EVEL KNIEVEL may have jumped 146 feet in the 1970s to take the crown as all-time King of the Stuntmen, but by next March that could all become a thing of the past as three of the world's greatest motorcycle jumpers try to bust 300 feet.
America's Seth Enslow, Ryan Capes and Australia's Robbie Maddison will be trying to clear the huge distance as part of the Crusty Demons Night of World Records at Calder Park Raceway, Melbourne, Australia on Saturday, March 29 2008.
At the first Crusty Demons Night of World Records in 2005, Trigger Gum set the official world record for the longest jump on a two-wheeled motorcycle with a staggering jump of 277 feet. "This is probably my last chance to claim the world record, I'm ready for this. I'm coming to Australia to put my body and life on the line, it's my time," Enslow said.
Maddison added: "I'm ready to step up to the big one. I already own two world records including the longest 125cc long distance jump so I know I will be close. A new one million dollar arena will be constructed at the Calder Park circuit, which will include the world's biggest ever down ramp at 125 foot long and 60 foot high and wide. More than 30,000 tonnes of dirt will be used to build the arena, with more than 15, 000 tonnes of soil going into the construction of the down ramp alone.
And for fans of the original King of the Stuntmen, BBC Two will be showing a one-off special on the now frail Evel Knievel over the Christmas holiday. The show will be presented by Top Gear's resident bike nut and hamster lookalike, Richard Hammond.
