Skier And Car Aim to Break World Speed Skiing Record
Skier And Car Aim to Break World Speed Skiing Record
Published : 01-Mar-2016 03:05
Jaguar Cars have released a YouTube video showing former British Olympic ski racer Graham Bell hitting speeds of 100mph, they say, whilst being towed behind a Jaguar in Austria.
The company say they have entered a technical agreement with Graham Bell with plans to break the current Guinness world record for speed on skis, held by Simone Oregone who achieved 156mph skiing downhill.
As well as 'ski-joring' behind a Jaguar XE, Graham will wear a unique suit propelled by twin micro jets.
"I approached Jaguar to become my lead technical partner due to their experience in aerodynamics and love of all things involving speed. As lead technical partner in the attempt, Jaguar will provide the aerodynamic expertise to develop the Iron-Man-style suit I need, as well as helping me acclimatize to speed and external forces using high performance vehicles including the Jaguar XE AWD - designed to provide maximum traction in adverse conditions including snow and ice," said Graham.
Jaguar Land Rover's cold weather testing facility in Arjeplog, Sweden will host the record attempt on an as yet undecided date in 2017.
Oregone's record was set on a flying kilometre downhill course, with no powered assistance, so whilst it will be both interesting and impressive to see Graham Bell go faster with the aid of power, there is not a direct comparison.
Coincidentally a Norwegian group is also trying to beat Oregone's record, but in their case using an unpowered sledge, which they have been testing recently in a German wind tunnel. If successful they would take the record for the fastest unpowered human speed, as sliding on snow is faster than freefalling, apparently.
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