Engineer Builds 234 MPH Remote Control Car in Rugby

Stephen Wallis turned a boyhood fascination into a world record that most people wouldn't believe possible. The part-time motorcycle engineer from Rugby designed and built "The Beast," a remote control car that screamed across a Welsh airfield at 234.71 mph, faster than a McLaren F1 supercar.

The journey took over a year of design work, problem-solving, and learning new skills. Wallis created a 3ft 2in vehicle using 3D-printed components and four drone motors bolted directly to the wheels. While his public goal was 200 mph, he secretly aimed for 240 mph.

The electronics nearly stumped him. "It turns out it would never have done 240 mph with that original set-up," Wallis explained. He went back to the drawing board and taught himself everything he could about brushless motors and speed optimization.

In September, he brought The Beast to Llanbedr Airfield in North Wales for the official attempt. The car demolished the previous world record by 16 mph, earning Wallis a Guinness World Record certificate and a special cap from the Radio Operated Scale Speed Association.

Because no one had ever gone that fast before, Wallis got to choose the cap's colors. His son suggested neon green with neon pink writing to match The Beast's eye-popping paint scheme, though Wallis toned it down to neon green with black lettering for the hat.

Why This Inspires

Wallis's achievement shows what passion and persistence can accomplish, even in spare time. He didn't have corporate sponsorship or a professional team. He had curiosity, determination, and memories of being an eight-year-old kid mesmerized by his first RC car.

His willingness to admit when his first design wouldn't work, then learn entirely new skills to solve the problem, embodies the spirit of innovation. He turned setbacks into stepping stones, teaching himself advanced motor engineering to chase a childhood dream.

Now that dream lives in the record books, proving it's never too late to pursue what excited you as a kid.