World's Fastest Diesel at October 2 Motor Press Guild Luncheon

LOS ANGELES - September 25, 2007: The Motor Press Guild (MPG), America's largest professional automotive media association, announces British construction equipment manufacturer JCB will have their DieselMax project team speak about its successful 350 MPH world-record run on the Bonneville Salt Flats. This advanced engineering team will tell the story of the JCB DieselMax project from its emergence as an idea, its incredible engineering implementation and the team's goal for land speed records in the future.

The October Motor Press Guild luncheon will be an extended extravaganza starting at 10:30 a.m. where attendees will have the opportunity to sit in the driver's seat of JCB vehicles, participate in a backhoe competition against fellow automotive media and enthusiasts, and drive some of the most powerful construction equipment today.

On display will be the company's land-speed, record-breaking streamliner, its JCB GT wheel-standing Backhoe Dragster and an 80-foot events trailer. There will also be a performance from the JCB Dancing Diggers, a set of backhoes dancing in sync with music. The power, versatility and accuracy of these 4.5 ton yellow ballerinas and their operators are continually being tested to the limit. Additionally, each person in attendance will receive a copy of the new David Tremayne book, 'World's Fastest Diesel,' an in-depth look at JCB's record-breaking land speed record in 2006 as well as a die cast model of the car.

The luncheon and press conference, beginning promptly at noon, will feature the JCB DieselMax team made up of Dr. Tim Leverton, John Piper and Matt Beasley. Piper will explain the engineering concept of the car, including the novel aerodynamic philosophy, and highlight the main challenges faced in fulfilling its design. Beasley will discuss the development of the JCB engines and how they were given a five-fold power increase from 125HP to 750HP. Leverton will conclude with a brief description of the project, highlighting the key contribution of a high performing team of world class experts to the final success of the project.

Dr. Tim Leverton holds the position of Group Engineering Director for JCB. He is responsible for all JCB engineering activities worldwide and the manufacturing the new JCB444 diesel engine. He was Project Leader for the JCB DieselMax land speed record project which raised the world land speed record for diesel-powered cars to 350mph in August 2006.

Prior to joining JCB Leverton worked for 25 years in the automobile industry holding senior engineering positions at Rover Group and Land Rover, and latterly at BMW in Munich where he was Chief Engineer for the Rolls-Royce Phantom launched in January 2003.

  MPG Meeting Details:

  What:     JCB DieselMax Land Speed Team to discuss
            JCB DieselMax Streamline Land Speed Vehicle on display
            JCB GT Wheel-Standing Backhoe Dragster
            Dancing Digger Show
            Backhoe Rodeo Challenge
            View JCB Events and Hospitality Trailer

  When:     Tuesday, October 2, 2007
            10:30 - 11 a.m.           Rodeo Competition
            11:00 - 11:15 a.m.        50MPH wheel-standing backhoe Drag Run
            11:15 - 11:30 a.m.        Dancing Diggers Show
            11:30 a.m.                Social
            Noon                      Lunch
            12:30 p.m.                Speaker
            1:15 - 1:30 p.m.          Dancing Diggers Show
            1:30 - 1:45 p.m.          50MPH wheel-standing backhoe Drag Run
            1:45 - 2:15 p.m.          Rodeo Competition

  Where:    The Proud Bird Restaurant
            11022 Aviation Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90045
            Phone: 310-670-3093

  Price:    Members -- $20;
            Non-Members and Guests -- $25; (cash or check; open seating/no
            reservations)

  Contact:  MPG:  Robyn Eckard, 949-268-3049, or press@motorpressguild.org

For more information about MPG news, upcoming events, and directions to the Proud Bird, please visit http://www.motorpressguild.org/news.