Kiwi ingenuity on the world stage: CMR’s Record-Breaking mission in Bolivia

After six years of relentless Kiwi design, engineering, and innovation, Reg Cook and his volunteer CMR (Cook Motor Racing) team are chasing history, and doing it the Kiwi way.

Since early September, the New Zealand-built fleet of four land-speed cars has been based on Bolivia’s stunning yet unforgiving Uyuni Salt Flats, the only place in the world long enough to attempt speeds exceeding 500 mph. Their goal? To break multiple FIA Land Speed Records and put New Zealand engineering back on the global motorsport map. It hasn’t been easy.

Originally scheduled to run in early September, the team has battled constant delays; freight issues, unpredictable weather, and the logistical challenges of operating in a developing country. Despite these hurdles, their determination has never wavered.

“We’ve faced setback after setback, but Kiwi persistence is a powerful thing,” says Reg Cook.

“We’re here to finish what we started — to prove what’s possible when a small team from the bottom of the world takes on the world’s biggest challenge.”

That determination is paying off. In testing earlier this month, the team’s Nissan Coupe ‘Cookie’ unofficially surpassed an existing FIA Land Speed Record, clocking an incredible 199 mph against the current 174 mph benchmark. With all four cars now fully tuned, camp established, and a new FIA-sanctioned date confirmed for mid-November, the team is finally ready to make history.

But after three postponements and weeks of costly delays, CMR’s self-funded campaign is running on fumes. Every step of this project has been driven by Reg’s personal investment and the unwavering dedication of a volunteer crew — a true reflection of Kiwi resourcefulness and passion.

For those inspired by this incredible story of New Zealand engineering and perseverance, a Give-a-little page has been set up to help the team stay on the salt and complete their world-record attempt.

“We’ve got the cars, the crew, and the determination, we just need to get to the start line,” Cook says.

As the countdown begins to their official FIA runs in mid-November, one thing is certain, win or lose, CMR’s mission embodies the heart of Kiwi motorsport, and the drive to go further than anyone thought possible.