Speed Demon by Steve Watt

The Speed Demon streamliner, helmed by George Poteet, set a new SCTA record of 470.016 mph at Bonneville Speed Week, with a top speed of 481.576 mph. Built by Steve Watt of Maxwell Industries, this rear-wheel-drive, piston-powered vehicle defies traditional speed barriers with a unique configuration featuring twin front wheels aligned in tandem. The 2020 effort utilized a 557 ci Dart-based big-block engine producing over 3,200 horsepower, achieving unparalleled speeds in the Unlimited Blown Fuel Streamliner class. Engine builder Kenny Duttweiler and tuner Shane Tecklenburg were integral to the team's success, with challenges like an engine fire and mechanical repairs expertly managed by the crew, affectionately known as 'The Men in Black'. Despite tribulations, the Speed Demon continues to break records, consistently outperforming competitors in the quest for land speed history.