168 mph in a Kenworth T2000 - But Not Fast Enough

Trucking companies like their drivers to stay within the speed limit, but when you’re the boss, you can bend the rules a bit.

Kenworth Truck. Co.

The "Red Racer Flat Out" - a souped-up 1999 Kenworth T2000 - at Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah.

Glenn Brown, president of Contract Freighters Inc., Joplin, Mo., bent them a lot as he attempted to break the Highway Hauler land speed record at Utah’s salt flats during the 1999 Bonneville National Speed Week held Aug. 14 to 20.

Brown came close to reaching his goal in a 1999 Kenworth T2000 — nicknamed “Red Racer Flat Out” — but fell short because of mechanical problems.

With speeds of 168, 161 and 157 mph, Brown managed to go faster than the current record of 147.696 mph set by George Nielsen in 1995. But the rules require competitors to make two consecutive runs and average the speeds to break a record.

Brown was never able to put two great runs back to back.

“We had a little bit of bad racing luck, but the Red Racer Flat Out rode like taking a trip to the grocery store,” said Brown. “We’re going to take another run at the record in October, and we think the chances are very good that we’ll get it.”

Kenworth and CFI plan to return to the salt flats to participate in the World Finals from Oct. 20 to 23.

Brown and Kenworth competed in the Highway Hauler class, which comes closest to a stock truck. Highway Haulers must be diesel-powered trucks of 14,500 pounds or more that have a fifth wheel mounted in the original location, and are capable of hauling freight.

The Kenworth and CFI entry featured a Cummins K-series engine with 2,200 horsepower and dual turbochargers, Bridgestone tires designed for use on airplanes and a racing fuel cell. The truck had a full 60-inch sleeper, a parachute for stopping, and a roll cage.

The effort was not Brown’s first attempt at truck racing. He teamed with Kenworth in July to win the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb.