The world's fastest digger gets closer

JCB's Dieselmax goes 350 mph and teaches engineers much about engine capability, extreme testing, and program management.

When it appeared on the bleach-white horizon, the vehicle was a tiny yellow speck. It had already exceeded 280 mph (450 km/h) and as still accelerating hard as it rushed into view.

Moving too rapidly for the Union Jack graphic on its vertical stabilizer to be recognized, the car crested 310 mph (500 km/h) and continued to gain speed. If didn't sound like a racecar, but rather like an express train going very, very fast. If was a muted, low-rpm rumble, producing a wake of turbulent air.