Project Runningblade Revealed

Some two weeks ago we were reporting on a new world land speed record for a lawnmower attempt planned by a British team for 2010. Dubbed 'Project Runningblade,' the high -speed mower will be developed along with Countax, which has now unveiled the machine that is believed to be able to reach 100 mph at the Beaulieu Estate, better known as the home to the National Motor Museum.

Housing over 250 historic vehicles, highlights of  the collection include the four Land Speed Record cars permanently on display there.

“I saw a video of American, Bob Cleveland on YouTube setting the record for lawnmowers at an impressive 80.792mph on Bonneville Salt Flats,” Stephen Vokins stated, “and I was greatly impressed, but felt with the right team, 100mph should be possible.”

“We’re delighted with the machine,” Vokins added, “and we’re looking forward to bringing another important record to Britain.”

At the projected 100 mph the team aims to achieve, the lawnmower, driven by Don Wales, will be covering the Pendine Sands at the rate of 147 ft/sec. It will reportedly go through a measured mile in less than 36 seconds, and would be able to cut the grass on a standard football pitch in 2.61 minutes.

“Beaulieu is home to an unrivalled collection of Land Speed Record material,” says Beaulieu’s Managing Director, Russell Bowman, “so when Stephen came to us with his idea, we were keen to offer it all the support we could. We’ve even reserved a place for the machine next to Sir Malcolm Campbell’s 1925 Bluebird, which was driven by the team’s driver’s grandfather on the very same beach that Project Runningblade will go for their own record.”