About this episode

The episode discusses the JCB Hydromax and its potential to set a new land-speed record using hydrogen power.

20 years ago, JCB, a company renowned for producing agricultural and construction equipment, shocked the world when it unveiled Dieselmax - a land-speed record car that shot to both fame and speed on the Bonneville Salt Flats in the USA, achieving the diesel land speed record of 350.092mph. Now, in 2026, JCB is back at it, only this time, Lord Bamford and his engineers want to set the record with Hydrogen power. The JCB Hydromax is the latest landspeed record car from JCB. Two 800hp hydrogen combustion engines power it, generating an overall power output of 1,600hp and a targeted top speed of over 350mph. Tom Beimish is the man largely responsible for JCB's hydrogen technology and has been an integral part of the Hydromax program. John Marcar speaks with Tom to find out how and why hydrogen is the future for JCB rather than diesel, hybrid, or electric power. Wing Commander Andy Green OBE is a former RAF fast-jet pilot who has spent the last 20+ years at the controls of fighter jets for the Royal Air Force. Now, he's stepping into the driver's seat of Hydromax to push the latest technology to the max and set a new world record. John sits down with Tom and Andy to discover more…

People in this episode

Host: John Marcar

Guests: Tom Beamish, Wing Commander Andy Green OBE

Topics covered

• hydrogen technology
• land-speed record
• automotive innovation
• JCB Hydromax
• interview
• motorsport

Keywords

• JCB
• Hydromax
• land-speed record
• hydrogen power
• automotive technology
• Tom Beamish
• Andy Green
• RAF Wittering
• Dieselmax

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: JCB, Royal Air Force

Places: Bonneville Salt Flats, RAF Wittering

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