10:08 am, August 17, 2016
HE MAY have retired from professional cycling, but Sir Chris Hoy has been spotted back on two wheels. The former Olympian mastered the technique of two-wheel driving in a Nissan Juke after only two days of training.
Under the guidance of world-record-breaking stuntman Terry Grant, Sir Chris spent one day at Silverstone and another at Kendrew Barracks, learning to drive a specially modified Juke crossover.
Driving on two wheels, also known as ‘skiing’, is a stunt made famous over the years from James Bond films, Knight Rider and the Dukes of Hazzard among others. The activity requires precision, advanced handling techniques and a good deal of driver instinct.
On day one, a roll cage was fitted for cabin protection whilst a specially-engineered stabiliser wheel on the outside prevented the car flipping onto its roof.
After Grant demonstrated the required techniques, Sir Chris attempted the challenging stunt for the first time. Following several attempts he began to get the hang of it, even achieving a few controlled drives of short distances with just two wheels on the ground.
At the second session, his confidence and consistency improved to the point where Terry was comfortable removing the stabiliser wheel. He quickly rose to the challenge, taking the ramp at the correct angle and velocity, catching the Juke before it rolled over and then driving balanced on two wheels. In one of the following runs he even managed a 400m distance, bringing a huge cheer from the watching team.
Grant commented: ‘Chris nailed it two for two! Driving on two wheels in two days – most people would take two months to master that. I think it highlights his ability to soak up instruction and apply discipline to something that’s both mentally and physically challenging – of which he’s got plenty of experience.
‘Operating under pressure and being in control at all times, they’re the skills you need for this stunt. To master it in such a short period of time though, I’m really impressed.’
Sir Chris added: ‘I loved it. I never thought it would be as much fun as it was, but I just wanted to keep going. On day one I felt like I was only getting a first foot on the ladder and it’d be weeks before I’d be driving without the safety net. Then today when they took the stabilizer wheel off and there was the risk of rolling the car, the pressure didn’t get to me.
‘I remembered Terry’s instructions and it all came together. When I caught the roll and was suddenly driving on two wheels it was such a rush of adrenaline and relief in equal measure – an amazing experience. Thanks to Terry and Nissan for allowing me to add another string to my driving bow.’
Watch the stunt in full by clicking play on the video below.
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