Bloodhound 1,000mph land speed record project saved by private investor (updated)
Could we finally get our rocket-powered run?
THE BLOODHOUND SSC project has been saved after a private investor stepped in to buy the British land speed record team.
Last week, it was announced Bloodhound would be liquidated after a buyer wasn’t found during the administration period, but its assets have been bought at the 11th hour for an undisclosed sum by a Mr Ian Warhurst.
Based in Yorkshire, Mr Warhurst’s background is primarily in the automotive engineering sector. He’s currently the managing director of the Barsnley-based turbocharger manufacturer Melett, which he also owned from 2002 to 2017.
The new investment will allow the project to continue on its way to potentially set a new land speed record of 1,000mph or more. Details on what lies in store for the Bloodhound supersonic car will be disclosed in early 2019.
In a statement, Bloodhound Programme Ltd said: “The Team are thrilled that Ian has saved Bloodhound SSC for the country. It’s the best possible Christmas present for the many supporters around the world who have been inspired by the project.”
The buyout of the Bloodhound project comes shortly after the independently-funded Bloodhound SSC Education charity confirmed it was “business as usual”, and would expand its scope beyond the land speed record car in its initiatives to “inspire a generation of students to explore and get involved in science, technology, engineering and mathematics subjects”.
Update, December 20, 2018
The Bloodhound project has released the following statement this morning:
| Dear BLOODHOUND Supporter
As you will be aware BLOODHOUND Programme Limited recently went into voluntary Administration, but we are absolutely delighted that on Monday 17th December, the business and assets were bought allowing the Project to continue. The acquisition was made by Yorkshire-based entrepreneur Ian Warhurst. Ian is a mechanical engineer by training, with a strong background in managing a highly successful business in the automotive engineering sector, so he will bring a lot of expertise to the Project. Ian and his family have been enthusiastic BLOODHOUND supporters for many years, and this inspired his new involvement with the Project and will shape its future: “I am delighted to have been able to safeguard the business and assets preventing the project breakup. I know how important it is to inspire young people about science, technology, engineering and maths, and I want to ensure BLOODHOUND can continue doing that into the future.” “It’s clear how much this unique British project means to people and I have been overwhelmed by the messages of thanks I have received in the last few days.” Although it has been a frustrating few months for BLOODHOUND, we are thrilled that Ian has saved BLOODHOUND SSC from closure for the country and the many supporters around the world who have been inspired by the Project. We now have a lot of planning to do for 2019 and beyond, so we’re going to have a break over Christmas and then return in the New Year to formulate the next steps. We’d like to thank you for your past support of the Project and will write again in the New Year with further news. Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. The BLOODHOUND Team |
