X Games legend, part-time rally driver and full-time professional badass Travis Pastrana, will look to replicate three of the most dangerous motorcycle jumps attempted by Even Knievel tomorrow.
The stunts, set to air live during ‘Evel Live’ on the History Channel, will be performed by Pastrana on an Indian Scout FTR750. While the motorcycle has been slightly modified for the daring stunts, it is a dramatic departure from the motorcross bikes usually used for such jumps. It has been selected as a tribute to the flat track motorcycles which Even Knievel used.
The first of the three stunts will see Pastrana attempt to replicate Knievel’s 1973 jump over 50 crushed cars across a span of 120 feet at the L.A. Coliseum. Pastrana will look to jump 52 crushed cars to outdo the legend.
If all goes well, Pastrana will then immediately attempt to jump 16 Greyhound buses. In 1975, Knievel jumped 14 buses. Last but not least is the famous jump over the Caesars Palace fountain in Las Vegas.
When Knievel attempted to jump 141 feet over the 15-foot high fountain, he crushed his pelvis and broke his left hip, right ankle and both hands and wrists. He was also left in a coma for 29 days. The jump may prove even more difficult for Pastrana because changes to Caesars Palace means he will have a shorter approach and smaller run-out area.
Pastrana has made a name for himself for doing some rather crazy things but if successful, these three jumps will be among his finest achievements on two wheels to date.
Those in the U.S. will be able to watch Pastrana in action from 8 p.m. EST Sunday on the History Channel.