A Kenworth T2000 driven by Contract Freighters President Glenn Brown averaged 162.579 mph over two runs to set a new world land speed record for a heavy-duty truck during the 1999 World Finals at Utah's Bonneville Salt Flats.

Brown clocked 162.665 mph in his first run, then returned with a nearly identical speed of 162.494 mph in the second run.

Under the rules, a competitor must make two consecutive runs that average more than the current mark to establish a record. Brown's two runs averaged nearly 15 mph faster than the previous Highway Hauler classification standard of 147.696 mph, set by George Neilsen in 1995. The Kenworth and CFI team competed in August at Bonneville, but narrowly missed the record.

"It was a learning process for us the first time. We came so close that there was absolutely no doubt we'd be back to try again," said Brown, who was happy to finally surpass the record. "We came back with a lot of confidence and knocked the record right off."

Brown was especially pleased by the performance of the T2000 highway hauler. "The T2000 performed flawlessly," he said. "It was amazing how very stable and controllable the truck ran at high speed. It was like going to the grocery store."

A volunteer team of Kenworth engineers was instrumental in capturing the record. "They all worked hard and did a tremendous job," Brown said. "They helped us to do something that no one else has ever done."

Highway Hauler class vehicles come closest to a stock truck. This category is for diesel-powered trucks that weigh 14,500 pounds or more, have a fifth wheel pad mounted in the original location, and are capable of hauling freight. A stock cab, fitted with both driver and passenger seats, must be used and mounted in the original location with respect to the chassis.

The Kenworth and CFI T2000 entry is a 1999 Kenworth T2000 with 60-inch sleeper. It features a Cummins K-series engine with 2,200 horsepower and dual turbochargers, Bridgestone airplane tires made for the Boeing 737, a special racing fuel cell, and mandatory roll cage in the cab. The truck is equipped with parachutes to help bring it to a stop.