You may think that setting a speed record is all about speed, but it is also about braking and service time. Setting a World Land Speed Record (LSR) requires two runs through the measured mile in opposite directions within one hour. This is done to average out a tailwind.
The Bloodhound SSC is aiming to go 1,000MPH and it has some unique brake requirements. To put this in perspective, this car uses an F1 V10 engine just to power the fuel pump. To stop the car (still weighing over 10,000 lbs. empty) from 1000 mph in just 4.5 miles will require three different types of brakes. And just to make this a bit harder, the vehicle has been designed to be as low-drag as possible.
It is not until the car reaches 250MPH that it can use the disc brakes due to the stress on the wheels. To get to 250MPH it requires a parachute and the largest air brake possible.
The strategy of the team is to maximize the one hour between passes so they can refuel and service the car. Also, by being able to stop sooner they can be more selective on where they run the car.