Racing in Iron Man-style suits a reality

Forget racing cars, bikes or boats there's now a new vehicle to race in.

From next year you'll be able to participate in a new racing series - wearing Iron Man-style jet suits.

If you've ever watched Robert Downey Junior in Iron Man and hankered after his suit then this is your chance to not only wear one, but to race in one.

Jet-suit inventor Richard Browning is launching a new racing series over water and he says pilots from all corners of the globe will be able to compete.

And it will be so high-tech spectators will be able to watch the racing as if they're in the suit themselves.

"The consumer can sit at home actually onboard with their national ex-trampoline champion in China who is also now racing in a jetsuit in Hong Kong harbour and they'll be live, they are seeing what they are seeing," Mr Browning says.  

Mr Browning's invention has a top speed of 51km/h, features five miniature jet engines on the arms and back and it is similar to the one in Iron Man.

The rig is heavy until the power comes on and then it's smooth.

"It's too much fun even for myself and my existing team that already fly to not do it," says Mr Browning.

The competition is open to just about anyone who does the training, you'll just need nearly $700,000 for the suit.

Newshub