'Pick a car that has a good e-brake, you'll need it for this sequence.' It was early evening, around 7:00 pm and I'd just arrived at work. Hearing these words of advice from the stunt coordinator I had two things pass quickly through my mind. My first thought was "Great!" I was sure it was going to be a good evening. My second thought was that I hoped the cars did indeed have strong e-brakes.
Picking up my bag with my driving gear I walked toward the picture cars that were lined up at the rear of the location area. A number of various shaped and sized cars were to appear in the shoot that evening and my eyes were drawn to the Crown Victorias parked there. The cars were set up with all the police lights and I was excited to be playing a 'goodie' that evening.
Trying out each car in turn, I systematically tested the e-brake pedal to find a vehicle that had a strong brake. Deciding that two of them were too soft, I narrowed it down to two that felt OK. I wasn't completely happy with them, but at least I could feel that although the brake didn't go down firmly, it didn't just go to the floor. Picking the car with the most effective e-brake, I got in and started driving out of the stall.
Thinking it would be best to give the e-brake a test run, I asked a friend to help me check the brakes. While my friend stood back to watch the tire on the passenger side, I revved the car and hit the e-brake when I reached 30km per hour. By leaning out the driver's window I was able to check the rear tire and could see it lock, which my friend confirmed the other rear tire did as well. I was set to go! The initial challenge was behind me.
Coming to a halt, I got out and looked at the pressure in the tires. Feeling it was too low I collected my portable compression pump and plugged it into the car cigarette lighter socket. Placing the opposite end in the tire I then began filling the tires. As the compressor did its work I pulled out a length of garden hose, plus my trusty duct tape and prepared the e-brake release handle so that it couldn't go back in. This was important to ensure that the brakes wouldn't lock when the e-brake was used in the stunts.
Once the e-brake was ready and the tires in suitable shape, I adjusted my car seat into the desired position. Seeing a few things lying around on the floor I gathered them up so I could be sure that nothing would slide around under my feet while I drove.
Ensuring the tire pressure was set to an appropriate 38 lbs. in the rear tires and 32 in the front was essential for the precision slow speed sequences, especially with the featured 90 and 180 degree turns that where to be shot. The correct tire pressure was a key factor to make sure that the car came to a stop at the right angle.
With checks of the first car out of the way I then went through the whole routine on the second best car, just to be sure I had a fall-back option if the car I was in encountered any problems. By the time I finished it was getting dark and I went to get 'breakfast'. My 'work day' on set was only just beginning.
About the Author:
Mark Aisbett has become one of the top professional stunt drivers in the business and also has a background in teaching high performance driving. It is this unique combination of personal experience, teaching, racing, and stunt car driving that allows him to put it all together and make it so easy for you to understand in his book, "The Secret Art of Stunt Driving.
