ENGINEERING firm CCP Gransden has used the latest in engineering technology to help a local entrepreneur develop and build a motorcycle which he will use in a world land speed record attempt.
The Ballygowan-based company developed and manufactured the super lightweight composite streamlining casing for the Project Velocity motorcycle for Larne man Sam Marsden, a Queen’s University engineering graduate.
Sam has been working for the past five years on the development of the motorcycle, to attempt to break the 1000cc world land speed record at the Bonneville Salt Flats in the US later this year.
CCP Gransden director Robert McConnell said: “Sam had been looking around the whole of Ireland to find a company that would have the technology and skills to develop this vital part of the motorcycle.
"We were delighted to take up the challenge to develop a super-light yet strong casing that would give Sam the streamlined shape required to fit over the motorcycle for the record attempt.
"The team involved at CCP Gransden who have designed and installed this casing for Sam have years of experience between them of working in the racing car industry, so there is a deep understanding of what’s required. We are all delighted with the finished result and wish Sam every success in his attempt next year.”
Sam Marsden said: “This was a massive undertaking and a challenge for CCP Gransden and I'm delighted with the end result. I've had amazing support from them and indeed other local firms who supported the project. 'They have all shared in my enthusiasm and vision that we can bring a world land speed record to Northern Ireland.”
The streamliner body is made from composite materials normally used in the aerospace, marine and automotive industries.
CCP - which employs 25 staff - took Sam’s initial drawings and designs, redefining them, making the moulds required and a small dedicated team spent hundreds of man hours manually refining and perfecting the shape.
Sam came up the idea as part of his engineering degree and has spent the past five years getting the bike ready. The attempt was delayed this year due to adverse weather conditions on the Salt Flats, but he hopes to make the attempt next year, weather permitting.
