https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EKpG8dczBCA
History was made in 2015 when Frenchman Yannick Dupont grabbed the Guinness World Record for doing the longest individual ATV side-wheelie. If you're unaware of what a side-wheelie is, it's exactly what it sounds like: Tilting the ATV and continuing to ride while only the two wheels on one side are on the ground. The action happened at Cite De L'automobile in Mulhouse, France, and I'm glad they caught it all on camera.
This amazing video of Frenchman Dupont showcases his incredible riding skills, as he managed to ride on two wheels for a whopping 21.3 miles! Since he was on an oval track, it took him 100 laps to achieve the new record. This isn't the first time he's gone for a quad bike record like this, either. He's also the stuntman who broke the previous record for the longest tandem ATV side-wheelie. The previous record was held by Grantsville, Utah man Daniel Adams.
It was a pretty cool moment for motorsports, and it drew a decent crowd to the track, as well. This is one of those stunts that would make Travis Pastrana proud, even if it doesn't include a ramp jump with some crazy air time. I say that, because, back in the day, Pastrana actually held one of the previous records for a tandem side-wheelie. Anyway, I'm not even really sure how Dupont had the endurance to keep that up for over an hour. I'm sure his limbs were a little sore after that one.
It's one thing to break the longest ATV side-wheelie record, but Dupont was even seen taking one hand off the bars while he traveled on two wheels. That's some pure confidence in your ability, and it also gives the crowd a nice show. People have tried their luck at the record before, so believe me when I say he makes it look a lot easier than it actually is.
I love seeing people out there pushing the limits on ATVs and UTVs. I'm pretty surprised that no one else has attempted to break the record. It happened nearly five years ago! I'm sure someone will get the itch to hold the coveted record, and when that day comes, I can guarantee that Dupont will be back once more to claim the title. He doesn't seem like the kind of guy that likes to be bested.
[sweeps]
This post was originally published on June 2, 2020.