UPDATE: For Jet Luge Creator, It's Still Full Speed Ahead

Bob Swartz, a street-luge racer who tricked out his board with a jet engine, is trying to get his act insured. He isn't having much luck. (2005 Washington Post Photo)

Bob Swartz, who two years ago thought it would be a good idea to bolt a jet engine on the back of his skateboard and try to hit 100 mph, is still at it.

Other elements of the 48-year-old's life continue apace. Still active in his Baptist church. Still married to longtime wife Cathy. Still builds antenna and computer systems for the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory. He had never fit the stereotype of an extreme sports guy, and still doesn't.

But new challenges have cropped up since Nov. 2, 2005, when The Washington Post profiled Swartz and his skateboard, which is an elongated variant called a street luge that has him riding, feet-first, while lying on his back.

"I'm trying to get my act insured. That has been a bear," Swartz said Thursday, taking a break from work to talk about his luge exploits.

He rides the contraption at drag races, where promoters like the way he keeps the crowd involved between races. He's trying to get booked at air shows, too.

Swartz built the "jet luge" himself, positioning the engine, originally designed for unmanned military aircraft, in the rear.

On the face of it, it certainly looks alarming. Swartz hurtles down drag strips feet first, with the howling jet engine perched over his helmeted head. To stop, he lets off the throttle, sits up and slams the thickened soles of his racing boots on the asphalt. Smoke rises when he does this.

But Swartz continues to take great care. One of two onboard computers automatically helps shut the vehicle down, for example, if overheating or other problems are detected.

"Don't get me wrong. I do think he's a nut," Cathy said yesterday, explaining the paradox of her husband.

She just thinks the insurance industry needs to understand the precautions he continues to build into the system. For instance, Swartz is considering making a flame come out the jet, for effect, but will do so only if he can ensure there's no risk to the crowd.

"He's putting a lot of thought and effort in making sure it's safe," Cathy Swartz said.

Swartz hasn't hit 100 mph at an official venue yet. He said he did clock 119 on a practice run, but that was unofficially timed with a Global Positioning System device.

Getting insurance for the act might help the couple realize a scheme for retirement, which Bob Swartz figures is about eight years away.

Perhaps Bob and Cathy can hit the road with other drag-race exhibition favorites, such as the tricked-out school bus or jet-powered semi. Bob and Cathy could do this for 20 weeks a year, in an RV, spending the other months with family, including his 9-month-old granddaughter, Emilee.

"That might be a real neat retirement job," Swartz said.

-- Dan Morse