Tractor-trailer sets a new land speed record Posted 2010/06/21 @ 11:00 AM By Myles Kornblatt
Anyone else impressed in Smokey and the Bandit when the Snowman was caught going over 80 mph in his 18-wheeler? Well then this one will really get your engine hummin’ good buddy.
Boije Ovebrink celebrated his 59th birthday earlier this month by setting two land speed records in tractor-trailer truck. Ovebrink took his specially-built Volvo semi to Hultsfred Airport in Sweden on June 9th and drove it for an average of 81.32 mph for 500 meters and 103.58 mph for the full kilometer. Due to the slow acceleration of semi trucks, their speed run is measured as an average over an entire course. So, the actual top speed of Ovebrink’s truck was over 155 mph when he crossed the finish line.
Unlike the Snowman, Ovebrink wasn’t weighted down with cold-filtered Coors during his high speed run, but he also didn’t have any help from Hollywood’s movie magic. Instead all Ovebrink had was an enhanced version of Volvo’s 16-liter D16 diesel engine that puts out an estimated 2,000 hp and 3,687 lb-ft or torque.
While the truck is not the same as those that come straight from Volvo’s factory, they are still very happy to stand by it for a PR opportunity. “His truck is to a very high degree based on original Volvo components, which clearly demonstrates the built in strength and quality of our products”, says Tommy Kohle, Senior Vice President, Corporate Communications at Volvo Trucks.
This may not be Ovebrink’s last attempt at the record. Back in 2001 he established the fastest truck time, but was topped in 2008 by a 106 mph run by Czech driver David Vršecký. This record later turned out to be not recognized by the FIA sanctioning organization. So Ovebrink really only beat himself on this month’s run. But like any good racer, no matter if it is official or unofficial, having a faster time out there is probably eating away at him.
Regardless if Ovebrink does actually try another run or not, he’s a hero to us. It really doesn’t take much for auto enthusiasts to understand why someone would want to set record in a vehicle built for commercial duty. Just like the lawnmower land speed record or a good ‘ol tractor pull, if its got an engine, we want to know how fast it goes.
Now all we have to do is get this Smokey and the Bandit remake fantasy out of our heads…
