Hennessey’s Quest for the Ultimate Speed Record

Hennessey reignites the race for top speed, aiming to surpass 300 mph in both directions, with challenges ahead in finding the perfect testing ground.

Achieving top speed records is a matter of intense competition and prestige in the automotive world. Bugatti set a monumental benchmark by surpassing 300 mph (483 km/h) in one direction, after which it decided to step back from the pursuit of speed records. However, Hennessey is not backing down and aims to break the record by achieving such speeds in both directions. The company’s CEO shared insights on YouTube about Hennessey’s history and its strategy to achieve this goal soon.

The quest to reach 300 mph has cooled down in recent years. Bugatti made headlines in 2019 by being the first to cross this threshold, albeit unidirectionally, and subsequently announced its withdrawal from the race for speed supremacy.

The SSC Tuatara’s attempt in 2020 sparked controversy and ended without setting a new standard. In 2022, it reached 295 mph (475 km/h) but, like Bugatti, only in one direction. That same year, Hennessey tested its Venom F5, reaching 271.6 mph (437 km/h) during a suspension test, but news on the top-speed front has been scarce since.

John Hennessey has now reignited the company’s commitment to breaking the top-speed record, aiming for a two-way average speed of over 300 mph. The company is finalizing preparations, with the test car nearly ready, a driver selected, and a dedicated team assembled. However, finding a suitable location for the attempt remains a challenge. The Kennedy Space Center is not an option, leading Hennessey to consider seeking permission from the Texas Government to use a highway for the record attempt, something they’ve successfully done before.

While Hennessey focuses on its own efforts, it’s aware that other manufacturers may also be quietly vying for the same record. The CEO subtly acknowledged competitors like Bugatti, Rimac, and Koenigsegg, without mentioning SSC. The race to set a new top-speed record is unpredictable, and we’re left to watch and wait for the next major development. Should there be an unexpected closure of a Texas highway with hypercars in sight, it might just be a sign that history is about to be made.