A CAR-MAD father of two is gearing up for a bash at the world land speed record.
Jaswant Thandi, of Heath Road, Hounslow, has been signed up as a full member of the British team hoping to smash the 1,000mph barrier.
The 43-year-old is responsible for organising events across the country to spread the word about the mission and help raise funds.
He began volunteering two years ago for the Bloodhound SSC team, as an educational ambassador, but has now given up his job as a civil servant to work on the project full time.
"This is a dream job for me and it gets more exciting the closer we get to the actual record attempt," he said.
"Seeing children's faces light up when you show them the (model) car and explain how it works makes it all worthwhile."
Jaswant first got involved in the record attempt in summer 2010 after visiting Farnborough Airshow with his son, now aged 16, and falling in love with a model of the rocket-propelled car.
The car itself is currently under construction, with testing set to take place early next year before a first attempt at setting a new record in autumn 2013.
The team's driver Andy Green holds the existing record of 763mph, set in 1997, and his team have set their sights on breaking the 1,000mph barrier.
They face tough competition, with at least five teams from the US, Australia and New Zealand all tilting for a shot at glory, but Jaswant believes the Bloodhound SSC remains in pole position.
"Confidence is really high because we know we've got a car that will do what we want it to," he said.
"The only hold-up is getting financing because the project is expected to cost about £12 million and that could go up."
Jaswant is keen to hear from schools in Hounslow and surrounding area who would like to learn more about the project.
He has also appealed for businesses in the borough to get on board by making a donation.
* For more on the record attempt, visit www.bloodhoundssc.co.uk. Schools and businesses can call Jaswant on 0794 1247 635 or email jas.thandi@bloodhoundssc.com.
