For the first time since 2014, "Mad" Mike Hughes, a "Guinness World Record Daredevil" and "The world's most famous limousine driver," according to his website, will blast off in a rocket that he designed and built on his own for $20,000. His latest attempt at infamy will take place on Saturday, November 25, as he hopes to fly over the California ghost town of Amboy at approximately 500 mph. This event will not be televised, and can only be viewed on Internet pay-per-view.
Ever the showman, and having previously declared himself "The most innovative man in NASCAR history" and "The only man in history to design, build and launch himself in a rocket," Hughes is also still somewhat realistic, as he told the Associated Press that such a feat comes with great consequences.
“If you’re not scared to death, you’re an idiot,” Hughes said. “It’s scary as hell, but none of us are getting out of this world alive. I like to do extraordinary things that no one else can do, and no one in the history of mankind has designed, built and launched himself in his own rocket. I’m a walking reality show.”
As an avid flat Earth truther, Hughes' new rocket is sponsored by Research Flat Earth, an organization created by people who seriously believe the media "controls our minds," that maps cannot be trusted and Antarctica isn't a continent, but the edge of the world and the gateway to other planets, or whatever. Incredibly crazy or not, Hughes is with them and believes there is simply "no difference between science and science fiction."
He received permission to fly over Amboy from the town’s owner, Albert Okura, who told the AP he couldn’t pass up this opportunity.
“It is absolutely the most wacky promotional proposal I have had since I purchased the entire town in 2005,” said Okura. “He is a true daredevil and I want to be part of it.”
Following his flight, should all go as planned, Hughes will announce his intention to run for Governor of California, which is always a heated race. Eventually he plans to fly his own rocket into space, using a hot air balloon to lift him 68 miles into the sky. No word yet on whether or not he's prepared for what's beyond the great Ice Wall.
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