The ‘Flying Mile’ run that takes place at Pendine Sands beach once saw the fastest automobiles in the world slugging it out to see who can reach the highest top speed on the long stretch of beach. When Britain’s Ministry of Defence took over the beach in WWII, the beach was no longer to the public until 2010.
Since the record for the ‘Flying Mile’ went untouched after all those years, actor Idris Alba figured that he would give a go in this unique attempt. His chariot for this challenge would be a Bentley Continental GT Speed that comes with a 6.0-liter W12 engine producing 626-horsepower and 820Nm of torque, and the speed that he would have to beat is 281.3km/h.
Can he beat the record once set by Sir Malcom Campbell behind the wheels of his legendary Napier-Campbell Blue Bird? Given that a lot has changed in the automotive world after 88 years, Alba in the Bentley managed to create a new record with a speed of 290.262km/h across the seven-mile stretch of smooth, firm beach.
“I’m absolutely elated to have broken the ‘Flying Mile’ at Pendine Sands. It’s an honour to have taken on the challenge, and to successfully follow in the footsteps of the illustrious Sir Malcolm Campbell,” said Alba.
