Jay Leno Flips Iconic Muscle Car

Jay Leno got more than he anticipated while filming an episode of “Jay Leno’s Garage” as the famous wheel standing Hemi Under Glass from the 1960s flipped sever times at the Irwindale Speedway. The legendary stunt car was being driven by Bob Riggle who has been the wheelman of the Hemi Under Glass for 50 years. Everyone involved in this wild ride walked away without any serious injuries to anything except their pride.

29/06/16

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The Hemi Under Glass was a series of wheelie hopping Barracudas built by Hurst Performance that were used as crowd pleasing entertainment during drag racing intermissions. Unlike a standard Hemi Barracuda, the Hemi Under Glass was fitted with a 2,500 hp engine located in the rear of the vehicle. Having the engine weight in the back of the car reduced the weight in the front of the vehicle allowing the stunt ride to lift off with ease. Hurst originally built this design with the intention of drag racing the car until the vehicle refused to stay on four wheels. It was then decided that the configuration would be better served as an entertainment feature than a drag racer. This is only the second time in 50 years that Bob Riggle has crashed the Hemi Under Glass.

One of the main contributing factors to this roll over involves Riggle driving very close to end of the infield where the steep embankment of the track begins. Wheel hopping occurred during braking that was further complicated by the Hemi Under Glass not being equipped with sway bars that help to stabilize (and keep on the ground) the vehicle. Safety equipment has played an important role in preventing any injuries to Leno or Riggle. The video clearly demonstrates just how fast something going so right can all of a sudden go so wrong!

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