Guernsey entrepreneur killed in land speed record bid

Friday 02 October 2020

A well-known Channel Island businessman and entrepreneur has died following a fatal collision during a British land speed record attempt.

Maximuscle founder and Guernsey resident Zef Eisenberg (47) has now been officially named as the driver who tragically lost their life in a "serious collision" at Elvington Airfield, in York, yesterday afternoon.

Motorsport UK has initiated a full investigation alongside the event organiser and North Yorkshire Police. 

“Motorsport UK is deeply saddened to announce that a fatal accident occurred this afternoon at Elvington Airfield during a British Land Speed Record attempt. Motorsport UK, together with the event organiser and the local police, has begun a full investigation into the circumstances of the incident.

“Further information will be provided once the initial findings of the investigation are available. Our thoughts are with the driver’s family, who have been informed, the organisers of the event, and other members of the motorsport community present."

Mr Eisenberg's family confirmed that he was the driver involved to the BBC this morning.

Mr Eisenberg founded Maximuscle in 1995 and established the brand as an international commercial success. He sold the company in 2011 for £162m and has remained a consultant since. 

Pictured: Zef hosted Speed Freaks, a six-episode that was aired on ITV4.

He has also led MADMAX Race Team, following one of his deeply-held passions to "max his life." He has broken dozens of land speed records in recent years, including the fastest sand speed record ever achieved by a wheel-powered vehicle at Pendine Sands. 

He was chosen to front an ITV4 show called 'Speed Freaks'.

The 47-year-old suffered a terrible crash at the same circuit, Elvington Airfield, in 2016 - the same spot where former Top Gear presenter Richard Hammond had crashed 10 years earlier.

Following his recovery, he returned to racing, saying that "one must never let fears prevent you from following your dreams and goals."

He has received recognition in Guernsey for some of the community fundraising and charity projects he has headed up, including the rejuvenation of the children's play area at Sausmarez Park.