New Flying Mile record and a 195 mph scare at Pendine Sands

When it comes to motorsport history, few locations are quite as iconic as Pendine Sands in South Wales.

The location where Don Wales set the UK speed record for an electric car in 2000 and the home of the Vintage Hot Road Association’s famous annual races, the legendary seven-mile stretch of coastline in Camarthenshire arguably first took its place in automotive history when Sir Malcolm Campbell and Blue Bird achieved the Flying Mile record all of the way back in 1927.

His record of 174.8mph stood for almost 90 years, with Luther and The Wire star Idris Elba of all people achieving 180.361mph in a Bentley Continental Super Sport twin-turbo W12 in 2015.

However, just four years on, 46-year-old motorcyclist and sports nutrition brand owner Zef Eisenberg has taken speed on the beach to a whole new level.

On April 6 th this year he and his MADMAX racing team headed to the beach to tackle the sands with a specially-constructed Suzuki Hayabusa known as the ‘Green Monster’. He set a record two-way average of 182.40 mph on the beach, but to say the challenge was straightforward would be a significant understatement.

The first issue which emerged came during his initial run, when it was discovered that a rear tyre was found to be falling apart. Eisenberg said the issue highlighted how any record attempt pushes the boundaries both in terms of human and engineering capabilities.

He explained: “The bike had been spinning the rear wheel for two miles at 240mph. We were using a GP racing tyre, too – the best you can get, but I assume it’s not used to that much power or Wheelspin.”

A new tyre was fitted which meant Eisenberg could go on a second run, with the return ensuring he established the new record. A third was then attempted, but that was when the rider edged very close to catastrophe. The challenge took its toll on the Suzuki Hayabusa’s engine and Eisenberg was sprayed with oil which impacted on his vision as the bike travelled at 195 mph.

He recalled: “I lost sight of the finish flags, but I couldn’t just slam on the brakes due to the sand. Fortunately, I managed to keep it straight and bring it to a stop.”

The danger did not end there however, as the oil started to spray onto the exhaust. Eisenberg had to jump off the bike to get clear, but fortunately the oil never caught fire.

Considering the risks he faced, you would forgive Eisenberg for wanting to bring his days of chasing records to an end. However, he is set to return to Pendine next month to try and break the outright Flying Mile record in a 1200bhp Porsche Sand Racer. If successful, another place in the record books undoubtedly awaits.