It takes a special kind of person to strap themself to several thousand ccs of combustion engine and attempt eye-watering speeds along a drag strip. And it takes an absolute lunatic to laugh when the airbrake fails to deploy, sending them speeding into the last chance sandpit.
Video: When your dragster's parachute fails at 220mph
Geoff Blake is both of the above, as can be seen from this incredible onboard footage. Watch from his terrifying point of view as his pushes his Noonan Hemi-powered drag racer to 220mph, before attempting to brake conventionally and ploughing into the sand.
In the description for the video, which dates from almost a decade ago, he writes: “The car was bouncing up in the air so the brakes were not very effective! LOL!!!”
Lol indeed… Despite the dramatic ending, Blake achieved a 6.53 second quarter mile run and could still stand up afterwards. We don’t know which is more impressive…
Welcome to Goodwood Elevenses, a mid-morning helping of motoring-related amusement to help break up your day. Watch the last video: This V8 Lola is a hillclimb rocket

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