After a victorious yet controversial win in Cleetus McFarland's Freedom 500 using nearly stock Ford Crown Victorias, Pastrana found himself with a Corvette Z06. Instead of making that car airborne, he sold it to acquire a C8 specifically meant for airborne adventures, compensating Brad DeBerti with a dirt bike due to an earlier race incident.
Despite appearances, Pastrana and his crew consider safety paramount. They meticulously plan stunts to minimize risks:
- Practice Runs: Testing was conducted with a dirt bike and a Can-Am UTV to calibrate the exact speed needed for a 110-foot jump.
- Adjusting for Safety: Observing potential hazards, Pastrana made changes to ensure adequate clearance during landing.
Driver York faced hesitation on the initial jump attempt, but on retrying, he launched the 'Vette successfully, landing with a nose-heavy thud, triggering the airbags and damaging the radiator. Yet, he emerged unscathed, a testament to the crew's careful planning.
Utilizing the Corvette’s data-logging system, Pastrana reviewed the stunt's mechanics:
- Airborne Adjustments: A combination of suspension preload and throttle control might have eased the nose-heavy landing.
- Technical Challenges: Traction control and the impact slowed the car from 68 to 64 mph over the jump.
Despite minor damage, alignment remained precise, bolstering Pastrana's claim: "The goal was to prove that you can fly any vehicle, completely stock." In this case, a Chevrolet Corvette.
Pastrana's daring stunt might seem reckless, but it underscores the blend of thrill and caution that defines extreme automotive sports. This leap exemplifies how passion and precision together create unforgettable feats.
