Ep 4. Gravity Racer

In the fourth episode of the second season of Speed with Guy Martin, titled "Gravity Racer," the adrenaline-fueled host attempts a new challenge as he dives head first into the world of downhill gravity racing.

The episode begins with Martin heading to the Swiss Alps, where he meets with a group of expert gravity racers who aim to help Martin build his very own gravity racer. A gravity racer, also known as a soapbox car, is a type of vehicle that uses gravity to accelerate down a hill and is a common sight at village fairs and racing events.

Martin, who is always up for a challenge, jumps at the chance to build a racer from scratch, utilizing his technical skills to create one of the most unique racers on the hill that day. Martin and his team work tirelessly to get every detail right, including the design of the chassis, the wheels, and the brakes.

Throughout the episode, Martin takes on different tasks, from sanding down the wooden frame to fitting the steering components. While the complexity of the work may seem daunting to most, Martin is unfazed, and his enthusiasm never wavers.

After several days of hard work, the racer is finally ready to be put to the test. Martin suits up in a racing helmet and takes the final tweaks on the racer before the big race. When the race begins, Martin experiences the thrill of steering his own creation down the hill, racing against some of the best gravity racers in the world.

Despite facing some challenges with braking, Martin is able to navigate his way through the course, reaching speeds of over 80 miles per hour. Along the way, he gains valuable insights from other racers and even takes a few spills, but he remains undeterred, determined to make it to the finish line.

Throughout the episode, Martin also showcases the fascinating history behind the sport, which dates back to the early 1900s. He explores how the sport has evolved over the years, from homemade wooden racers to the modern-day racers.

In the end, "Gravity Racer" is a thrilling episode that displays Guy Martin's unique passion for engineering and racing. Martin's love for the sport is evident throughout the episode, as he immerses himself in the world of gravity racing and takes on new challenges with his trademark enthusiasm and determination. By the end of the episode, viewers are left with a newfound appreciation for this unique sport and a desire to build their own gravity racer and experience the thrill of racing down a hill.