing Commander Stephen Hunt, a New Zealand who is also an ex-RAF Harrier pilot.

Key facts of the Jetblack project:

§ Every world land speed record challenge to date has been made with a steel-framed car. Jetblack uses the first all-composite chassis being designed by New Zealander Dr Mark Battley of Applied Engineering Research Ltd. New Zealand companies are world leaders in carbon fibre composite material technology which is used in America ’s Cup yachts and other high speed applications.

§ Jetblack will be powered by two 35,000 lb thrust ‘hybrid’ rockets produced by Space Propulsion Group in California , USA . With their power under the throttle control of Wing Commander Hunt, Jetblack’s rockets use similar technology to the rockets used in Space Ship Two, Virgin Galactic’s passenger spacecraft.

§ Auckland University of Technology is conducting research to assist the cockpit design and has built a cockpit simulator, guided by Dr Robert Wellington who specialises in human-machine interface.

§ Jetblack’s wheels – designed by Glynne Bowsher, the mechanical engineer for the current world land speed record-holder – stand 850 mm tall and are forged from solid, aerospace-grade aluminium.

The world land speed record is currently held by Andy Green driving Thrust SSC for Great Britain with a speed of 763 mph, set in October 1997 at Black Rock Desert, Nevada, USA and which set the first supersonic land speed record.

The Jetblack team plan to challenge the world land speed record in five or six years time and possible locations include India , the Arabian Gulf, USA and Australia .

“Jetblack adds a unique new dimension to the 2012 CRC Speedshow,” says Sharp. “One entire hall of the annual automotive and motorsport expo features the New Zealand Hot Rod Association 50th anniversary national hot rod show, while Jetblack will stand head and shoulders above an ever-increasing line-up of new cars and motorbikes in another of the massive ASB Showgrounds’ display spaces.

“The sixth annual CRC Speedshow is certainly shaping up to be another fantastic event with massive support from the new car, motorcycle, automotive supplies and motorsport sectors. With our Ezy Buy Auctions live action arena, heaps for children of all ages to enjoy and both indoor and outdoor activities and displays, CRC Speedshow is a must-do event at Auckland ’s ASB Showgrounds for the weekend of 21 and 22 July this year.”

News and information about CRC Speedshow is updated on the website, www.speedshow.co.nz , on a regular basis or follow the show on Facebook and Twitter.

ENDS/

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