The street luge land speed scene all started at the infamous Signal Hill Speed Runs that ran from 1975 - 1978. Sam Puccio (USA), decided to lay down on a skateboard and wowed the crowd with a clocked speed of 55.38 mph! That was actually the first official street luge record.
Roger Hickey
Enter Roger Hickey (USA). Undoubtedly, the most famous and influential speed merchant of the street luge land speed scene, period. He was instrumental in advancing the sport of street luge to the next level with his designs, innovations, and aero work. Hickey was relentless in making improvements in the sports image and speeds. Hickey was paid the ultimate compliment in 1997, when his racing peers threw in the towel and banned his Genesis luge from competition because it was just to damn fast. Records? Hickey in 1987 crushed the existing record with a certified 73.97 mph pass. Then in 1990, served notice again to the gravity world, rewriting the world record on Templin at 78.39 mph. Hickey had solidified his place in street luge speed racing history his aerodynamic street luge missiles. Roger would go on to race into the nighties. When Hickey left the sport, he had no doubt gone down in history, as the man who had done more for the sport of street luge than anyone who or most likely, ever will, with his contributions and innovations. Roger Hickey also designed and built the Gravity Formula One cars for a race series he promoted. Roger dominated the series. Hickey, at the age of 58, in 2016 would prove once again prove he was still Mr. Go Fast on a street luge joining the elite WGSA Century Club running over a 100 mph on his own design, the Genesis.
The 90's Street Luge Speed Merchants
The 1990's for the most part were quiet as far as the street luge land speed scene went. There was talk of some big numbers being laid down by numerous pilots, but mostly rumblings and no documentation. Bob Ozman and Marcus Rietema had been going fast. There was also some talk that Bob Pereyra (USA) of X -Games fame had run an unofficial 87 mph. Nobody took a certified shot at the record until 1998 when Tom Mason (USA) ran down Mount Whitney at 81.28 mph for a new Guinness world record. That same year, street luge legend and author, Darren Lott (USA), set a Guinness World Record on a butt board, aka, classic luge, with a speed of 65.24 mph.
Bodrodz Ed "Fast Eddie" Bryant
In 2000, Bodrodz speed merchant, Ed Bryant (USA) while riding a Bodrodz luge with crude aero work managed to top out at 94.9 mph displaying on the GPS. Doug Anderson and Bryant knew they could go faster so the two worked thru the winter building the streamlined Bodrodz Missile street luge. March 2001 they were back at the hill to see what the new sled would do. Bryant making test runs on the hill starting higher after each run. The last run of the Missile, still not from the top, ended in tragedy when Bryant experienced a lose of control during the shutdown process after reaching a GPS speed of 95.3 mph. The sled would be a total lose and Bryant narrowly escaped serious injury in the ensuing crash, ending the days speed quest. That day Bodrodz "Fast Eddie" Bryant had lived up to his name.
The street luge world record day!
Then in the late summer of 2008, the street luge speed scene was stunned, when the fastest speed on a gravity powered faired street luge was officially recorded at 157.41 kmh (97.81 mph) and was achieved by Cédric Touchette (Canada) in Les Eboulements, Quebec, Canada. The Guinness World Record was broken three times on that historic day. First by Louis-Etienne Bouchard-Pouliot (Canada) with 148.94 kmh (92.55 mph) then by Charles-Antoine Lavoie (Canada) with 150.50 kmh (93.52 mph) and finally by Cédric Touchette. True gravity land speed merchants, and an awesome accomplishment ..... times three!
Sept. 10 2016 "the street luge century day"
On a small steep road in Quebec, Canada in the late summer of 2016, the street luge speed scene would be dramatically rewritten, with some new names in the gravity land speed world, records would fall and history would be made. The event was the 2016 L'Ultime Descente in Les Eboulements, QC, Canada. The road was just a mere 1 kilometer long, however, this is a mineshaft. Anything that went over the edge and rolled down the hill would haul proverbial butt. Mean Mr. Gravity would pull newbies to the sport of gravity land speed racing, as well as seasoned legends down this road faster than they had ever gone before. The hill would command the respect from all riders and there would ultimately be a few who would make the sacrifice to the asphalt gods, who were always waiting patiently in the wicked fast right-hander shortly after the speed trap. This is the fastest gravity road in the world.
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The Road, Les Eboulements
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Twenty one of the fastest street luge pilots were in attendance to make their mark in the street luge world speed scene. The current world record was 157.41 km/h 97.81 held by Canadian Cedric Touchette, set in 2008. The group not only had their sights set on breaking the world record, but also being the first to break into the triple digits and join the elusive WGSA 100 MPH Club. Seasoned long time veterans to the sport, Bob Swartz, Kurtis Head and Chris McBride were in the mix along with street luge icon and legend, Roger Hickey. Fast crowd names like, Frank Williams, David Dean, Bill Smrtic, and 24 Hour Daytona winner, Andy Lally were also on the hill. There would also be some new names that would burst onto the gravity land speed racing scene. Matt Bartlett and Olivier Filitrault just to name a couple.
The results of the event would produce some epic performances, a few surprises and a few disappointments. Of the 2016 Top 10 Fast Pack, only three riders would run faster than Touchette's world record. Mike McIntyre would be the fastest in street luge and would also take the event's top speed honors. Big Mac would make three laps over 100 mph! McIntyre's run sequence: Run 1 100.66 mph, Run 2 100.32 mph, Run 3 101.97 mph proving he was the real deal and the king of speed. On that run 3, Mike would crash heavily in the bottom right-hander during his shutdown process. McIntyre would be injured and would spend the night in a Quebec City hospital. Because of the crash, the WGSA and Guinness do not recognize that run as a world record because of his failure to maintain control for the entire run. McIntyre's previous run of 162.00 km/h 100.662 mph would be the new WGSA Street Luge Unlimited world record.
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Mike McIntyre
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One of the event's big surprises, street luge legend, Roger Hickey, now 58 years young, would show up at the hill and make his attempt at the world record. Hickey and teammate Perry Fisser would both be piloting sleds of Hickey's own design. Roger on his Genesis and Fisser would ride the Eagle. Both Hickey machines, were designed in the late 80's, Now sporting a few small updates and fresh paint, these were two of the best looking luges to roll down the Canadian hill. Hickey, having been out of the street luge saddle for 15 years would now have an "uphill" battle, both physically and mentally to pull this off. Throughout the event's first days speed sessions, Hickey would acclimate to the downhill terrain and his machine. He would manage to finish off the day with a 95 mph pass. Impressive. Then Saturday, Hickey would stun the gravity speed world! Roger would pilot the Freshpark missile thru the speed trap stopping the clocks with an incredible 161.47 km/h 100.03 mph lap. Upon review of the run video, Hickey, to his disappointment, had started his shutdown procedure while still in the speed trap, which more than likely cost him the top speed honors and the WGSA world record. This was event's final day for record attempts because of poor weather conditions on Sunday's speed sessions, it would not allow Roger to go after McIntyre's big number. He would have to settle for the Silver, finishing the event behind Big Mac. With his 100 mph pass, Hickey became the third Centurion into the prestigious WGSA Century Club along with only two other members. Quite an amazing accomplishment to say the least for this street luge legend!
Hickey in the speed zone
Also in attendance was the defending street luge world record holder, Cedric Touchette. To show his support, he would make just one pass during the event on Friday, recording a respectable speed of 133.64 km/h 83.04 mph. There were some surprises and disappointments at the L'Ultime Descente. David Dean, a speed favorite, after extensive R&D work including wind tunnel sessions, failed to make the top 10. Bill Smrtic, had his new luge damaged during shipping. Bill would be up all night making emergency repairs, Smrtic would make it to the hill, however he could only ring out a 93 mph pass best from his wounded sled. He would not make the top half. Tim Koch would set a WGSA Street Luge Limited record with a blistering 156.18 km/h 97.03 mph pass. Folks, that's a stock, no aero luge! Kolby Parks would crush the existing classic luge record and set a new WGSA record of 131.65 km/h 81.80 mph, upping the old record, held by Darren Lott, by more than 15 mph! Matt Bartlett, also new to the gravity speed sport, made the gravity speed world take notice when he laid down a 155.45 km/h 96.59 mph pass with the "Invisible Luge" of his own design. Olivier Filiatrault, also new to the gravity land speed racing, ran a personal best of 151.98 km/h 94.43 mph getting him into the Top 10 Fast Pack.
The 2016 L'Ultime Descente had become fastest gravity land speed race in history. Now with a renewed interest in the sport of gravity land speed racing the speed record numbers will ultimately be challenged by a few brave men and women in the future. GO FAST
the great street luge speed dual of 2016 Hickey vs McIntyre
One of the all time greatest street luge land speed races happened at the 2016 L'Ultime Descente Speed Challenge between two street luge greats. Mike McIntyre (USA) and street luge legend Roger Hickey (USA) McIntyre with numerous IGSA wins and countless podium finishes was out for the top speed of the meet and a world record riding a Rogers Bros luge. Street luge icon, Roger Hickey, who was 58 years old at the time, would come out of a 15 year retirement to take a shot at the big Canadian hill on a luge of his own design, the Eagle. There were others in attendance, but the real race came down to these two speed merchants.
During Friday's sessions the two acclimated to the hill. Hickey started off posting a 77 mph pass and worked his way to 95 mph at the end of the day. Big Mac on his first lap would start at 64 mph and finish off at 97 mph! The stage was now set for Saturday's speed sessions and great weather was the forecast.
Saturday, McIntyre stopped the timers at 97 mph on his first lap with Hickey posting a 62 mph pass. Hickey would gather speed with each pass. Mac was now in the speed zone makes it over the 100 mph barrier on his 3rd lap with a 100.66. Roger posts a 97.82 mph on his 5th pass and Mac runs a 98.42. On the 5th run Hickey goes big and into the 100's running 100.33 mph, Mike runs a 100.32 and now takes notice that Hickey is serious and now a definite threat. Hickey elects sit out the next run and go after him on Sunday, McIntyre, wanting to protect his top speed decides to make one more pass and disaster strikes. Mac would run 101.97 mph only to lose control in the shut down area and crash heavily. He would spend the night in a local hospital because of injuries.
Sunday's speed sessions would be blown out because of rain and high crosswinds dashing any hopes of Hickey challenging McIntyre for the title. Big Mac would return to claim the top speed victory for the event on Sunday and a WGSA world record. Both men would be the first to in history to be officially clocked over 100 mph on a street luge and join the prestigious WGSA Century Club. Mac would be the first Centurion into the club and Hickey would be number three. Upon viewing the videos, Roger Hickey's early shut down procedures on his 100 mph pass started just before the first timing beam and definitely pulled some speed off before he exited the speed trap. Had he waited one second longer, who knows how this great speed race would have ended. That weekend the gravity land speed racing community witnessed some incredible speed performances by two street luge greats in an iconic speed race dual. GO FAST
During Friday's sessions the two acclimated to the hill. Hickey started off posting a 77 mph pass and worked his way to 95 mph at the end of the day. Big Mac on his first lap would start at 64 mph and finish off at 97 mph! The stage was now set for Saturday's speed sessions and great weather was the forecast.
Saturday, McIntyre stopped the timers at 97 mph on his first lap with Hickey posting a 62 mph pass. Hickey would gather speed with each pass. Mac was now in the speed zone makes it over the 100 mph barrier on his 3rd lap with a 100.66. Roger posts a 97.82 mph on his 5th pass and Mac runs a 98.42. On the 5th run Hickey goes big and into the 100's running 100.33 mph, Mike runs a 100.32 and now takes notice that Hickey is serious and now a definite threat. Hickey elects sit out the next run and go after him on Sunday, McIntyre, wanting to protect his top speed decides to make one more pass and disaster strikes. Mac would run 101.97 mph only to lose control in the shut down area and crash heavily. He would spend the night in a local hospital because of injuries.
Sunday's speed sessions would be blown out because of rain and high crosswinds dashing any hopes of Hickey challenging McIntyre for the title. Big Mac would return to claim the top speed victory for the event on Sunday and a WGSA world record. Both men would be the first to in history to be officially clocked over 100 mph on a street luge and join the prestigious WGSA Century Club. Mac would be the first Centurion into the club and Hickey would be number three. Upon viewing the videos, Roger Hickey's early shut down procedures on his 100 mph pass started just before the first timing beam and definitely pulled some speed off before he exited the speed trap. Had he waited one second longer, who knows how this great speed race would have ended. That weekend the gravity land speed racing community witnessed some incredible speed performances by two street luge greats in an iconic speed race dual. GO FAST
2016 street luge top 10 fast pack
1. Mike McIntyre 164.12 km/h 101.97 mph McIntyre would crash disqualifying this run. However, he would set the
WGSA world record with a previous run of 162.00 km/h 100.66 mph.
on his unlimited Luge. McIntyre was also the first Centurion into the
WGSA Century Club
2. Roger Hickey 161.47 km/h 100.33 mph Third Centurion to join the WGSA Century Club
3. Andy Lally 158.57 km/h 98.53 mph
4. Chris McBride 157.39 km/h 97.79 mph
5. Tim Koch 156.17 km/h 97.03 mph WGSA Street Luge Limited world record
6. Damian Andrey 155.79 km/h 96.80 mph
7. Matt Battlett 155.45 km/h 96.59 mph
8. Franks Williams 155.21 km/h 96.44 mph
9. Olivier Filiatrault 151.98 km/h 94.43 mph
10. Bob Swartz 151.41 km/h 94.08 mph
WGSA world record with a previous run of 162.00 km/h 100.66 mph.
on his unlimited Luge. McIntyre was also the first Centurion into the
WGSA Century Club
2. Roger Hickey 161.47 km/h 100.33 mph Third Centurion to join the WGSA Century Club
3. Andy Lally 158.57 km/h 98.53 mph
4. Chris McBride 157.39 km/h 97.79 mph
5. Tim Koch 156.17 km/h 97.03 mph WGSA Street Luge Limited world record
6. Damian Andrey 155.79 km/h 96.80 mph
7. Matt Battlett 155.45 km/h 96.59 mph
8. Franks Williams 155.21 km/h 96.44 mph
9. Olivier Filiatrault 151.98 km/h 94.43 mph
10. Bob Swartz 151.41 km/h 94.08 mph
2017 Classic Luge McKirdy first over 90 mph, Williams sets WGSA world record
The 2017 L'Ultime Descente Speed Challenge saw another gravity milestone eclipsed and a new WGSA Classic Luge world record. Nic McKirdy (AUS) would be the first classic luge pilot over the 90 mph hurdle. Three of the world's fastest classic luge riders were in attendance at the event with their eyes set on breaking the current WGSA world record held by Kolby Parks. Kolby Parks (CAN) was at the hill to up his record and defend his title in the process. However Nic McKirdy (AUS) and Frank Williams (USA) had other ideas. This trio was the best of the best and it was going to be a very fast weekend.
Parks, the current WGSA world record holder at 131.64 km/h 81.80 mph, would have his work cut out for him to stay out in front. Friday's sessions the riders spent acclimating to the hill and dialing in equipment, which these professionals did in very fast fashion. McKirdy made two shake down laps, with a top speed of 125.58 km/h 78.03 mph between the two. Parks started conservative making four passes and ending up with his fastest speed of 133.49 km/h 82.94, upping his record. Williams, on a mission, makes only two Classic runs and makes his speed statement, finishing up with the top speed honors of Friday's sessions with a 138.46 km/h 86.03 mph posting, resetting the WGSA world record. Saturday's session weather forecast predicted an approaching cold front that could possibly produce a tailwind and a dream day on the hill.
Saturday proved to be just that! This would be the biggest day in Classic luge land speed racing history! McKirdy would be the first Classic pass of Saturday's session. Nic went huge and rolled into the gravity speed racing history books! McKirdy stopped the timers with a jaw dropping 149.58 km/h 92.94 mph pass, making him the first Classic Luge thru the 90 mph barrier and now the fastest Classic rider in the world! Williams on his next pass, chases him into the 90's with a 147.54 km/h 91.67 mph lap, now the second rider to accomplish the 90 milestone and now sets his sights on taking the record back. Parks had bowed out this round.
Now for run 10 of Saturday. McKirdy decides to set one run out and goes after a street luge record. Alexander Frischalf (AUT) jumped on a Classic and would make one pass only for the weekend posting a respectable speed of 128.11 km/h 79.60 mph. Parks runs a 139.17 km/h 86.47 mph pass and definitely is in the hunt. Williams drops the hammer and blasts thru the timing lights with a stunning 150.41 km/h 93.46 mph pass! This posting would go on to stand as the new WGSA Classic Luge world record! Both Williams and McKirdy had run all day Saturday in the 90's. Parks was definitely in the speed zone and was giving chase with a 141.54 km/h 87.94 mph pass, but just couldn't shake the 80's all weekend with his gallant effort. Sunday's sessions would be blown out with unmanageable crosswinds on the hill, making it unworthy for any attempts at the world record. The gravity history books were now rewritten.
The 2017 L'Ultime Descente Speed Challenge proved to be a true gravity slugfest between the three fastest Classic riders in the world. When the dust settled, all three riders had upped their personal bests. Kolby Parks tacked on more than 9.65 km/h 6 mph to his personal best and was definitely in the chase. Nic McKirdy with a Classic Luge milestone, was the first rider over the 90 MPH barrier and would give Williams an all out run for his money! And Frank Williams, the Classic Luge Speed King and WGSA world record holder, with his incredible speed performance of 150.41 km/h 93.46 mph! Unbelievable speed achievements by this Classic Trio. Watch for this group back at the 2019 L'Ultime Descente Speed Challenge to once again rewrite the history books for this gravity speed sport. GO FAST
Parks, the current WGSA world record holder at 131.64 km/h 81.80 mph, would have his work cut out for him to stay out in front. Friday's sessions the riders spent acclimating to the hill and dialing in equipment, which these professionals did in very fast fashion. McKirdy made two shake down laps, with a top speed of 125.58 km/h 78.03 mph between the two. Parks started conservative making four passes and ending up with his fastest speed of 133.49 km/h 82.94, upping his record. Williams, on a mission, makes only two Classic runs and makes his speed statement, finishing up with the top speed honors of Friday's sessions with a 138.46 km/h 86.03 mph posting, resetting the WGSA world record. Saturday's session weather forecast predicted an approaching cold front that could possibly produce a tailwind and a dream day on the hill.
Saturday proved to be just that! This would be the biggest day in Classic luge land speed racing history! McKirdy would be the first Classic pass of Saturday's session. Nic went huge and rolled into the gravity speed racing history books! McKirdy stopped the timers with a jaw dropping 149.58 km/h 92.94 mph pass, making him the first Classic Luge thru the 90 mph barrier and now the fastest Classic rider in the world! Williams on his next pass, chases him into the 90's with a 147.54 km/h 91.67 mph lap, now the second rider to accomplish the 90 milestone and now sets his sights on taking the record back. Parks had bowed out this round.
Now for run 10 of Saturday. McKirdy decides to set one run out and goes after a street luge record. Alexander Frischalf (AUT) jumped on a Classic and would make one pass only for the weekend posting a respectable speed of 128.11 km/h 79.60 mph. Parks runs a 139.17 km/h 86.47 mph pass and definitely is in the hunt. Williams drops the hammer and blasts thru the timing lights with a stunning 150.41 km/h 93.46 mph pass! This posting would go on to stand as the new WGSA Classic Luge world record! Both Williams and McKirdy had run all day Saturday in the 90's. Parks was definitely in the speed zone and was giving chase with a 141.54 km/h 87.94 mph pass, but just couldn't shake the 80's all weekend with his gallant effort. Sunday's sessions would be blown out with unmanageable crosswinds on the hill, making it unworthy for any attempts at the world record. The gravity history books were now rewritten.
The 2017 L'Ultime Descente Speed Challenge proved to be a true gravity slugfest between the three fastest Classic riders in the world. When the dust settled, all three riders had upped their personal bests. Kolby Parks tacked on more than 9.65 km/h 6 mph to his personal best and was definitely in the chase. Nic McKirdy with a Classic Luge milestone, was the first rider over the 90 MPH barrier and would give Williams an all out run for his money! And Frank Williams, the Classic Luge Speed King and WGSA world record holder, with his incredible speed performance of 150.41 km/h 93.46 mph! Unbelievable speed achievements by this Classic Trio. Watch for this group back at the 2019 L'Ultime Descente Speed Challenge to once again rewrite the history books for this gravity speed sport. GO FAST
2017 street luge Andrey, Machado, Filiatrault, shatter the 100 mph barrier Capt. Poutine sets new WGSA unlimited luge record
Again, the L'Ultime Descente is the fastest gravity land speed race on earth. This is the place where the fastest of the fast gather on this Canadian road to make their mark in gravity speed racing history. This was the second year for the event and proved no different. It drew seventeen of the fastest street luge pilots in the world. A speed battle would take place on Saturday at the event for the top luge speed honors and it would produce two WGSA street luge world records and three new luge members into the WGSA Century Club.
Damian Andrey (SUI) aka "Capt. Poutine" of Team Poutine, was back on the hill on a speed quest mission and would prove to be the one to catch at this 2017 event. While piloting his Unlimited luge, Damian would make three laps in excess of 100 mph on Saturday. On one incredible high speed pass he would stop the timers, posting a mind numbing speed of 163.88 km/h 101.83 mph that would set the new WGSA Unlimited Luge world record. He would top that off by posting two more runs in excess of 100 mph that day. He accomplished this on a 15.1 kg. 33.2 lb. basically stock boomless sled with only minimal aero work to the tail. Not wanting to add any weight to the sled, Damian went on a 9 day poutine diet after arriving early in Canada. Andrey would add 5.5 kg. 12 lbs. to weight up for extra speed, hence the name, "Capt. Poutine"! Andrey would become the fourth Centurion to join the elite WGSA Century Club and take the top speed luge honors at the event! Speed mission accomplished for Damian Andrey! No doubt he and Team Poutine will be a force to be reckoned in the future!
Alexandre Machado (BRA) "the Brazilian Rocket" wowed the street luge speed scene with his incredible performance that weekend. Alexandre riding a limited luge was in the mix for luge top speed of the event. Machado, one of the lighter luge pilots made up for it with his impeccable riding form which allowed him to rocket thru the 100 mph barrier! Alexandre would finish behind Andrey, giving a close chase with his 161.67 km/h 100.45 mph pass. This run Machado would become the new WGSA Limited Luge world record holder and the sixth Centurion into the WGSA Century Club. Look for Machado in the triple digits again at the next challenge.
Olivier Filiatrault (CAN) a member of Team Poutine, stepped up his game and was in the hunt for the top speed with two laps over 100 mph. In the end, he would share second place speed honors with an incredible run of 161.67 km/h 100.45 mph with Alexandre Machado. That was more than 5 mph faster than his performance last year! He followed it up with a run of 160.93 km/h 100.00 mph. Olivier was the fifth Centurion into the Century Club. Watch for this guy and Team Poutine to make a serious run for the record at the next speed challenge.
Honorable mention: William Stephenson (GBR) was right there in the mix with his 160.00 km/h 99.41 mph run with his Unlimited aero luge just missing the milestone! Don't count this guy out the next challenge. Frank Williams (USA) was another favorite for the 100 milestone. Frank had already solidified his place as the 2017 WGSA Classic Luge world record holder was looking for some big speed on the street luge for a record attempt. Williams, finished up the weekend by throwing up a big number of 159.05 km/h 98.82 mph letting it be known, he'll be challenging the next time. Bill Smrtic (USA) another one that was expected over 100 this year, but couldn't escape the 90's all weekend. Bill still managed a phenomenal posting of 157.66 km/h 97.96 mph! Expect to see Smrtic grab a Centurion spot soon. Another favorite, Matt Barlett (USA) who ran a very impressive number last year for his weight, showed up on the hill with a new boomless speed sled, but to the disappointment of many of his followers, failed to make a top 10 showing. Matt will be back!
2017 produced an all new group of WGSA street luge world record holders along with three 100 mph milestones for the gravity history books. The 2017 street luge speed merchants proved their performances were nothing short of spectacular. Watch for this group to raise the bar and set new WGSA world records at the next L'Ultime Descente Speed Challenge currently scheduled for late summer 2019. As always, GO FAST
Damian Andrey (SUI) aka "Capt. Poutine" of Team Poutine, was back on the hill on a speed quest mission and would prove to be the one to catch at this 2017 event. While piloting his Unlimited luge, Damian would make three laps in excess of 100 mph on Saturday. On one incredible high speed pass he would stop the timers, posting a mind numbing speed of 163.88 km/h 101.83 mph that would set the new WGSA Unlimited Luge world record. He would top that off by posting two more runs in excess of 100 mph that day. He accomplished this on a 15.1 kg. 33.2 lb. basically stock boomless sled with only minimal aero work to the tail. Not wanting to add any weight to the sled, Damian went on a 9 day poutine diet after arriving early in Canada. Andrey would add 5.5 kg. 12 lbs. to weight up for extra speed, hence the name, "Capt. Poutine"! Andrey would become the fourth Centurion to join the elite WGSA Century Club and take the top speed luge honors at the event! Speed mission accomplished for Damian Andrey! No doubt he and Team Poutine will be a force to be reckoned in the future!
Alexandre Machado (BRA) "the Brazilian Rocket" wowed the street luge speed scene with his incredible performance that weekend. Alexandre riding a limited luge was in the mix for luge top speed of the event. Machado, one of the lighter luge pilots made up for it with his impeccable riding form which allowed him to rocket thru the 100 mph barrier! Alexandre would finish behind Andrey, giving a close chase with his 161.67 km/h 100.45 mph pass. This run Machado would become the new WGSA Limited Luge world record holder and the sixth Centurion into the WGSA Century Club. Look for Machado in the triple digits again at the next challenge.
Olivier Filiatrault (CAN) a member of Team Poutine, stepped up his game and was in the hunt for the top speed with two laps over 100 mph. In the end, he would share second place speed honors with an incredible run of 161.67 km/h 100.45 mph with Alexandre Machado. That was more than 5 mph faster than his performance last year! He followed it up with a run of 160.93 km/h 100.00 mph. Olivier was the fifth Centurion into the Century Club. Watch for this guy and Team Poutine to make a serious run for the record at the next speed challenge.
Honorable mention: William Stephenson (GBR) was right there in the mix with his 160.00 km/h 99.41 mph run with his Unlimited aero luge just missing the milestone! Don't count this guy out the next challenge. Frank Williams (USA) was another favorite for the 100 milestone. Frank had already solidified his place as the 2017 WGSA Classic Luge world record holder was looking for some big speed on the street luge for a record attempt. Williams, finished up the weekend by throwing up a big number of 159.05 km/h 98.82 mph letting it be known, he'll be challenging the next time. Bill Smrtic (USA) another one that was expected over 100 this year, but couldn't escape the 90's all weekend. Bill still managed a phenomenal posting of 157.66 km/h 97.96 mph! Expect to see Smrtic grab a Centurion spot soon. Another favorite, Matt Barlett (USA) who ran a very impressive number last year for his weight, showed up on the hill with a new boomless speed sled, but to the disappointment of many of his followers, failed to make a top 10 showing. Matt will be back!
2017 produced an all new group of WGSA street luge world record holders along with three 100 mph milestones for the gravity history books. The 2017 street luge speed merchants proved their performances were nothing short of spectacular. Watch for this group to raise the bar and set new WGSA world records at the next L'Ultime Descente Speed Challenge currently scheduled for late summer 2019. As always, GO FAST
Damian Andrey (SUI) 163.88 km/h 101.83 mph WGSA Unlimited Street Luge World Record Holder & Century Club Centurion #4
Alexandre Machado (BRA) 161.67 km/h 100.45 mph WGSA Limited Street Luge World Record Holder & Century Club Centurion #6
Olivier Filiatrault (CAN) 161.67 km/h 100.45 mph Century Club Centurion #5
2017 street luge top 10 fast pack
1. Damian Andrey (SUI) 163.88 km/h 101.83 mph WGSA Unlimited World Record Holder
4th Centurion into the WGSA Century Club
2. Alexandre Machado (BRA) 161.67 km/h 100.45 mph WGSA Limited World Record Holder
6th Centurion into the WGSA Century Club
2. Olivier Filiatrault (CAN) 161.67 km/h 100.45 mph 5th Centurion into the WGSA Century Club
4. William Stephenson (GBR) 160.00 km/h 99.41 mph
5. Frank Williams (USA) 159.05 km/h 98.82 mph
6. Bill Smrtic (USA) 159.05 km/h 97.96 mph
7. Kolby Parks (CAN) 154.06 km/h 95.72 mph
8. Tim Koch (CAN) 153.40 km/h 95.31 mph
8. John Fritz (CAN) 153.40 km/h 95.31 mph
8. Ross Baradoy (SUI) 153.40 km/h 95.31 mph
4th Centurion into the WGSA Century Club
2. Alexandre Machado (BRA) 161.67 km/h 100.45 mph WGSA Limited World Record Holder
6th Centurion into the WGSA Century Club
2. Olivier Filiatrault (CAN) 161.67 km/h 100.45 mph 5th Centurion into the WGSA Century Club
4. William Stephenson (GBR) 160.00 km/h 99.41 mph
5. Frank Williams (USA) 159.05 km/h 98.82 mph
6. Bill Smrtic (USA) 159.05 km/h 97.96 mph
7. Kolby Parks (CAN) 154.06 km/h 95.72 mph
8. Tim Koch (CAN) 153.40 km/h 95.31 mph
8. John Fritz (CAN) 153.40 km/h 95.31 mph
8. Ross Baradoy (SUI) 153.40 km/h 95.31 mph
Alexandre Machado 100.45 mph Damian Andrey 101.83 mph Olivier Filiatrault 100.45 mph