Joel, 27, of South Terrace, aims to smash the world powered streetluge record of 98mph by reaching speeds of more than 120mph using an engine which will give his luge about the same power-to-weight ratio as an F16 fighter plane.

Currently the UK streetluge champion, Joel is ranked 35th in the world at this little known but high-octane sport which evolved from skateboarding.

Streetluges are typically around six-feet long, made out of steel and aluminium and riders use their feet as brakes.
The idea to attempt the record came when Joel was employed as a consultee on the Sky television programme Mission: Implausible last year.

On the show the presenters try to outdo each other in daredevil stunts, one of which was jet-luging, which has since been aired.

While advising the programme's production team and coaching the hosts on luging technique, Joel got talking to representatives from Heward Microjets, the company supplying the show's jet engine.

He told them about the world record, set by American Billy Copeland using rockets, and how he would like to attempt it and the company offered to supply him with an enhanced engine for the challenge.

Although measuring only about 40cm long and 20cm tall, the specially modified engine develops 80lbs of thrust and with plans to fit an after-burner, that output will rise to around 120lbs.

Accordingly, Joel is having to have a new luge built to cope with the increased speed and torque.

Joel, who works in IT development for West Sussex County Council, plans to attempt the record in August at the Bentwaters former RAF base in Suffolk, but that all depends on whether he can get enough sponsorship.

"I am desperate for sponsorship," he said. "I need around £5,000 to pay for all the location fees, equipment costs and insurance as well as to pay a fire crew to be on standby should anything go wrong.

"Sponsors will have their logos on my equipment and van and be able to put up their banners at the attempt. I will also be able to mention them in the various media interviews I have arranged.

"Bentwaters is a perfect location as it has a 2km long runway with a really smooth surface. I'm not really that nervous about the attempt — if anything, I can't wait to get going."

Visit Joel's website www.gravityking.co.uk to find out more about streetluge and to sponsor his world record attempt or his upcoming season of racing in this year's streetluge world championships.