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Pastrana, TravisEntry/Object ID
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Whether it was on the racetrack or at a stunt show, Travis Pastrana always delivered for those in attendance.
Pastrana, who hails from Annapolis, Md., began his career as a racer before delving into the world of entertainment as a stunt rider and lead personality behind the Nitro Circus brand, which spans a reality TV show, movie, live performances and competition. Now, Pastrana is set to become an AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer.
“It’s kinda surreal,” Pastrana said. “It’s a really awesome class. To be inducted with Rita Coombs is really cool. I’m definitely outside the box and been part of every aspect of the sport, and I’m really honored to be recognized.”
Beginning his amateur racing career in 1990, Pastrana was a five-time class winner at the AMA Amateur National Motocross Championships at Loretta Lynn’s ranch. In 1999, Pastrana capped off his amateur career by claiming the AMA Motocross Horizon Award (now known as the Nicky Hayden AMA Motocross Horizon Award).
Bursting onto the professional motocross scene in 2000, Pastrana became the then-youngest rider (16 years, 10 months, 26 days) to capture an AMA Pro Motocross title after winning the AMA 125cc National Motocross Championship.
The magical season was sparked by his win at the Southwick, Mass., round in June of 2000.
“Southwick was the moment reality set in,” Pastrana said. “I was like ‘Holy crap, I just went and beat Steve Lamson.’ Steve Lamson is someone I’ve looked up to my entire life.”
During the same year, Pastrana helped Team USA to victory at the 2000 Motocross of Nations in Saint-Jean d’Angély, France.
Pastrana added the 2001 125cc East Supercross championship to his resume just a year later. In total, Pastrana captured 15 AMA Pro MX and 125cc SX wins across his career.
The racetrack wasn’t the only place where Pastrana enjoyed success. He added 17 total medals at the X Games, including 11 golds, while becoming the first rider to land a double backflip on a motorcycle in competition. Pastrana wasn’t limited to two wheels either, competing in rally car racing and on the NASCAR circuit during his long motorsports career.
“I woke up every morning and was like, ‘What do I love to do?’” Pastrana said. “I thought to myself, ‘I’m a showman.’ Yes, I love racing, but what I love more than racing is just riding my dirt bike with my friends.”
Pastrana found a niche outside of competition, completing many stunt shows and shattering a trio of records set by Evel Knievel by jumping over 52 cars, 16 buses and the fountain outside of Caesar’s Palace across three separate jumps in Las Vegas, Nev., on July 8, 2018.
In 2003, Pastrana founded Nitro Circus, an action sports group that went on to create TV shows, movies and host live performances while growing into a massive brand within the motorsports industry.
Pastrana was also recognized as the Best Male Action Sports Athlete at the 2007 ESPY Awards and 2018 AMA Motorcyclist of the Year.
Despite the many accolades and fame, Pastrana has remained grounded.
“For me, it’s not about being a role model,” Pastrana said. “It’s about doing the best that I can and trying to help others learn from all the mistakes I made along the way.”
Pastrana was inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 2023.Relationships
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Pastrana, Travis