Bolt to the Future: Fastest man in the world goes electric!

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Picture this: a dude named Bolt, not your average Joe, but the one and only Usain Bolt, aka the speed demon who holds the title of the world's fastest man on two legs.

Add an all-electric race car, of course. Not just any race car, but a GENBETA Formula E speed machine.

Friday’s PR stunt in Mexico City ahead of the opening round of Formula E’s tenth season was as wacky as it was entertaining and efficient.

Because Bolt charged up and lived up to his name, leaving his record 100-meter dash in the dust. Clocking in at a mind-bending 4.36 seconds, he shaved off a whopping 5.22 seconds from his legendary 9.58-second sprint.

But that's not all. Brace yourselves for the ultimate punchline: the Formula E car, under the spell of Bolt's lightning-fast touch, sprinted from 0 to 60 mph in a mere 2.89 seconds.

Move aside, Flash, there’s a new speedster in town, and he's traded his spikes for wheels!

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.