Skip advert
Advertisement

Watch - Tractor top speed world record set on Nokian Tyres

World Rally legend Juha Kankkunen drives tractor to 80.88mph on ice

Finish tyre maker Nokian Tyres has set a Guinness World Record for the fastest top speed for tractors. Reaching an impressive 80.88mph, the record was attempted on Nokian’s new Hakkapeliitta TRI tyre.

The Hakkapeliitta TRI has already set new standards as the world’s first winter tractor tyre, but under the control of four-time World Rally Champion and native Fin Juha Kankkunen, it charged along a snow-cleared dragstip to set a new global benchmark.

The tractor, a Valtra T234, produces a fairly tame 247bhp from its six-cylinder turbo-diesel engine. Combine this with a 7300kg weight with full tanks and it likely felt incredibly sluggish to a WRC legend.

Advertisement - Article continues below

However, the T234 does have an impressive party piece: it produces 737lb ft of torque. Kankkunen’s pre-run optimism is therefore quite understandable.

‘The biggest challenge is to gain speed on the curve. Because of the skidding it’s always most difficult to gain enough speed coming out,’ Kankkunen concedes before his run. ‘Let’s just drive and see how it goes.’

After a few runs, Kankkunen managed to surpass the 80mph mark. Though it’s true the tractor wasn’t completely standard – it had received a remap early in the day – we shouldn’t forget this record was set on ice.

Watch Nokian's dramatic final production video below:

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

£200k is a lot for a new 911 Turbo so here are some used options
Used Porsche 911 Turbo
News

£200k is a lot for a new 911 Turbo so here are some used options

The new 992.2 Turbo S has supercar-slaying performance and a bona fide supercar price. Pay less for a used one and get very nearly as much performance…
11 Sep 2025
Audi R8 V8 (2007 - 2015) review – the Porsche 911’s equal is a bargain super sports car
Audi R8 V8
Reviews

Audi R8 V8 (2007 - 2015) review – the Porsche 911’s equal is a bargain super sports car

The Audi R8’s launch was perhaps one of the biggest moments in 2000s performance motoring. It’s as sweet today as back then
9 Sep 2025
Toyota GR Yaris Aero Performance pack detailed – Japan has all the fun yet again
Toyota GR Yaris with aero pack
News

Toyota GR Yaris Aero Performance pack detailed – Japan has all the fun yet again

We’re not getting the option of an Aero Performance pack in the UK. We’re still poring over the details, though
12 Sep 2025