Firm’s skills help build motorcycle for world record

Firm’s skills help build motorcycle for world record

21 September 2016

A BALLYGOWAN firm has used the latest in engineering technology to help an entrepreneur develop and build a motorcycle he will use in an attempt on the world land speed record.

CCP Gransden 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 United States. He hopes to break the world record next year.

Robert McConnell, director of the Ballygowan firm — which is a leading specialist composites and thermoplastics manufacturer — explained Sam had been looking around the whole of Ireland to find a company that would have the technology and skills to develop the casing, describing it as “vital part of the motorcycle.”

He continued: “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 we wish Sam every success in his attempt next year.”

Robert explained the strength of the local composites engineering sector is evidenced by the Ballygowan firm’s, and indeed other engineering firms’, involvement in this innovate project. 

He added: “Firms like ours are the backbone of the industry here and we will continue to invest in machinery and research and development to build on this reputation.”