What's all this about?
A team of mechanical engineering students from Queen's University Belfast will aim to go beyond 200mph on a motorcycle this October, although they need sponsorship to do so.
Blimey, how on Earth are they going to physically do that?
Led by 23-year-old Sam Marsden, Project Velocity has designed a full fairing motorcycle that should be able to comfortably (if that's the right word) exceed 200mph on the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah, USA. If the bike manages this speed, it will be way beyond the 184mph record that has stood since 1967.
Why do I get the feeling that this is all ringing a bell?
Because, if you've seen the film The World's Fastest Indian, featuring Oscar-winning scenery-chewer Sir Anthony Hopkins, that 184mph run is what it's all about - a movie of New Zealander Bert Munro's 48-year-old land speed record in the 1,000cc Streamline Class S-F category.
And why does Project Velocity need sponsors?
Friends and family of the engineering students will travel to the US with them for the run, and it's the logistics for this that need backing. Sam, who is dyslexic, said: "We have completed the design of the bike using powerful computer simulation tools available to us through Queen's University Belfast to verify our capability of breaking this record. We are now in the process of building our bike but we urgently need additional financial support to progress this project and realise our ambition. Project Velocity will showcase just what commitment and desire, combined with engineering talent and skills, can deliver on a global scale. In particular, as a dyslexic I am personally focused on inspiring young people with learning difficulties to pursue further education and ultimately inspire them to follow their dreams."
Well, good luck to them. Will I be able to watch this event?
Yes, as Project Velocity will be part of a 2016 Discovery Channel TV show called Meet the Superbrains. Head over to www.projectvelocity-bonneville.com to find contact details for the team.
Matt Robinson - 20 Jul 2015
