The thinking seems to be that they can throw almost any base-pleasing, pledge-signing, ideological purist up and still win the presidency.

CNN: Picking Bachmann or Perry is risky for GOP

You could even pledge enough money to base jump from the top of the tethered research tower, which will be held aloft by helium balloons.

ENGADGET: Liftport turns to Kickstarter for space elevator experiment (video)

Hamilton made the pledge at a "welcome home" event staged by McLaren at their base in Woking, Surrey, on Wednesday.

BBC: Hamilton in McLaren career pledge