J-turn

For the air combat maneuver also known as the "J-turn", see Herbst maneuver. For the type of road intersection also known as the "J-turn", see Superstreet.

Animation of a J-turn

A J-turn is a driving maneuver in which a reversing vehicle is spun 180 degrees and continues, facing forward, without changing direction of travel. The J-turn is also called a "moonshiner's turn" (from the evasive driving tactics used by bootleggers), a "reverse 180", a reverse flick, a "Rockford Turn", a "Rockford Spin", or simply a "Rockford" popularized by the 1970s TV show The Rockford Files.[1] A J-turn differs from a bootleg turn in that the vehicle begins in reverse gear. It is often performed by stunt drivers in film and television shows. It can be performed both on dry and snowy surfaces; the latter is preferable while learning the skill.

Technique

The turn is achieved by transferring the momentum of the car by reversing quickly in a straight line then turning the wheel sharply while using a brake to lock the front wheels. The driver changes into a forward gear as the nose comes about.[2]

World record

The narrowest J-turn was performed in a Renault Twingo, between barriers set 3.78 metres (12.4 ft) apart. The diagonal length of the car, 3.70 metres (12.1 ft), meant stunt driver Terry Grant had a gap of 4 centimetres (1.6 in) on each side. This happened at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham, UK, at the PistonHeads show on 11–13 January 2008.[3]

See also

References

  1. ^ Spinelli, Mike (20 January 2011). "How to Do a J-Turn in the Snow".
  2. ^ WIRED. "How to do a J-turn". Wired UK.
  3. ^ "World Record at PH show: Terry Grant Completes Record J-turn". pistonheads.com. 16 January 2008. Retrieved 18 April 2011.