2010 in America, you can’t trust big business, politicians, or gas prices. We are all looking for something pure and it can be green but doesn’t have to be. Enter “No Fuel Racing” a.k.a. gravity sports. We are talking about adrenaline soaked high-speed action that doesn’t burn gas, doesn’t leak oil, and (get this) has no brakes!!!

Classic street luge, stand-up downhill skateboard, in-line skate, and gravity bike are our methods of travel. During a race 75mph can be achieved, but the road its self really sets its own speed usually between 25-45 mph. Around the world in places like South Africa, Brazil, and Italy events go off, and this year the World Championship is being in Hungerzell, Germany, July 15-18. The World Cup Series racers compete for points to become crowned the champion at the end of the year. See the International Gravity Sports Association website for events/details @ igsa.com.

Met our motivator: Rick Wilson  

Rick has been doing street luge for 14 years. He has been a competitive racer, master technician, and technical adviser for the gravity games, the X games, and the World Cup circuit. Rick is setting his sights on making gravity sports more accessible to the general public and more high profile for his comrades. Introduction to downhill consists of getting a skate, wearing proper gear, and finding a safe place to ride. As an advocate for gravity sports he has two main goals: 1) Promote “No Fuel Racing” to sponsors and organizers, give the World Cup circuit exposure, and ultimately get gravity sports into the Olympics. 2) Get a dedicated venue for gravity sports and specialty events like the soapbox derby. Ideally a course would be created just for no fuel sports. Such a track would have an ultra-smooth surface, banked turns, and long run-outs with rider safety a top priority. Other features would be; accurate timing, bleachers, and gathering areas for contestants and spectators. An existing road could be used, modifications just need to be done, and it’s game-on!

Home turf: Everyone that is active in gravity sports has their own training grounds. Rick has Barrett Smith Road (aka Barrett Junction) in San Diego, California. This is a seldom used, one and a half mile course with 44 turns, which is considered technical (advanced) and fast. Rick gives instruction at no charge and he can help provide the equipment. The only requirements are your time and a healthy appetite for thrills. Want a quote? “If you like to go fast, like roller coasters, and going downhill with no brakes sounds exciting, then this sport is for you.”

Listening to Rick talk about his sled you would think he is gearing up for a NASCAR race. Track conditions dominate when setting up your rig. Road surface, current temperature, amount/degree of turns, and % slope on the hill dictate your choices. Wheels can be soft/hard, wide/narrow, and tall/short, the right combination will gain you speed. Wheel bearings can be oiled, greased, sealed/non-sealed, or go big and get top of the line ceramics, again more speed. For the best trucks, go with the Stalker designed by Rick himself to be distinctively quiet. Sector 9 liked his idea enough to buy the rights and apply for a patent. Competitors typically gather pre-race 4 or 5 to a tent to work strategy and get their equipment just right, then once it is the policy is simple, “Don’t touch it.” To win, just be the fastest, collect your points, and if you have to most points at the end of the year you’re The Champion.

A balance of skill and finesse is usually gets the win, years are spent gaining the tools necessary to master what is essentially bobsledding on asphalt. Rick Wilson knows that gravity sports aren’t for everyone but also knows there are a lot of action sports enthusiasts out getting some serious work done. So the call goes out to those with the nerve to be radical, daring, and aren’t afraid to go.
Rick Wilson is “NO FUEL RACING” and can be contacted at rickwilsonusa.com or myspace.com/rickwilson619

~Check you later~
Robeye