Jumping UTVs over 200 feet is not something you hear about someone doing every day. On two wheels, maybe, but that’s a jump for the record books even then.
The chances of completing a jump like that for a normal person would be slim. The possibility of getting severely injured or dying in the process is very high, especially with a crosswind blowing at over 30 miles an hour.
So, when we hear about someone accomplishing this feat, we can’t help but stop and take notice.
Enter Tanner Godfrey and his world record UTV jump of 2019.
Tanner Godfrey’s History
With all the odds against him, it didn't stop Tanner Godrey. He attempted and succeeded a 247-foot jump in his UTV on May 27th, 2019: Memorial Day. But that’s not all; he did it without the use of his legs and set a world record at the same time.
At the age of 18 years old, Godfrey was paralyzed from a motorcycle accident while riding motocross. He lost the use of his legs after he got tossed over the handlebars while going about 50 mph. This caused him to break one of his vertebrae and dislocate another. Paramedics knew on the scene that he would probably never walk again, and Tanner knew his life would never be the same.
But instead of letting that news keep him down, Tanner rose to the challenge.
Flash forward to 2019, 12 years later and after lots of physical therapy, Tanner Godfrey had incredibly regained some use of his legs. He could now drive his UTV with hand controls and even walk with the use of canes. The UTV was outfitted with a stick to work the brake and throttle so he could return to the driver's seat once again.
When he did, he wasted no time proving that his passion and ambition for riding hadn’t gone anywhere.
Ride of Choice: Polaris RZR XP Turbo S
To be able to make this jump possible, Godfrey chose the Polaris RZR XP Turbo S. This $30,000+ UTV is powered by a 998cc turbocharged four-stroke 2-cylinder engine making an amazing 168 horsepower.
Polaris sponsored this event and helped by beefing up the suspension, tires, roll cage and safety harness.
Discovery Channel was there to make this part of the season finale of their hit show Diesel Brothers. With weather conditions at the Utah location not favorable because of the high winds, they almost called it off.
But when the crosswinds died down for a short period, Tanner knew that it was time to attempt the jump and go for the world record. The phrase “just send it” had never been more appropriate.
Landing the Longest UTV Jump Ever
With the winds dying down, Tanner buckled into his Polaris.
As he approached the ramp, the winds kicked up again. He was going to call it off for a brief moment, but he then decided to go for it and floored the throttle. When he hit the jump, he was going 84 miles per hour.
In midair, with the crowd silently watching, the high winds caused Tanner’s UTV to get a little crooked. He landed slightly sideways because of the winds, but soon realized he had soared 247 feet through the air.
Tanner had done it.
After much celebration, he was awarded the world record for the longest UTV jump ever.
If you haven’t seen the jump for yourself, make sure you watch the YouTube video above.
We can’t help but feel inspired by anyone who accomplishes such a feat, especially someone who hasn’t always had as easy of a run of things as many have. It’s a reminder to us to stay motivated even when the odds aren’t in our favor, and it makes our excuses of “what if” and “but I’m scared” seem more like momentary considerations than outright road blocks to success.
Hats off to you, Tanner. This is truly a masterclass of inspiration and dedication.
Would you ever try anything like this?
Do you ever jump your UTV? Would you try something as wild as this? Did Tanner inspire you in some way?
Let us know in the comments if you jump your UTV and how far you got it to go.
Are you ready to see some serious air? Check out the 10 craziest dirt bike jumps with videos and how-to tips.