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Les ShockleyCreator of the fastest jet truck
Country:
 USA |
Content:
- Les Shockley - The Creator of the World's Fastest Jet Truck
- A Professional Driver with 50 Years of Experience
- A Remarkable Vehicle Built on the Foundation of an American Truck
- A Journey from Experimentation to Record-Breaking
- Guinness World Record Holder
Les Shockley - The Creator of the World's Fastest Jet Truck
Les Shockley is an American technician and enthusiast who has successfully created the fastest truck in the world. His truck, 'Shockwave,' is capable of surpassing a light aircraft, reaching speeds of up to 600 km/h, and can accelerate from a standstill to over 400 km/h.
A Professional Driver with 50 Years of Experience
Les Shockley is a professional driver with a 50-year-long career, with the last 35 to 40 years dedicated to working with trucks. His passion for trucks began in 1979 when he built his first high-speed truck. It was in 1984 that his name gained recognition when the world discovered the 'Shockwave Jet Truck.' Equipped with three jet engines, the 'Shockwave' proved itself on the track, reaching speeds of up to 400 km/h. Those who witnessed this monstrous truck in action were left with a lasting impression.
A Remarkable Vehicle Built on the Foundation of an American Truck
The 'Shockwave' truck, built on the base of an ordinary American truck called 'Peterbuilt,' is a popular attraction. One of its main spectacles is racing against a light aircraft, where despite the aircraft's initial advantage, it consistently finishes second as it flies directly above the truck. Each of the three jet engines generates 12,000 horsepower, totaling to an impressive 36,000 horsepower. The immense forces experienced by the truck, after squeezing out everything possible from its engines, require the use of two large military parachutes to bring it to a halt.
A Journey from Experimentation to Record-Breaking
Les Shockley started driving trucks at the age of 16 and spent those years experimenting with various truck modifications with his friends. Soon, he began participating in truck races. However, convincing his wife to invest all their family savings into his dream truck was no easy task and required all his persuasive skills. Eventually, 'Shockwave' came to life, and Les Shockley's name became well-known among truck enthusiasts and racers. He won several competitions and went on to develop and build several more high-speed trucks.
Guinness World Record Holder
Les Shockley's truck made it into the Guinness World Records with an official record speed of 376 miles/hour (605 km/h). Observers may notice that the engines on 'Shockwave' are not positioned straight but are angled to press the vehicle to the ground for better traction. The truck is equipped with a powerful spoiler that not only prevents it from taking off when reaching incredible speeds but also shapes the airflow to ensure that the flames from the jet engines do not reach the cab. Overall, the 'Shockwave' truck is an awe-inspiring sight, with its roaring jet engines and flames creating an atmosphere of surrealism. Les Shockley created the first model of his truck, on which he won numerous races at the Orange County International Raceway. Truck racing events like these garner tremendous interest in the USA.
