The boys from Top Gear put on an impressive live show. They perform a few fun antics like linking scooters to create a Ben-Hur style chariot race or turning household appliances into electric vehicles. But what really makes these shows a high-octane Ice Capades are the live stunts left to the professionals.
It seems the latest program will not disappoint as the Top Gear Live Stunt Team will attempt an arena world record for the first double loop. They call it the “Deadly 720″, and the team will use a special dune buggy to complete the 26-foot high pair of vertical rings in front of a live audience this weekend.
According to officials with the show, the buggy was fitted with hand controls to lock out the accelerator. The industrial strength cruise control keeps the vehicle in between 24 and 26 mph. This is the ideal speed range because any less will allow the buggy will fall out of the loop, and any more will cause the driver to black out from the g-forces.
The project has been in the works since the stunt team developed their first loop in 2009. They used similar test procedures when it came to doubling the fun. This included a full-scale, remote-controlled buggy that could run the full circuit before allowing any person to attempt the dangerous stunt.
Those who want to see the Deadly 720 will likely have to travel far. Jeremy Clarkson, James May, Richard Hammond, and The Stig are performing this weekend at Top Gear Festival in the Moses Mabhida Stadium, Durban, South Africa. While Top Gear has yet to tour the USA, we can keep our fingers crossed they at least bring this show a little closer to home.
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