Computer Engineer Creates Homemade 'Jet Kart' Seeks to Beat World Speed Record

Adrian Bennett is described as a "jet-obsessed computer engineer" who hopes to beat the world record for speed on a homemade go kart outfitted with a jet engine, according to the Daily Mail.

But he has two goals first: lose a little weight and make a lighter DIY "jet kart". The Daily Mail reports that Bennett, a 40-year-old from the U.K., has been interested in jet power since he was a tike growing up during the space race. This developed into what his wife calls "an unhealthy interest in all things jet powered." Bennett says he prefers making his engines from scratch. Here's how:

"First I obtained a large turbo, as this is basically 70 percent of what a jet engine is," he said.

"Then using an old water fire extinguisher and bits of steel pipe I fabricated the combustion chamber.

"Fuel is squirted in to this and mixes with the air coming from the compressor side of the turbo.

"When ignited it causes an expansion of gasses that then drive the turbine wheel, which in turn is connected back to the compressor wheel via a shaft.

"A propelling nozzle was added, in my case an afterburner and hey presto -- you have a turbo jet."

The current record is set at 71.34 mph by Andy Gough. Bennett believes that after shedding some inches and in conditions with no wind, the right type of fuel and a "load of luck", that he'll bypass that record.

Building -- and driving -- your own jet kart most likely falls under the "Don't try this at home" category. Bennett states that there are many dangerous elements that if something went wrong could be extremely harmful:

"If anything went wrong the worst that could happen is the fuel pipes may bust and the spurting fuel may ignite,” said Adrian.

"The turbo may fail and the rotating assembly turn to shrapnel or a tire may burst at speed.

"Lots of safety features are put in place to help reduce this though.

"My wife, Catherine keeps going on about life insurance.

"But my son, Freddie thinks it’s perfectly normal to have jet powered vehicles."

Watch Bennett take off:

Here's a helmet-cam view:

The Daily Mail reports that Bennett spent more than 150 hours and just over $1,900 building the 120 brake horsepower jet-powered go-kart. See more of Bennett's jet-powered creations here.