Sparks Fly As Stuntman Slides

SPARKS FLY AS STUNTMAN SLIDES

Englishment Gary Rothwell has set

what he says is a world speed

record for “skiing” behind a motor-

cycle, going 135.5 mph while clinging to the back of a Kawasaki ZX-11.

To perform the stunt, Rothwell accelerates to about 100 mph, slides back on the seat, holds on to the grab rail, hops off and hangs on. He controls the speed via a second throttle control on the bike’s grab rail, as sparks fly from Rothwell’s shoes. The excitement is far from over once Rothweli is through the lights, according to one observer.

“He’s going about 60 mph, stands up and vaults himself back on,” says the witness. “The bike’s wobbling like mad as he’s sliding forward on the seat to reach the handlebars. It’s scary.”