JCB Hydromax Set to Make History at Bonneville SpeedWeek 2026
British engineering icon JCB is preparing to return to the world-famous Bonneville Salt Flats with an ambitious new mission to break a hydrogen-powered land speed record!
Twenty years after rewriting the history books with the legendary JCB Dieselmax, British engineering icon JCB is preparing to return to the world-famous Bonneville Salt Flats with an ambitious new mission to break a hydrogen-powered land speed record.
And here at Holt JCB Ltd, we could not be prouder to represent a manufacturer that continues to push the boundaries of engineering innovation on the world stage.
A New Era of British Engineering
The new 32-foot streamliner, named JCB Hydromax, will compete at Bonneville SpeedWeek 2026 between 1st and 7th August 2026. Powered by JCB’s own hydrogen combustion engines, the project represents far more than a quest for speed — it is a bold statement about the future of clean power and British manufacturing excellence.
After investing £100 million and dedicating five years to hydrogen engine development, JCB has already begun producing hydrogen-powered machines. Now, the company is taking that innovation to one of the most iconic proving grounds in motorsport history.
JCB Chairman Anthony Bamford said:
“Britain has a proud heritage of setting speed records and, as a British company, I’m excited to challenge for a new one using hydrogen. This is not just about speed – it’s about showcasing the world-class engineering talent we have here in the UK and the robustness of our new hydrogen engines.”
Those words perfectly capture why this project matters. It demonstrates that British engineering remains at the forefront of global innovation, combining sustainability, performance and technical brilliance.
From Dieselmax to Hydromax
Back in 2006, Andy Green drove the JCB Dieselmax to an astonishing 350.092 mph, a diesel land speed record that still stands today.
Now, exactly two decades later, Green returns to the driver’s seat for another history-making attempt.
Speaking about the challenge ahead, Andy Green said:
“Today, that car is still the fastest diesel-engined vehicle in history. Now we’re going back to the Bonneville Salt Flats, spiritual home of the World Land Speed Record, with JCB’s new hydrogen engines.”
He added:
“The ‘JCB Hydromax’ car is lighter, more powerful and faster than its predecessor of 20 years ago. Once again, we’re going to show the world just how good British engineering and technology really is.”
For everyone connected to the JCB brand, from employees and engineers to dealers and customers, this is a proud moment that reflects the relentless drive to innovate.
Why Bonneville SpeedWeek Matters
Held annually since 1949, Bonneville SpeedWeek is regarded as the world’s premier land speed racing event. Hosted on the vast salt plains of Utah, competitors from around the globe gather to chase records in some of the fastest machines ever created.
The unique conditions of the Bonneville Salt Flats make them ideal for extreme speed attempts. Their perfectly flat 30,000-acre salt surface allows vehicles to accelerate safely beyond 300 mph.
For JCB, there could be no better stage to showcase hydrogen technology to a worldwide audience.
Hydrogen Power Meets Real-World Performance
What makes this story even more exciting is that the technology inside the Hydromax isn’t experimental laboratory engineering — it is based on real production engines developed by JCB engineers.
The car will use two production-based hydrogen combustion engines producing a combined 1,600 bhp, proving that hydrogen can deliver both sustainability and incredible performance.
Anthony Bamford explained:
“If you’re serious about emissions, you have to be serious about hydrogen – and a land-speed project is the perfect way to prove it.”
That philosophy is one reason JCB continues to lead conversations around the future of construction and agricultural machinery.
Proud to Represent an Iconic British Brand
As the appointed JCB dealer for South West England and South Wales, Holt JCB Ltd is incredibly proud to support a company whose name is recognised around the world for innovation, durability and engineering excellence.
From groundbreaking hydrogen technology to record-breaking machines, JCB continues to demonstrate why it remains one of Britain’s most respected manufacturers.
Projects like Hydromax inspire not only the construction and agricultural sectors, but future generations of engineers who will shape the industries of tomorrow.
Follow the Journey with Holt JCB
As testing begins in the UK ahead of Bonneville SpeedWeek 2026, excitement is already building around what could become another historic moment for JCB and British engineering.
Follow Holt JCB Ltd for the latest JCB news, machine innovation, industry insights and updates from the road to Bonneville.
Will JCB break the 350 mph barrier once again...this time using hydrogen power?
We cannot wait to find out.
