Rosco McGlashan And Aussie Invader 5R Gunning For World Land Speed Record

AUSTRALIAN DRAG RACER Rosco McGlashan is going for the ultimate drag once again, with British fighter pilot Andy Green's 1997 1185km/h World Land Speed Record in his sights.

McGlashan already holds the Australian Land Speed record at 802km/h - set in 1994 - and has made a number of attempts on the world record in the years since.

In 1995, McGlashan's shot at the title saw his car veer off course and impact with the timing equipment at Lake Gairdner at 960km/h, short of the at-the-time world record of 1013.55km/h.

This year, McGlashan and his team are building a new car, the Aussie Invader 5R.

His biggest and most powerful car yet, the Aussie Invader 5R will measure 18 metres long and three metres tall at the tailfin, weighing some seven tonnes.

Powered by four rocket thrusters, the AI5R has been designed to reach 1600km/h in just 20 seconds.

McGlashan is looking for sponsorship to get the car finished, needing about $3 million for the job.

The Aussie Invader 5R is expected to be finished and ready to run by 2011, around the same time a British entry - named Bloodhound - is expected to reach completion.