Sacramento Driver Sets Land Speed Records in Barracuda
An 86-year-old driver reached 310 mph in a modified 1966 Barracuda, shattering a long-standing fuel division record.
Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Performance Vehicles
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Sacramento resident Gary Matranga set two new speed records at the Bonneville Salt Flats in the summer of 2026. The 86-year-old driver reached 308 mph in the gas division and 310 mph in the fuel division using a modified 1966 Barracuda.
Why it matters
Achieving these speeds in a modified 1966 Barracuda highlights the extreme mechanical demands of high-speed racing. The fuel division record of 310 mph surpasses a benchmark that had stood for eight years.
The vehicle utilized a 500-cubic-inch engine producing over 2,400 horsepower to achieve its record-breaking runs. The 310 mph fuel division performance eclipses the previous 305 mph record set eight years ago.
The players
Gary Matranga
An 86-year-old Sacramento resident and record-breaking performance driver.
The details
The team maintains performance by adjusting the engine power output to match the traction provided by the salt surface. During the runs, the driver must provide constant steering input to counteract the natural drifting of the vehicle at high velocity. The 1966 Barracuda requires approximately 2.5 miles of track length to reach stable operation before completing its speed runs over the 5-mile course.
Timeline
Gary Matranga set the speed records during the summer of 2026.
The team plans to conduct engine testing throughout the winter of 2026-27.
The Home Front
This achievement represents an extreme transformation of the 1966 Plymouth Barracuda platform, which remains a popular choice for vintage automotive hobbyists. The project highlights the gap between classic vehicle preservation and the specialized engineering required for land-speed racing.
For those interested in high-horsepower vintage projects, maintaining consistent performance requires rigorous seasonal testing of engine components. Consult a professional mechanic specializing in classic performance engines to discuss the durability and maintenance needs of your own vehicle upgrades.
The takeaway
Reaching record speeds with a vintage vehicle requires a precise balance of mechanical power and active steering control. Owners of performance engines should plan for seasonal inspection cycles to ensure components remain reliable under stress.
Further reading
Learn more about high-performance engineering and modifications in our Performance Vehicles section.
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