Hydrogen power!

[TrickyDicky]

I'm wondering how hydrogen is all of a sudden approved for Gas class when rule 1.U clearly states Hydrogen is in Fuel class!? That record is 470.
  Sid

 Yeah...who changed the definition of gasoline to include hydrogen when hydrogen has so much more stored energy?

 Was this voted on by the SCTA/BNI board?

  Not in 2024 rule book, in 2025?

                     JL222

As reported elsewhere by MRK:

The SCTA/BNI made special accommodations for it. See page 16 of the 2026 rule book

[Dakin Engineering]

SCTA ruled hydrogen needs oxygen to burn.
Thus it is un-oxygenated, therefore,  gas.


Sam
#6062

[desotoman]

I'm wondering how hydrogen is all of a sudden approved for Gas class when rule 1.U clearly states Hydrogen is in Fuel class!? That record is 470.
  Sid

 Yeah...who changed the definition of gasoline to include hydrogen when hydrogen has so much more stored energy?

 Was this voted on by the SCTA/BNI board?

  Not in 2024 rule book, in 2025?

                    JL222

2026 Rule Book has a new addition under Section 1, 1.U. Fuels, 2nd Paragraph, Bold Black print.

From the internet,



Search Assist

The SCTA designated the JCB Hydromax to compete in the Blown Gas Streamliner (AA/BGS) class, which is for vehicles with engines exceeding 500 cubic inches in displacement. This classification allows the car to showcase its hydrogen combustion technology while adhering to specific racing regulations.
ua.news
agg-net.com

SCTA Class Designation for JCB Hydromax

The JCB Hydromax was designated to compete in the Blown Gas Streamliner (AA/BGS) class by the Southern California Timing Association (SCTA). This class is specifically for vehicles with engines exceeding 500 cubic inches in displacement.

Class Specifications
Class Name                    Engine Displacement Requirement
Blown Gas Streamliner (AA/BGS)    Over 500 cubic inches

Purpose of the Designation

Showcase Hydrogen Technology: The class designation allows the JCB Hydromax to demonstrate its hydrogen combustion technology in a competitive environment.
Adherence to Racing Regulations: Competing in this class ensures that the vehicle meets specific SCTA racing regulations, which are crucial for maintaining safety and fairness in the competition.
This classification is part of the SCTA's efforts to promote innovation in land speed racing while allowing teams to push the boundaries of engineering and performance.

ua.news
agg-net.com

From SCTA BNI FACEBOOK

SCTA Southern California Timing Association
July 12
 ·
It has come to our attention that there has been some confusion regarding the classification of hydrogen as a gas.
Hydrogen was submitted as a proposed rule change at the most recent Rules Committee meeting. During that meeting, a request was made for additional clarification, so the vote was postponed until the necessary information could be provided. After the requested information was distributed to the Rules Committee and Club Representatives, the Reps and Board voted at its following meeting to approve the rule change, reclassifying hydrogen from the Fuel category to the Gas category.
Sunoco serves as the official gas and fuel supplier for our events; however, they do not supply hydrogen. Because of this, we secured an alternate supplier, Oneh2, to meet the needs of competitors requiring hydrogen. Under SCTA procedures, race teams have 45 days to submit a special equipment inquiry. This year, the only team that submitted was JCB, so there was no operational need to publish a general event hydrogen supplier.
We would also like to remind everyone that SCTA and BNI are volunteer-driven organizations. Our volunteers dedicate countless hours throughout the year to organizing safe, successful, and enjoyable events for all racers, crews, and spectators. We recognize that not everyone will agree with every decision or always have access to the same information. We welcome questions and constructive discussion, and we ask that all conversations remain respectful and professional. By working together and communicating with courtesy, we can continue to make our events successful for the entire landspeed racing community.
Keith Pedersen
SCTA President
Heather Black
BNI Chairman

[TD]

From the JCB website, https://www.jcb.com/en-GB/explore/insight/news/
...
The record - set in the Category A, Group XIV - Class 7 FIA World Flying Record Start Land Speed Record
...

Kinda surprised by this but I think they have the class wrong here.  Group XV is for hydrogen reciprocating engines whereas XIV is for fuel cell engines, whatever those are.

Tim

[JAL AKA JL222]

  Who summited the rule change allowing hydrogen in fuel class.

                      JL222

[MRK]

Who summited the rule change allowing hydrogen in fuel class.

                      JL222

I suggest you contact your SCTA club president. They should have received all of the proposed rule changes that were submitted in 2025.

[MRK]

I'm wondering how hydrogen is all of a sudden approved for Gas class when rule 1.U clearly states Hydrogen is in Fuel class!? That record is 470.
  Sid

Yup, the 2025 rule book clearly lists hydrogen in 1.U but, it must have been argued that it was classified incorrectly and moved to the "Event Gasoline" description. I stated earlier in this thread that accommodations were made. Could it be that the AA/BFS record was out of reach or was there a price put on an injection of notoriety that influenced the rule change. Regardless, it's done.

[TD]

Anyone know if the JCB streamliner engines used direct fuel injection?

[PorkPie]

it's a

intake-manifold fuel injection

a direct fuel injection didn't work...

if JCB could get the engine running with a direct fuel injection, it would a great improvement...

[Dynoroom]

To add to what has already been posted. This subject was brought up at the Rules Committee meeting at the end of 2025. There were 30 people present representing all the clubs and committee chairs. There are minutes avaliable if you would like to view the voting record.
It is true that the SCTA asked the rules committee to visit the issue with hydrogen and it was decided that there are no oxygen bearing molicules in hydrogen like there are in Methanol or Nitro Methane etc. Thus the dicision to put it in the gasoline cleass.
You can disagree with the choice, but the process was above board.
As a personal note, I have always felt the the AA/BGS record was soft. A 1,400 hp big block should easliy go over 400 mph. So quit crying and build something.
 

[37 ROADSTER]

 

[WOODY@DDLLC]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TNj5bxRGwKo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=en064ihvhh4

[kiwi belly tank]

To add to what has already been posted. This subject was brought up at the Rules Committee meeting at the end of 2025. There were 30 people present representing all the clubs and committee chairs. There are minutes avaliable if you would like to view the voting record.
It is true that the SCTA asked the rules committee to visit the issue with hydrogen and it was decided that there are no oxygen bearing molicules in hydrogen like there are in Methanol or Nitro Methane etc. Thus the dicision to put it in the gasoline cleass.
 

Methanol has no oxygen bearing molecules unlike approved racing gas.
  Sid.

[tallguy]

When I think of alcOHol, I remember the OH.  O represents oxygen.  Please be informed that methanol does,
in fact, include oxygen (an element).

[MRK]

The JCB Hydromax streamliner hit Malibu beach last weekend to show off the technology of a hydrogen powered, 400mph vehicle. Check out the clip in the link below...
 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tpltp757nyQ