Boije Ovebrink sets world truck speed records in Volvo VN
Boije Ovebrink started his 59th birthday celebrations at Hultsfred Airport in Sweden on June 9th 2010, but before the day was over, he had two reasons for celebrating. With his new Volvo VN, Boije set the world truck speed record in both the 500 metre and 1,000 metre standing-start events.
The record, which after meticulous measurement showed an average speed of 130.862 km/h (500 metres) and 166.698* km/h (1,000 metres), is still unofficial as the results will be reviewed by the FIA (Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile) before they are acknowledged as official records. The FIA had a representative on site at Hultsfred to document the record-breaking event.
The record is calculated on the basis of average speed over the entire course, but when Boije crossed the finishing line he was clocked at just over 250 km/h.
“It feels amazing,” says Boije Ovebrink, who brought along his family and most of his racing team to witness the record-breaking race, adding, “It’s a great way to celebrate one’s birthday,”
For some time, Boije has been working to set new records with a specially-built truck, in collaboration with Volvo Trucks, various other sponsors and a team of enthusiasts. The 16-litre Volvo D16 engine that powers his truck is built to deliver a massive 2,000 horsepower and up to 5,000 Nm of torque.
“We congratulate Boije and his team of passionate Volvo engineers to this new world record. 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.
Until recently, Boije believed he needed to beat a speed of just over 170 km/h for the 1,000 metre course that Czech race ace David Vršecký from Team Buggyra achieved in 2008. However, closer examination revealed that this was not an official record acknowledged by the FIA.
The previous official record-holder, who in 2001 set the benchmark for both 500 and 1,000 metres, and again took the 1,000 metre record in 2007, is none other than Boije Ovebrink. Now he is waiting for the FIA’s approval to claim his latest record.
