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Tom BagnallBritish engineer who set world speed record in a racing go-kart
Date of Birth: 01.01.1993
Country:  Great Britain |
Content:
- Speed Innovator Breaks World Go-Kart Record
- World Record Achievement
- Design and Construction
- The Risks
- Overcoming Obstacles
- Other Speed Ventures
- Inspiration and Creativity
Speed Innovator Breaks World Go-Kart Record
Early Interest in EngineeringTom Bagnall, a British engineer from Cheadle, Staffordshire, has always been fascinated by engineering and building unique contraptions. His passion for speed led him down the path of designing the world's fastest go-kart.
World Record Achievement
On September 5, 2017, at the CBBC Officially Amazing show in York, Bagnall achieved an astounding speed in his jet-powered go-kart, shattering the previous record: 180.72 km/h (112 mph). Guinness World Record adjudicators Mark McKinley and Matilda Hagne witnessed the feat at RAF Elvington using speed detection radar.
Design and Construction
The go-kart was designed and built by Bagnall and fellow engineer Andy Morris over a 12-month period. Despite the seamless performance at Officially Amazing, Bagnall admits that the journey to the record was arduous.
The Risks
Building and operating a high-speed vehicle like the go-kart is inherently dangerous. Even for experts like Bagnall, a healthy dose of fear accompanies each drive. "You always have that little bit of trepidation when you approach it... you never lose that until you actually hold the brake and put your foot down," he explains.
Overcoming Obstacles
Bagnall's dedication to his craft has paid off. "It's brilliant when it all comes together and works... It's not very often we get that satisfaction!" he says. "There's no better feeling than achieving something, starting with a tiny idea and ending up something like the Guinness World Record. It's a great feeling."
Other Speed Ventures
In addition to creating the jet-powered go-kart, Bagnall has developed various high-speed and often eccentric vehicles. "My thing is making things go fast, whether it's mobility scooters or kayaks!" he exclaims.
Inspiration and Creativity
Tom's passion for engineering and speed traces its roots back to his school days. While his regular classes bored him, optional design and technology lessons ignited his creativity. "Growing up... I was always making stuff and doing engineering... it was a natural thing for me. I used to live in my workshop until the early hours of the morning, just making crazy contraptions. I was just obsessed with going fast!"
Bagnall believes that there is no right or wrong way to approach his field, giving him unlimited creative freedom, bound only by financial limitations.
