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Nissan Leaf to attempt Goodwood lap record in reverse

Professional stunt nutter Terry Grant will attempt to set a new world record at the 2012 Goodwood Festival of Speed and predictably it’s a good one. Grant will will attempt to complete the famous hill climb course as fast as possible in reverse using a Nissan Leaf.

Terry Grant will try to complete a lap of Goodwood's hill climb circuit as fast as possible -- in reverse. In a Leaf.
Terry Grant will try to complete a lap of Goodwood’s hill climb circuit as fast as possible — in reverse. In a Leaf.

This might not be a particularly exciting stunt in most normal cars, which have limited reversing speeds, but it could be quite hair-raising in Nissan’s groundbreaking electric car. The Leaf is, in theory, just as quick reversing as it is going forward, although getting there might take a while as it’s not quite as aerodynamic a shape when going boot first.

Grant is no stranger to attempting daredevil stunts in Nissan cars. At last year’s Goodwood FoS event, he drove a Nissan Juke around the hill climb course on two wheels. He also nearly killed us when we attended his Stunt Academy to learn what it takes to become a professional stunt driver.

“The LEAF Reverse Record isn’t going to be easy and will be very challenging,” said a modest Terry. “I’d prefer to do it on a nice straight and level strip of tarmac rather than on Lord March’s drive. The hill not only climbs, but is also full of twists, turns and obstacles.”

“It’s a hugely technical test of speed and concentration. But despite the risks, the strength and integrity of Nissan LEAF’s design gives me confidence. Whatever happens, I know I’m going to finish the weekend with a serious crick in my neck!”
Nissan will also be bringing its race-prepped Nissan Leaf NISMO RC electric racing car to the event, where it will attempt to set a new world record for electric vehicles. This time going forward.

You can see the stunt for yourself by popping along to the Goodwood Festival of Speed this weekend. Before you do that, click play on the video below to see the sorts of things Terry gets up to.

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