WGC drag racer John Everitt set a world record by reaching an astonishing 201 miles per hour in his car The Alien. The Super Pro ET class record was broken by the Times Territory speed demon at the famed Santa Pod Raceway in Northamptonshire. After 37 yea

WGC drag racer John Everitt set a world record by reaching an astonishing 201 miles per hour in his car The Alien.

The Super Pro ET class record was broken by the Times Territory speed demon at the famed Santa Pod Raceway in Northamptonshire.

After 37 years in the sport, breaking national and European speed bests, the jeweller by trade finally reached the priceless heights of a world record.

Following his stunning achievement John, nicknamed Leadfoot because he doesn't like to lift his foot of the throttle, was understandably over the moon.

The 54-year-old, who has always lived in WGC, said: "I was elated, the car really, really did go.

"We set it up to do it and it went and did it."

Drag racing generally sees two cars compete by hurtling down a quarter mile track in a straight line.

John's love of the sport began some 40 years ago when his elder brother took him to a race.

While there he said: "I'll do that one day" and true to his word he did. Five years ago John began racing in his current car The Alien.

It is a short wheel-based vehicle with 3,000 break horse power, a two-speed gearbox and a live axle on the back.

Painted purple and gold, with the words "Prepare To Unleash Hell" scribed on the back The Alien really is a monster.

Running the machine costs �250,000 a year which John and sponsors Hallett Silbermann cover.

John drives the car but shares the joy of The Alien with his crew chief Chris Coleman and Nigel Tanner, while his biggest supporters are wife Maxine and daughter Jessie.

The Alien, and John of course, have built up quite a following who were as delighted as he was with the record.

"There was just elation, I had flowers sent and cakes baked from some of my friends in the sport," he said.

"It's made a lot of people very happy. There was a bit of a party that night with people coming to my pit bay to celebrate."

Now John has set a world record he is not resting on his laurels.

"I'd like to get to the Brighton speed trials and have a go there," he added.

Although there is one target which he thinks is now out of his reach.

"I'd have liked to have had a crack at a land speed record, but I think I'm a bit too old for that now.