By Krystal Smalley
ksmalley@wbcowqel.com
The Galion man who brought the county to its feet with his death-defying stunt over a year ago has another shocking plan in the works.
Michael “Madman” Porter jumped seven vans in his 1989 Lincoln Town Car during the 2012 Crawford County Fair. It was the one and only time Porter had made the Evil Knievel-style jump but, after one adrenaline-fueled, engine-revving, crowd-screaming event, Porter had a taste of the daredevil lifestyle—and he liked it.
Now, Porter plans on jumping again, only this time he’s using planes.
“We’re in the planning stages,” Porter said.
The event may just be in its infancy but Porter is already excited about making the jump.
Why has “Madman” Porter decided to try his luck on a death-defying stunt again?
“It’s mostly just the people’s reaction to the first one,” explained Porter. “Being who I am, I always think about something to jump over.”
He had wanted to pack the county grandstands in 2012 and pack it he did. Not an empty seat had been in sight and the screaming crowd seemed to have gotten into Porter’s blood. Now, Porter wants to be what he calls a “budget daredevil.” He wants to make a daredevil event available that is affordable and family-friendly.
He waved away the $40 to $60 price tags that often come with daredevil-type events where people pay to see someone crash and burn. He would rather see an event that is fun for everyone and keeps the stunts—though dangerous—as safe as possible.
“Anybody can crash into something,” Porter said. He believed it takes more strategy and courage to be able to plan and execute a jump without major damage.
So now Porter plans on jumping his “Amazing Flying Lincoln” one more time. The buses in 2012 totaled about 90 feet. The three airplanes he hopes to jump in the spring or summer would extend that length to 120 feet.
Porter has been discussing the idea with the Galion airport director. If the event does go forward, Porter says he plans on complying with any concerns that may be brought to him in order to make the day safe for everyone.
More information about Michael “Madman” Porter and his “Amazing Flying Lincoln” can be found at www.flyinglincoln.com.