Three Daring Men Embark on the Adventure of a Lifetime in 'World's Toughest Drive'

World's Toughest Drive is an all-new series that follows three daring men as they embark on the adventure of a lifetime in an attempt to break the world record for the fastest overland journey to the South Pole. The three-man crew includes polar expedition leader and current record holder Jason de Carteret, design engineer specialist Kieron Bradley and Jason "JT" Thomas, a Canadian copywriter who won his place on the expedition through a Thomson Reuters competition. This two-part special premieres on Discovery Channel on Thursday, June 28 at 9:00 pm with encores on Friday, June 29 at 8:00 am and Sunday, July 1 at 1:00 pm and 7:00 pm.

Rounding out the team is Polar, a revolutionary concept vehicle specifically custom modified for this quest. Polar has been jacked up to run on massive 44-inch tires, has a supercharged V6 engine running on bio fuel, double wishbone suspension, a metre-long bar fitted on her front designed to stop her falling into crevasses and a reinforced survival cell built into her cab.

With exclusive access, World's Toughest Drive examines the mechanics, engineering and technology of the car. The experience of the team members is monitored throughout, with state-of-the-art camera equipment allowing viewers to understand how the extreme conditions and obstacles along the way are affecting their journey. Their goal is to break the Guinness World Record of 2 days, 21 hours and 21 minutes for the fastest overland journey to the South Pole. Their endeavour marks the 100th anniversary of the first successful expedition to reach the South Pole led by Roald Amundsen in December 1911.

Once the expedition begins, the engine will not be turned off until they reach the South Pole. At every turn, they face two-mile deep crevices, sub-zero temperatures of -89 degrees C, overwhelming blizzards, and ice blocks that can kill them at any moment. If that's not difficult enough, car repairs, flat tires and driving over perilous ice bridges are also thrown into the mix. With no support vehicle, the three men will rely solely on 'Polar' – and each other – to cross dangerous ice bridges, make running repairs and navigate white outs in an epic attempt to make history.

Go behind the scenes to witness the engineering brilliance and unrelenting tenacity it takes for three contemporary pioneers to brave one of the world's most challenging terrains in a quest for glory.

World's Toughest Drive is commissioned by Elizabeth McIntyre for Discovery Networks International, series produced by Sophie Todd for RAW TV and executive produced by Louise Norman for RAW TV.

(Press release by Discovery Channel)