Dutch Backwards Racing

[6-eyed]

Yes, this is a real thing

These DAFs were once the only cars that could go as fast as they can forwards, as they could go in reverse.

[Undies]

looks like fun to me. they should make it really interesting and have a reverse-racing-with-a-trailer division.

[Jessica]

Hahaha that's cool
I've done backwards walking/running races

[6-eyed]

I wonder if the drivers turn their heads and look back, or just rely on mirrors. Obviously those cars have no reverse cameras

[neonspectraltoast]

Pretty cool, but I can't help but imagine a crick in the neck.

[Din Djarin]

Also check out the caravan races. Another dutch original
I don't think either caravan races or backwards races are organised anymore though. As you can see the footage is not recent..

[WritersPanic]

Yes, this is a real thing

These DAFs were once the only cars that could go as fast as they can forwards, as they could go in reverse.

As this began I was thinking "this is really dangerous, only a forklift uses this arrangement and they don't go very fast". Sure enough as they started going faster, the obvious problem with a solid front axle and steering with the rear wheels shows itself.

Some of the drivers did very well though, so I wonder how many are forklift drivers?

[6-eyed]

Also check out the caravan races. Another dutch original
I don't think either caravan races or backwards races are organised anymore though. As you can see the footage is not recent..

It’s my understanding the Dutch-made DAF had a special transmission that allowed it to be the fastest car in reverse. All sports cars had a traditional transmission with a small reverse gear, whereas DAF had something different that allowed a much faster reverse motion.

[Din Djarin]

Yeah, that was probably part of the fun. My guess that they don't do this anymore is:
1) they ran out of functioning DAFs, and
2) it was too dangerous to continue it without significant safety adaptions (which would have made it less fun/definitely not the same)