For Gudbjørn Grimsson, no thrill delivers like the ones he gets from treading on water. Grimsson isn’t some illusionist or sorcerer, however; he’s just a regular guy who happens to like high-horsepower trucks that do what’s called hydroplaning.
Over in Scandinavia, off-roading tends to fall into a few categories: rally, mountain climbing, and hydroplaning. The last of these requires a vehicle with such a massive output and low gearing that it can spin paddle tires at excessive speed, which essentially turns water into a drivable surface (in a straight line, anyway).
Hydroplaning falls into one category of Formula Offroad, a highly popular form of motorsport that got its start in Iceland. Supposedly, the fad came out of a need for rescue teams to draw support for their cause, which was done by demonstrating at various events the brutal power and capability of these custom machines. Man and machine would run full blast up a steep incline or over a stretch of water, leaving everyone in awe and admiration.
Over time, people like Grimsson came to build their own 4x4s and strut their stuff. Such was the case as seen in this video, only this time, Grimmson wanted to go for an official record: top speed over 1,000 feet of water.
The video goes to show that Grimmson definitely had it in him, as he kept the pedal to the floor the entire way, setting the record at 87 kph (54 mph). “I’m so happy, I am not able to explain it,” he says breathlessly after his run. “It was fantastic!” We couldn’t agree more. Congratulations, Grimsson, and best of luck on your next off-road adventure.