Maddison smashes world record

Published: 10th April 2008

Strictly speaking it’s not exactly core DBR subject matter but men hurling themselves huge distances on motorcycles has captured the public’s imagination since those heady days of Evel Knievel back in the '70s.

When it comes to insane aerial antics the Crusty Demons have pretty much cornered the market and they were out in force for another Night of World Records in Melbourne at the end of March when the ramp-to-ramp distance record was broken twice in the space of an evening.

In a three-man competition between Crusty legend Seth Enslow, former record holder Ryan Capes and current record holder Robbie Maddison, Capes was first to break new ground with his mammoth 324ft leap adding 24ins to the record Maddison set last New Year’s Eve. But before the men from Guinness could ink his effort into their book Maddison struck back.

Hitting the ramp at over 100mph, the Aussie touched down an astounding 351ft later to reclaim the record once held by Welshman Jason Rennie. Seth, who famously needed a metal plate inserted into his head after a failed record attempt eight years ago, didn’t quite go the distance but did manage to break his own personal best with a 302ft jump.

“It was always going to be exciting with the jump-off situation,” said Robbie afterwards. “Seth is a mate and a legend of the sport and Ryan is renowned as a long distance jumping specialist.”