Jamie Barrow returned to the frozen lake of St. Moritz, Switzerland, to break the Guinness World Record for the fastest speed for a snowboard towed by a vehicle, which was previously set at 98.17 Kph.
Barrow did actually attempt to break the record a couple of years ago, when he reached a speed that beat the existing record while being towed behind a car across the same frozen lake at St.Moritz. Although Barrow went faster than the standing record, the feat couldn’t stand as a Guinness World Record because all the criteria was not met.
Being on a frozen lake, safety and preparation were a major factor when planning the project. The track was fenced off and piste bashers groomed the snow especially for the Guinness World Record attempt.
Strict criteria had to be met for the Guinness World Record officials, including completing a run in both directions with recording equipment to be set at 100m apart by an official. With 200m needed either side so that the Mitsubishi ASX could accelerate and slow down safely on the snow, a total run of approximately 500m was prepared.
On the morning of Thursday 28th January, Barrow prepared for the stunt and inspected the conditions; the piste-bashed track was bumpy and the snow was soft. These were not ideal conditions but Barrow felt comfortable on the warm up lap and confident that he could beat the record, which he managed to do on his first attempt!
The very first out run was recorded at 100.840 Kph, but because the criteria for the Guinness World Record states that two runs, one in both directions, has to be recorded, the return run back was recorded at 98.901 Kph. With both runs averaged, it gives the Guinness World record speed of 99.871 kph.
About his newly set Guinness World Record, Jamie said:
“I’m ecstatic at beating the record! I do think though that I could’ve easily handled going a lot faster if it wasn’t for the soft snow due to unseasonably mild weather and the length of the track. I’m really looking forward to returning and attempting to beat my own record with the Mitsubishi ASX when there are more favourable weather conditions!”
Stewart McKee, General Manager of Press, Public Affairs and Events at Mitsubishi Motors in the UK, said:
“We are delighted to be supporting Jamie in this way. What he has achieved is truly remarkable and perfectly encapsulates Mitsubishi’s ASX “Adventure Advanced” message, seeing amazing individuals taking on amazing challenges.”
The facts
Guinness World Record
“Fastest speed on a snowboard being towed by a vehicle”
Event Date
Thursday 28th January 2016
Location
St Moritz, Switzerland
Vehicle
Mitsubishi ASX
Speeds
Out run - 100.840 Kph.
Return run - 98.901 Kph
Average of 2 runs for record - 99.871kph
