A Formula 1 racer actually driven upside down

It’s been theorized for years that the upside down wings on the front and rear of Formula one racers generate enough downforce that such a car could actually be driven upside down, given the proper speed and a track specially built to allow for such a stunt. This weekend that theory was proven on the Hot Wheels Test Track.

No it wasn’t done with tiny little models, but a real full size driver in a full size Formula 1. The track looked like something built for models, but was a full size race track with a long straightaway allowing the racer to reach the 306-mph speed needed before entering the section of the track that inverted the car to run upside down for what appeared to be a quarter of a mile.

It then came to an opposite track inversion which turned the F1 right side up before the driver, blacked out from the G-force of the second flipover, was slowed automatically to a stop.

Technicians nervously monitored the special NASA-style suit that measured the driver’s biological readings. They held their breath waiting for him to regain consciousness after the amazing feat. After a few tense moments, he pushed up the cover to the cockpit and stepped out of the car.

Next the program showed Tanner Foust’s record setting 322-ft jump in a four wheel vehicle, also with the Hot Wheels logo painted on the side and that video is on YouTube for all to see.

However, an extensive search of various online resources shows no trace of the remarkable F1 feat. There’s nothing to be found online about the Hot Wheels Test Track, except for a toy by that name, but there it was right on the TV.

It is indeed a strange feeling to see something on the television you can not verify online thereafter, but some cars can drive upside down.

Honest they can.

For more information on the physics involved, click here.