A 69-year-old pensioner from the United States has set a new land speed record after travelling at an average speed of nearly 450mph.

Danny Thompson, driving the Challenger 2 land speed car, smashed the previous record with an average speed of 448mph over two runs across the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah.

Thompson was following in his father Mickey’s footsteps at the famous Speed Week which is held annually by the Southern California Timing Association. Mickey Thompson was the first American to drive over 400mph, and Thompson Jnr’s record was even more impressive as he used the same car as his father, built 50 years earlier.

The bright blue Challenger 2 has made several attempts at the land speed record, but those plans were shelved when Mickey Thompson was murdered. The current Challenger 2 has only a couple of modifications from the original vehicle, mainly two 2,5000bhp nitro engines, which have replaced 7-litre Ford V8s.

“[The speed record] has been the goal since day one of the project, and it wouldn’t have been possible without the extraordinary efforts of my crew,” Danny Thompson said. “The men and women who volunteered to join me on this crazy adventure are the reason for today’s success. I can never thank them enough.

“In 1968, my dad, the mad scientists at Kar Kraft, and an elite group of Southern California gearheads created a vehicle that they believed had the potential to become the world’s fastest hot rod.

“It took five decades, a lot of elbow grease, and a few modifications, but I feel like I’ve finally been able to fulfill their dream, as well as my own. Thanks guys. I share today’s record with all of you.”

At CarSupermarket.com we have got fast cars to suit all ages and members of the family. Though none that can travel at 450mph unfortunately.

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