Man of speed: Pushing it to the limit ©Paul Gracey

The role of outsider is one which sits easily with Matt Weaver, and that is just as well.

Later this year, he will face the toughest challenge of his life as he attempts to become the fastest man on earth under his own power.

He is aiming to break the existing record of 117.1kph/72.74mph in a human-powered vehicle (HPV), but he is up against some fearsome competition.

Two of his rival competitors for the record - British Olympic cycling gold medalist Jason Queally and German world sprint champion Jan van Eijden - have between them thousands of dollars and state-of-the-art expertise from multinational companies.

In stark contrast, Weaver, a former engineering scholar at America's Berkeley University, operates out of his own garage.

He designed and constructed his HPV himself and, although he recognizes in some senses he is the underdog, he remains positive about his chances.

"All the athletes going after the record are phenomenal," Weaver says.

"Canada's Sam Whittingham (the existing record holder) has tremendous experience, approaching 100 hours on his vehicle. He knows it very intimately so even if he isn't the world’s best sprinter, on a HPV, he is very threatening.

"Queally and van Eijden are fundamentally formidable and if they take the time to prepare themselves, I'm definitely intimidated.

 

	Committed: Weaver wants victory ©Paul Gracey

"But I have the advantage that I know the engineering side very intimately.

There's so much variability and potential in the aerodynamics that I may still fare quite well, although I will admit wholeheartedly they are superior athletes."

But the other athletes underestimate Weaver at their peril. He is a man fixated by an overarching desire to attain his ultimate prize.

"My goal is to be the fastest man on earth, and I will do everything I can to get there," he says.