SHOWBIZ: Quest for South Pole glory

A NEW series, World’s Toughest Drive, follows the adventures of three men who attempt to break the world record for the fastest overland journey to the South Pole. This two-part special premieres on Discovery Channel (Astro Channel 551) today at 9pm.

The three-man crew comprises polar expedition leader and current record holder Jason de Carteret, design engineer specialist Kieron Bradley and Jason “JT” Thomas, a Canadian copywriter who won his place on the expedition through a Thomson Reuters competition.

Then there is Polar, a revolutionary concept vehicle specifically custom modified for the quest. Polar has been jacked up to run on massive 112cm tyres, has a supercharged V6 engine running on bio fuel, double wishbone suspension, a metre-long bar fitted on the front designed to stop it from falling into crevasses and a reinforced survival cell built into the cabin.

With exclusive access, the show examines the mechanics, engineering and technology of the vehicle. The experience of the team is monitored throughout, with state-of-the-art camera equipment allowing viewers to understand how the extreme conditions and obstacles along the way affect their journey. Their goal is to break the Guinness World Record of two days, 21 hours and 21 minutes for the fastest overland journey to the South Pole. Their endeavour marks the 100th anniversary of the first successful expedition to reach the South Pole led by Roald Amundsen in December 1911.

Once the expedition begins, the engine will not be turned off until they reach the South Pole. At every turn, they face 3km deep crevices, sub-zero temperatures of -89°C, overwhelming blizzards and ice blocks that can kill them at any moment. If that’s not difficult enough, car repairs, flat tires and driving over perilous ice bridges are also thrown into the mix. With no support vehicle, the three men will rely solely on Polar — and each other — to cross dangerous ice bridges, make running repairs and navigate white-outs in an epic attempt to make history.

Go behind the scenes to witness the engineering brilliance and unrelenting tenacity it takes for three contemporary pioneers to brave one of the world’s most challenging terrain in a quest for glory.

Repeats on Friday at 8am and Sunday at 1pm and 7pm.

(From left) Kieron Bradley, Jason de Carteret and Jason Thomas

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SHOWBIZ: Quest for South Pole glory

A NEW series, World’s Toughest Drive, follows the adventures of three men who attempt to break the world record for the fastest overland journey to the South Pole. This two-part special premieres on Discovery Channel (Astro Channel 551) today at 9pm.

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