Team Vesco Turbinator II, along with driver Dave Spangler, roared into history as the first wheel-driven automobile to exceed 500 mph on Utah's Bonneville Salt Flats. The speed machine averaged 493 mph in the measured mile and recorded a 503 mph mark as it exited the timing lights, indicating the car was still accelerating.
 
"Dave drove the car straight and true," Team Matriarch "Jinx" Vesco said. "We have looked over everything and nothing was hurt, we are ready for our record run! It's been a very long time in coming."

The team will make a return run to satisfy record requirements of the Southern California Timing Association (SCTA), with the second run averaged to determine the new national record. TEAMVesco was the top record-setter at the Utah Salt Flats Racing Association (USFRA) World of Speed in September, with a 482 mph class record. In August, at the venerable SCTA Speed Week, the team also earned the HOT ROD Magazine Top Time Trophy with a 463.038 mph in class 3/T.

Powered by a Lycoming T3 turbine tuned by Advanced Turbine Services, the engine feeds a bespoke reduction gear case that distributes the blistering horsepower to all four wheels simultaneously.

"Our organization is very glad to be part of history. The is an epic event and amazingly, 500 miles per hour DOES look different than 400,” World Finals Race Director and SCTA President Pat McDowell said.

Visit here for video coverage of Team Vesco's spectacular run.