Md. Native Travis Pastrana Completes Three Evel Knievel Stunts
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Maryland native Travis Pastrana honored daredevil Evel Knievel by re-creating his famous stunts.
The fearless motor sports competitor is known for pushing the boundaries and on Sunday, Pastrana made history as he honored the founding father of motorcycle stunts.
Pastrana successfully nailed three of the iconic jumps in Las Vegas. Pastrana did what the icon who inspired it all couldn't do. The ultimate tribute to the legendary Evel Knievel.
First, Pastrana, who is from Annapolis, jumped over 52 cars. Next, in front of cheering fans, Pastrana nailed the bus jump, launching his motorcycle over 16 buses, modeled after Knievel's 14 bus jump in 1975.
And the grand finale, the Caesars Palace fountain jump...he successfully landed what nearly killed Knievel in 1967.
"One of the coolest things, the coolest things I've ever been able to do, thank you guys, thank you mom for letting me chase my dreams." Pastrana said.
Knievel's son Kelly embraced Pastrana after the historic tribute in Las Vegas.
"You know I think I look around, and I think this is as big a spectacle as it was 50 years ago." Knievel said.
Last year, WJZ caught up with the 34-year old Nitro Circus founder as he prepared for his first hometown show in Annapolis.
"So many of the riders out there, this is the first time their immediate families will see them perform, everyone is going to give that little extra, everyone is even more excited than every other show." Pastrana said.
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