Lesmahagow team aims for land speed record

Derek Palmer (59), along with his 23-year-old son Derek Jr and Rick Pearson (35) have flown out to Utah with their streamliner Flower of Scotland in an attempt to smash the 12 year record, currently held by American Don Vesco.

With the drivers and team members already in Utah, the Gazette caught up with Derek Snr before his flight to the US.

He said: "The current record has stood for 12 years and stands at 313mph but we are hoping with the correct conditions we could get it up to 360mph.

"We have been planning this for the past four years. We've already had some pretty good tests and we have all the technical equipment to ensure that we can reach our target.

"After every run we will analyse it on the computer to get the

maximum out of the car and, all being well, we will bring the record home to Scotland."

For more information on this story, pick up a copy of this week's Carluke and Lanark Gazette which is in the shops now.