Chasing a ‘slightly ridiculous’ 250mph goal: Engineer behind the world’s fastest 3D-printed, drone-powered RC car pushes for a new record
- Record-setting RC car reached 234.7mph in February using drone-powered drivetrain
- Project 250 redesign focuses on narrowing chassis and increasing electrical power
- Engineer aims to exceed current world record with upgraded motors and higher voltage
Stephen Wallis, a part-time motorcycle engineer from Rugby, UK, set a Guinness World Record in February 2026 when his remote control car reached 234.7mph, and he is already working on a redesigned machine built to push beyond 250mph.
The record-setting vehicle, known as The Beast, measures 3ft 2in long, about 1m, and took more than a year to design and build using 3D-printed components and high-powered drone motors.
Four motors are bolted directly to the wheels, which connect straight to the chassis to reduce mechanical losses and keep the drivetrain simple at very high speeds.
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A slightly ridiculous goal: 250mph
Wallis said his interest in radio-controlled cars stems from his childhood. “It goes back to when I was eight years old and got my first radio controlled car,” Wallis told the BBC.
The final recorded speed of The Beast placed the small vehicle ahead of the top speed of a production McLaren F1, offering a useful comparison with a well-known performance benchmark.
Reaching 240mph had been a private goal during the original project, although his attention has now shifted to an even more demanding target.
In a recent video update, Wallis explained how he is rebuilding the car to chase higher speeds and break his own record.
“Today, I’m going to show you exactly how I’m evolving my RC car to beat my Guinness World Record of 234.7 mph and chase a slightly ridiculous goal: 250,” he said.
The new build, known as Project 250, keeps the general layout of The Beast while introducing several mechanical and electrical upgrades.
Reducing overall width is a key change, as narrower bodywork cuts drag and helps maintain stability at higher speeds.
Larger 5215 motors are also being introduced to deliver more torque and manage heat more effectively under heavy loads. Battery capacity is increasing as well, with an additional two-cell unit raising the system to a 20-cell, 84V setup.
“I’ve got ideas: make it narrower, fit bigger motors, and run more voltage. Now, I need to turn those ideas into a real design,” he said.
Changes to wheel mounting and steering components were required to achieve the narrower layout, including revised adapters that place the wheel closer to the motor face.
Weight balance is another challenge, as shifting batteries and electronics can change how the car behaves at extreme speeds.
“I need to design a car capable of 250 mph and build it in time for the next speedrun season, which starts in 8 weeks,” he said.
Prototype parts have already been produced using 3D printing to confirm fit and layout and the final components will be manufactured from aluminum and carbon fiber.
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Record-setting RC car reached 234.7mph in February using drone-powered drivetrain Project 250 redesign focuses on narrowing chassis and increasing electrical power Engineer aims to exceed current world record with upgraded motors and higher voltage Stephen Wallis, a part-time motorcycle engineer from Rugby, UK, set a Guinness World Record in February…
