Jussi Kallioniemi says that he is interested in problem-solving and managing the big picture. He has been working systematically and persistently on the world record project.
– People often tell me that I don’t look like a strongman – and I’m not one. A normal middle-aged man can take on a world record challenge if they take everything into account and try to get the car rolling as lightly as possible. We have moved from the large blocks toward even smaller details, Jussi says.
"Succeeding in the world record gives me a boost of energy and enjoyment. I feel like the final piece of the puzzle has fallen into place."
There has been an enormous number of blocks. Solving the problems even resulted in an invention that has a pending patent application. Together with his friend, Jussi created a remote controller for practice runs that allowed him to turn the wheel himself while pushing, without using a driver. In the future, this tool might be used by repair workshops or vehicle inspectors, for example.
– Succeeding in the world record gives me a boost of energy and enjoyment. I feel like the final piece of the puzzle has fallen into place.
Bio: Jussi Kallioniemi
– 47 years old, lives in Nokia with his family
– Holder of the world record for “Fastest time to push a car one mile”
– He has previously set the record for “Fastest marathon carrying a 60 lb (27.2 kg) pack”: 4 h 34 min 24s
– Increased his muscle strength and stamina especially in 2019
– About 600 km of training in car pushing during 2020
Record-setting vehicle “Röhkö”
– Saab 97-X 5.3i Arc
– Engine: 5.3 l V8, 304 hp
– Weight 2,170 kg (Guinness rules state that the minimum weight of the vehicle must be 1,880 kg)
– More than 211,000 km (131,000 miles) on the odometer
– Runs on biogas
– Lets out a nice groan when starting (“röhkäisy” in Finnish)