KIAMA-born motocross superstar, Robbie Maddison literally leapt into the pages of the Guinness Book of World Records on New Year’s Eve by jumping his motorcycle 322 feet (just under 100 metres) over the length of a regulation football field to shatter the previous record of 277 feet (just under 84 metres) at the Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.
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Maddison hit the take-off ramp at 151 kilometres per hour on his Honda CR 500, reaching a height of more than 18 metres, and soared into history.
“I came here to jump a football field,” said Maddison.
“Conditions weren’t perfect, but I’m happy with the result.
“Yesterday in rehearsal, I went 106 metres and I knew 110 metres was achievable.
“We did all we could, but the winds were a bigger factor than we planned.
“But this is called the Red Bull Experiment, and we didn’t know what the outcome would be. I just want to thank everyone who made this jump possible and a big thanks to all the fans who came out to support me. This is just the beginning,” he said.
A who’s who of action and motorsports superstars cheered Maddo on, including Olympic gold medalist Shaun White, 2006 MotoGP World Champion Nicky Hayden, Olympic gold medalist Amanda Beard and the family of the late Evel Knievel, to whom Maddison dedicated his world record-breaking feat.
A number of notable guests turned out to witness the history making jump.
Among the names were five-time 500cc Grand Prix World Champion Mick Doohan, freestyle motocrossers Tommy Clowers, Mike Metzger and Ronnie Faisst, X Games BMX Big Air gold medalist Kevin Robinson, skateboard legend Danny Way, big wave surf legend Ross Clarke Jones, snowboard superstar Travis Rice, NASCAR driver Scott Speed.
Maddison has achieved tremendous success in the freestyle motocross world and is also the owner of two additional world records – for the longest jump on a 125cc motorcycle 221 feet and the longest jump with a trick 246 feet.
Maddison will return to his home land, the Shoalhaven, in February to thrill and excite crowds at the Nowra Show.
It is the highlight for many who attend the annual event and his action packed performance this year is set to send the heart racing and leave the audience in total bewilderment.
