Evel Knievel

Evel Knievel: The Legend of a Daredevil Icon

Born Robert Craig Knievel in Butte, Montana, Evel Knievel emerged as a quintessential daredevil and stunt rider, captivating audiences with his audacious leaps and larger-than-life persona. Raised by his grandparents, Knievel found inspiration early on when he witnessed an auto daredevil show. This sparked a fervent passion for performing jumps, first on his bicycle and later on motorcycles, setting the stage for a legendary career that would define the world of stunt riding.

A Colorful Early Life

Before becoming the infamous Evel Knievel, Robert tried his hand at various professions, ranging from a soldier in the army to a hunting guide and even an insurance salesman. His multifaceted career included a brief stint as a hockey team owner. Despite these varied endeavors, Knievel's rebellious nature often landed him in trouble with the law. His notorious nickname originated during a night spent in county jail; a jailer humorously dubbed him “Awful Knofel and Evil Knievel,” a moniker that would later be immortalized with a spelling change to “Evel.”

The Birth of a Stunt Legend

In 1966, Knievel committed to the world of stunt riding, securing sponsorship from Bob Blair of ZDS Motors, Inc. His initial shows faced a setback when an injury forced him out of action, leading to a hiatus. However, upon his recovery, Knievel embarked on a journey across America, performing increasingly daring jumps that captured the public's imagination.

Despite suffering multiple injuries, his resilience transformed misfortunes into opportunities for publicity. This cycle of injury and recovery became part of his mystique, solidifying his reputation as a fearless daredevil.

Record-Breaking Stunts

From 1966 until his retirement in 1980, Evel Knievel attempted over 200 ramp-to-ramp jumps, soaring over cars, buses, sharks, and even the fountains at Caesars Palace. He set numerous records, earning a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records for surviving the most broken bones in a lifetime—an astonishing 35. Each jump became a spectacle, drawing crowds eager to witness his death-defying feats.

Among Knievel’s most ambitious stunts was his notorious attempt to jump the Snake River Canyon. Originally aspiring to leap across the Grand Canyon, Knievel faced numerous bureaucratic hurdles, prompting him to shift his focus to the Snake River. To accomplish this audacious feat, he enlisted an aeronautical engineer to design a rocket-powered motorcycle, resulting in the creation of the X-1 Skycycle.

On September 8, 1974, the launch became a pivotal moment in stunt history. However, fate intervened when a parachute malfunction and high winds caused the Skycycle to drift back into the canyon, landing perilously close to the water’s edge. Remarkably, Knievel emerged from the failed jump with only minor injuries, further enhancing his legend as an indomitable figure in the world of daredevils.

Personal Life and Legacy

Evel Knievel was married twice, first to Linda, with whom he had four children: Kelly, Robbie, Tracey, and Alicia. His personal life mirrored the ups and downs of his professional career, filled with triumphs and challenges alike.

Knievel passed away in November 2007, having battled diabetes and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis for several years. His legacy, however, continues to resonate, symbolizing the spirit of adventure and the thrill of pushing boundaries. Evel Knievel remains a timeless icon, a testament to the allure of the motorcycle and the fearless pursuit of greatness that inspires daredevils and thrill-seekers to this day.