There are a few Skoda’s in Thailand, though none are thought of as competition vehicles. To try and change the image, a Skoda Octavia vRS, wrapped by signage specialist, Creative FX, and driven by automotive journalist, Richard Meaden, at Bonneville Speed Week, has broken the record for fastest ever Skoda, after recording a speed of 323 kph.
The 500 BHP Skoda Octavia vRS became one of the few cars to break the 320 kph barrier, and the first Skoda ever to attain that speed at Bonneville Speed Week in Utah, America.
Bonneville Skoda
The record-breaking car was sporting a special ‘10’ silver and green livery as it entered the history books. Produced and installed by vehicle wrapping specialist, Creative FX, the livery marks the tenth anniversary of the vRS range and 110 years of Skoda’s participation in motor sport.
Robert Hazlewood, director for Skoda UK, said, “Months of rigorous planning, testing and preparation have all been worthwhile. The entire team has done a fantastic job. Our thanks go out to Richard on an incredible drive.”
The Octavia vRS used is a factory-built model, which was specially modified for this event. As well as lowering the ride height and increasing brake horsepower from 200 to 500 BHP; the car had to include a reinforced roll cage, parachute, fire extinguishers and window cage, to meet Southern California Timing Association (SCTA) regulations.
Bonneville Speed Week, which is held near Salt Lake City every August, consists of six days of racing on salt flats. Its spectacular scenery and racing conditions make it one of the most popular speed events in the world.
Remember the movie, “The World’s Fastest Indian”, the story of New Zealander Burt Munro and his Indian motorcycle? An incredible, but true, story of how one man kept focus on Bonneville, and managed to set world records. It is available in record stores, or download it from the internet if you know how! A fabulous movie.
