MG Cars' campaign to record the fastest ever speed in an MG will be renewed at the 51st Bonneville Speedweek in Utah in August 1999.

The objective of exceeding the long established records of 245.64mph, set in EX181 by Stirling Moss in 1957 and 254.9Imph by Phil Hill in 1959, continues with the EX255 - a car based on the successful MGF sports car.

As preparation for this year's attempt developed, a late modification to the MG's induction system was identified in the quest for more power. However, the team ran out of time to fully implement the change, and decided to re-focus its plans into next year.

Nick Stephenson, Rover Group's design and engineering director said,

"We are confident this car is a winner and are planning to return, 40 years after Phil Hill achieved the record, to set a new mark in another genuine MG."

Nick Vandervell, corporate affairs manager for Fina Plc, the project's main sponsor, said,

"The team has created, in the MG EX255, a car that is quite capable of exceeding the 255mph target. The team has our enthusiastic support for next year's record attempt at the 51st Bonneville Speedweek."

"Our team has produced a formidable machine that is easily capable of achieving our aims," said Andy Green, driver of the MG EX255 and, more famously, driver of Thrust SSC. The fastest man on earth continued, "This is a great car and I am excited at continuing my association with the team and the prospect of driving 'the fastest MG ever'."

Notes: The MG EX255 is due to appear at the Birmingham International Motor Show in October.