News: Tractor sets 88.88mph record on snow

Not a snow plough in sight


A FOUR-TIME world rally champion has added a speed record to his already impressive CV by tackling a course at an average of 88.88mph. On snow. In a tractor.

Juha Kankkunen of Finland made the world record attempt in a Valtra T series tractor. “The T234 was electronically tuned to boost engine output,” reported Farmers Weekly, “but didn’t have any upgraded hardware.” The magazine had previously praised the revamped Valtra T234, which costs £120,791, although more for its high seating position and built-in fridge — “to keep your sarnies fresh” — than for its speed.

Kankkunen set the time, verified by Guinness World Records, on a 1½-mile course created at a Finnish airfield. “I have done top speed tests in several cars,” said the taciturn rally ace. “This was the first time with a tractor and we immediately achieved a world record. Tyres and tractor worked really well together.”


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