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IRISH LANDSPEED RECORD – HISTORY
The Irish Landspeed record is the fastest speed recorded by car, motorcycle or 3-wheeler in Ireland. It is the average speed over a 1-kilometre distance, with the speed measured over both opposing directions and then averaged again.

The current Irish Landspeed record was established by Mel Nolan on at Carrigrohane Road on 18th July 1981. The average speed for the 1-kilometre was 296.29 kmph on the closed public road. That same day Mel Nolan also set a World 1000cc motorcycle flying mile record at a speed of 290.416 kmph. A top speed of 307.52 kmph was recorded with the best average one-way speed of 300.752 kmph for the flying kilometre.

The records were set on a Honda 998cc motorcycle, which was bult by Mel Nolan and Denis Collins in Cork and was based on a Honda CB750 K2 engine with modifications, making it the first turbo charged and nitrous oxide powered motorcycle in Europe.

Speed record attempts are certified by Motorsport Ireland (Under F.I.A. rules), and Motorcycling Ireland (F.I.M. rules). Both bodies adhere to the same rules for speed records. A new record must be ratified and certified by the relevant governing body, Motorsport Ireland or Motorcycling Ireland for Irish record and F.I.A. of F.I.M. for world records

The timing equipment used for record setting must be certified to 1000th second accuracy. The track used must also be surveyed by a Chartered Engineer before the event and must have a maximum gradient of no more than 1 metre in 1000 metres to include a distance of 1 kilometre on each side of the measured kilometre as well as a track measurement accuracy of 1 centimetre in 1 kilometre.

The event must also be timed by certified International time keepers. Runs in each direction may only take place within 1 hour with no changes to the vehicle allowed between the 2 measured runs. The wind speed, in the direction of the run, may not exceed 9 metres per second.

Any engine capacity record achieved must have the engine stripped immediately after the event and measured by a certified engineer to ensure it complies with the engine capacity of the record being submitted.

Irish National speed records are also recognised for certified performances outside of Ireland by Irish national citizens. There are separate car and motorcycle categories for which records are recognised.

Irish Speed Records - History

1903- Phoenix Park, Dublin – First recorded speed trials in Ireland. Baron De Forest driving a Mors beat another Mors and 80 h.p. Panhard driven by the Hon. Charles Rolls (of Rolls Royce fame). The speed was not recorded but said to be close to 100 m.p.h.

1930 – 4th Nov. – Joe Wright (England) set a World 1000cc Motorcycle record at 150.74 m.p.h on a Zenith with a JAP engine on the Carrigrohane Road, Cork.

Mid 1930’s – J-P Wimillie was timed at almost 150 m.p.h at Rosslare Strand in a 3 litre Bugatti.

1970 – Jan – Lingard Goulding recorded 159.60 m.p.h. in a Lola at Carrigrohane Road, Cork. The record was never ratified

1978 – June – Rosemary Smith recorded 156.10 m.p.h. in a 5 litre 8 cylinder Jaguar car.

1978 – June – Danny Keaney on a 750cc Yamaha motorcycle recorded 161 m.p.h. and set a new Irish landspeed record

1979 – August – Vivian Candy driving a Formula 1 Shadow sets a new Irish landspeed record at 168 m.p.h.

1980 – July – Danny Keaney on a 750cc Yamaha motorcycle recorded 171.32 m.p.h. and set a new Irish landspeed record

1981 – July 16th – Mel Nolan sets a new Irish landspeed record on Cork built Turbo Honda Special 998cc motorcycle at 182.08 m.p.h.

1981 – July 18th – Mel Nolan increases the Irish landspeed record to 184.10 m.p.h. (296.29 km.p.h.) average speed on the Turbo Honda Special 998cc motorcycle at Carrigrohane Road, Cork. He recorded a top speed of 307.52 km.p.h. and also set a new World 1000cc flying mile record at 290.416 k.p.h. average speed.

1981 – September – Mel Nolan achieves a new World and Irish National 1000cc flying kilometre record of 303.429 km.p.h. at Elvington, Yorkshire, U.K. and recorded a top speed of 333.52 k.p.h.

1990 – July – Martin Birrane in a Le Mans Porsche set a new Irish car record at 172.27 m.p.h. on the Dublin Westlink road.

1994 – Brendan O Mahony in a Porsche 962 set a new Irish car record of 178.7 m.p.h. (287.6 km.p.h) on the M4 Kilcock Maynooth by pass.