The global shift towards greener energy solutions is progressing rapidly, with the development of electrically powered vehicles playing a significant role in the revolution for alternative sustainable energy. While much attention is concentrated on the present and future, it is intriguing to revisit notable milestones and highlights from the past as we steadily move towards greener and more sustainable resolutions. A significant milestone from a decade ago was the remarkable land speed record set by the Drayson Racing Team, reaching an impressive speed of 204.2 MPH with an electrically powered car in June 2013. This groundbreaking achievement took place at the former RAF Elvington base in Yorkshire, where a modified Le Mans car showcased the potential of electric-powered motor racing and strengthened its reliability during a pivotal moment.
The remarkable accomplishment of the Drayson Racing team was greatly attributed to the expertise and extensive engineering knowledge of precision bearing specialist, Carter Manufacturing Ltd. Their invaluable knowledge and experience played a central role in helping the team reach this historic milestone. Situated in Oxfordshire, the UK's prominent hub for motorsports, both Carter Manufacturing and the Drayson Racing Team were strategically positioned to foster a fruitful collaboration during the early stages of electric car development.
The project commenced with a call from Lord Drayson, a former science minister, accomplished businessman, and skilled racing driver, to Karl Brundell, the Managing Director of Carter Manufacturing Ltd. Lord Drayson sought Carter’s engineering and product support in the pursuit of building the world's fastest electric car. In a remarkable turn of events, Lord Drayson found himself in the driver's seat of the Drayson B12 69/EV electric Le Mans Prototype, taking advantage of near-perfect conditions when the longstanding speed record of 175mph, which had persisted for almost four decades, was broken by an astonishing 29.2mph.
Reflecting on the achievement, Drayson stated, "While the impressive speed of 204.2mph is noteworthy, what truly stands out about this record is the engineering feat of accelerating a 1000kg electric vehicle on a short runway over a measured mile." He further emphasized, "Yet, credit must be given to my exceptional team and the world-class partners, including Carter Manufacturing, who have been instrumental in this achievement."
Carter Bearings played a critical role in propelling the B12 69/EV to its record-breaking speed by incorporating hybrid ceramic bearings into the gearbox. These bearings not only diminished starting torque and fatigue but also provided specialised technical assistance to the Drayson team for all their enquiries related to bearings.
Another notable example from 10 years ago is when Carter Manufacturing showcased their exceptional bearing solutions by sponsoring 'Team Spitphya' in the renowned Red Bull Soapbox challenge, a vastly different endeavor compared to the Drayson project. In a memorable triumph, Team Spitphya emerged victorious in the London Red Bull Soap Box Race, famously known as the 'World's wackiest road race,' held at Alexandra Palace in North London. Challenging 70 other teams on a 430-meter course, Team Spitphya's soapbox, named 'Phyabird,' drew inspiration from esteemed land speed record holders like John Cobb, Malcolm Campbell, and Henry Seagrave. Featuring Carter's top-of-the-line, low-friction bearings, the soapbox became a crucial component in helping the team succeed in this exhilarating and highly competitive event.
Looking ahead ten years after these notable and diverse achievements in British engineering, Carter Manufacturing has witnessed remarkable growth in its product range of precision bearings and bearing tools. Today, their products are widely employed in the most demanding applications worldwide. These bearings have gained approval and recognition in various cutting-edge sectors, such as aerospace and space applications, LNG commercial pumps for container ships, high-end optical systems, and challenging military and defence applications. Notably, Carter has recently made a successful foray into the world of NASCAR, showcasing its capabilities as a UK-based company by supplying bearings solutions to teams in the fiercely competitive realm of US motorsport.