Travis Pastrana is a renowned American motorsports competitor and stunt performer with a remarkable record of wins across various disciplines. His victories span championships and X Games gold medals in supercross, motocross, freestyle motocross, rally racing, and offshore powerboat racing. Beyond his individual achievements, Pastrana spearheads "Nitro Circus," a show that highlights his daredevil stunts, and has also established the rallycross racing series known as "Nitrocross."
1965: Alan Pastrana's Football Career Begins
Travis Pastrana's uncle, Alan Pastrana, began playing quarterback at the University of Maryland in 1965.
1967: Evel Knievel's Caesar's Palace Fountain Jump
In 1967, legendary daredevil Evel Knievel attempted to jump the fountain at Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas. Unfortunately, the attempt ended in a crash where he sustained serious injuries, including a crushed pelvis and femur.
1968: Alan Pastrana's Football Career Ends
Alan Pastrana, Travis Pastrana's uncle, concluded his time as a quarterback at the University of Maryland in 1968.
October 8, 1983: Birth of Travis Pastrana
Travis Alan Pastrana was born on October 8, 1983.
1988: John Buffum's Acropolis Rally Success
In 1988, American rally driver John Buffum secured a notable third-place finish in the Acropolis Rally, a WRC event. This achievement would later be recognized as the best finish by an American in a WRC event until Travis Pastrana's fifth-place finish at the 2007 Corona Rally México in the P-WRC (Group N) class.
1999: Pastrana's X Games Gold Medal and Gravity Games Win
After winning a gold medal at the 1999 X Games, Travis Pastrana also won the first Gravity Games in Rhode Island.
1999: Pastrana's AMA Motocross Championship Debut
Travis Pastrana debuted in the AMA Motocross Championship in late 1999, choosing to use the number 199 for his vehicles.
1999: Pastrana's Success at Gravity Games
Travis Pastrana started winning gold medals at the Gravity Games beginning in 1999.
2000: Pastrana's AMA Motocross Championship Win
In 2000, Travis Pastrana secured victory in the AMA Motocross Championship's 125cc national title.
2001: Pastrana's AMA Supercross Championship Win
Travis Pastrana won the AMA Supercross Championship's 125cc East Coast title in 2001.
2002: Pastrana's Best Season in AMA Supercross Championship
Travis Pastrana achieved his personal best season in the AMA Supercross Championship in 2002, ranking 16th.
June 11, 2003: Pastrana's Car Accident
On June 11, 2003, at age 19, Travis Pastrana was seriously injured in a car accident.
2003: End of Pastrana's Winning Streak
Travis Pastrana's winning streak, which began in 1997, concluded in 2003.
2003: Pastrana Starts Rally Career
Travis Pastrana embarked on his rallying career at the Race of Champions in 2003.
2004: Pastrana Joins Subaru's Rally Team
Travis Pastrana began driving for the Subaru-backed Vermont SportsCar rally team in 2004.
2004: Pastrana's First Pikes Peak Challenge
Travis Pastrana first took on the challenge of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb in 2004 as part of the Rally America series.
2005: Pastrana's Continued Participation in AMA Supercross Championship
Travis Pastrana competed in the AMA Supercross Championship's 250cc class until 2005.
2005: Pastrana's Second Pikes Peak Challenge
Travis Pastrana returned to compete in the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb for the second time in 2005, again as part of the Rally America series.
2005: Pastrana Injured at Race of Champions
While performing a motocross exhibition at the 2005 Race of Champions, Travis Pastrana sustained a broken leg but showed his dedication by still competing in the main event.
August 5, 2006: Pastrana's X Games Rally Car Gold Medal
Travis Pastrana won the gold medal in the inaugural rally car competition at the X Games on August 5, 2006.
October 16, 2006: Pastrana's Monster Jam Debut
Travis Pastrana made his debut in Monster Jam on October 16, 2006, driving the "Pastrana 199" monster truck. This marked his entry into a new motorsport discipline.
October 22, 2006: Pastrana Secures Rally America National Series Championship
Travis Pastrana and Christian Edstrom secured the 2006 Rally America National Series overall and open class championship on October 22, 2006, during the Lake Superior Performance Rally.
December 13, 2006: Subaru Rally Team USA Announces Plans for Pastrana's WRC Participation
Subaru Rally Team USA revealed plans for Travis Pastrana's participation in World Rally Championship events in 2007, 2008, and 2009.
December 16, 2006: Pastrana Represents the US at Race of Champions
Travis Pastrana represented the United States solo in the Nations' Cup at the 2006 Race of Champions in Paris on December 16, 2006, after his teammates withdrew due to injuries.
2006: End of Gravity Games
The Gravity Games, where Pastrana had won five gold medals, came to an end in 2006.
December 31, 2006: Pastrana's Victory at Wild West Rally
Travis Pastrana and his team concluded the 2006 Rally America series with a victory at the Wild West Rally in Olympia, Washington on December 31, 2006.
February 19, 2007: Edstrom Announces Sabbatical
Travis Pastrana's long-time co-driver, Derek Ringer, announced a break from racing to focus on his career and family on February 19, 2007.
September 26, 2007: Pastrana's Controversial Parachute-Free Jump
On September 26, 2007, Travis Pastrana performed a daring and controversial stunt in Arecibo, Puerto Rico. He jumped out of an airplane without a parachute, relying on a carefully planned mid-air rendezvous with another jumper who secured him into a harness for a safe tandem landing. The stunt, while successful, landed Pastrana in legal trouble due to its illegality.
2007: Death of Colin McRae
Colin McRae, a rally driver, passed away in 2007.
2007: Pastrana's Challenging WRC Season
In 2007, Travis Pastrana participated in his first World Rally Championship (WRC) season, competing in three P-WRC events in a Subaru Impreza WRX STI. He achieved his best result at the 21º Corona Rally México, finishing fifth in the P-WRC (Group N) class, marking the highest finish by an American in a WRC event since John Buffum's third place in the 1988 Acropolis Rally. Despite this achievement, Pastrana considered his overall season performance to be "horribly".
2007: Planned WRC Participation for Pastrana
Travis Pastrana was slated to participate in certain World Rally Championship events in 2007.
March 15, 2008: Pastrana's Debut with Puerto Rico Motorcycle Association
Travis Pastrana debuted with the Puerto Rico Motorcycle Association on March 15, 2008, ultimately finishing third in the finals.
September 2008: Pastrana Participates in Colin McRae Forest Stages Rally
Travis Pastrana participated in the Colin McRae Forest Stages Rally in Scotland in September 2008, driving a Ford Escort RS1600 in memory of Colin McRae.
2008: Planned WRC Participation for Pastrana
Travis Pastrana was scheduled to participate in certain World Rally Championship events in 2008.
2008: Pastrana's Difficult P-WRC Season
Travis Pastrana's 2008 season in the P-WRC proved to be even more challenging than the previous year. He was forced to retire from Rally Argentina after crashing on the first stage and could only manage a thirteenth-place finish at the Acropolis Rally, highlighting the difficulties he faced during this period.
February 8, 2009: "Nitro Circus" Premieres on MTV
Travis Pastrana's action sports reality show, "Nitro Circus," premiered on MTV on February 8, 2009, at 10 p.m. The show, a spinoff of "Jackass," featured Pastrana and friends performing various dangerous stunts and quickly gained popularity.
August 29, 2009: Pastrana Wins Ojibwe Forests Rally and Secures Fourth Rally America Title
Travis Pastrana won the Ojibwe Forests Rally on August 29, 2009, his fifth win of the season, securing him his fourth consecutive Rally America driver's title.
2009: Pastrana Competes in Monster Jam World Finals
In 2009, Travis Pastrana participated in the freestyle competition of the Monster Jam World Finals, driving the Nitro Circus truck. He finished in a three-way tie for fifth place in a field of 24 trucks, showcasing his skills in this unique motorsport discipline.
2009: Planned WRC Participation for Pastrana
Travis Pastrana was expected to participate in certain World Rally Championship events in 2009.
January 1, 2010: Pastrana Shatters Ramp-to-Ramp Car Jump Record
On January 1, 2010, Travis Pastrana set a new world record for the longest ramp-to-ramp car jump. He launched his Subaru rally car from the Pine Street Pier onto a floating barge in Long Beach's Rainbow Harbor, covering an astonishing distance of 269 feet (82 meters). This feat shattered the previous record of 171 feet (52 meters) and solidified Pastrana's reputation as a daredevil and stunt performer extraordinaire.
February 27, 2010: Nitro Circus Monster Truck's Historic Backflip
On February 27, 2010, in Jacksonville, Florida, Cam McQueen successfully executed a backflip in the Nitro Circus monster truck during a freestyle competition. This historic achievement marked the first time a monster truck had successfully completed a backflip in competition.
June 2010: Pastrana's Prelude to the Dream Appearance
In June 2010, Travis Pastrana participated in the Prelude to the Dream, a charity dirt track race held at Eldora Speedway. Driving the No. 199 Subaru, he started 15th and finished 23rd in the event.
September 2010: Pastrana Sets Mount Washington Hillclimb Record
In September 2010, Travis Pastrana set a new world record for the fastest ascent of Mount Washington in a car. He achieved a time of 6 minutes and 20.47 seconds driving his Subaru WRX STi.
June 4, 2011: Pastrana Proposes to Lyn-Z Adams Hawkins
Travis Pastrana proposed to his girlfriend, professional skateboarder Lyn-Z Adams Hawkins, during a live performance of Nitro Circus on June 4, 2011.
June 2011: Higgins Breaks Pastrana's Mount Washington Record
David Higgins surpassed Travis Pastrana's record for the fastest time up Mount Washington in a car, setting a new time of 6 minutes and 11.54 seconds in June 2011. He also drove a Subaru WRX STi.
July 2011: Pastrana Injured at X Games
In July 2011, Travis Pastrana suffered a serious injury at the X Games when his motorcycle failed to rotate properly during a landing. The accident resulted in a crushed ankle and a fracture, highlighting the risks associated with his action sports career.
October 29, 2011: Pastrana Marries Lyn-Z Adams Hawkins
Travis Pastrana and Lyn-Z Adams Hawkins were married on October 29, 2011, in a ceremony attended by close family and friends. The wedding took place in Southern California, near Hawkins' family home.
2011: Nitro Circus Monster Truck Retired
The Nitro Circus monster truck made its final appearance and was retired after the 2011 Monster Jam season, marking the end of an era for the iconic truck.
2011: Pastrana Competes in Global RallyCross Championship
Travis Pastrana began competing in the Global RallyCross Championship in 2011.
2011: Pastrana's NASCAR Debut and Setbacks
Travis Pastrana made his NASCAR debut in 2011, participating in the Toyota All-Star Showdown and finishing sixth. He later partnered with Michael Waltrip Racing and Gary and Blake Betchel to form Pastrana-Waltrip Racing. He participated in Denny Hamlin's Short Track Showdown, finishing 31st, and started in three K&N Pro Series East races. However, injuries sustained at the X-Games in July forced him to cancel his planned Nationwide Series races, including a withdrawal from the Indianapolis Raceway Park event.
April 27, 2012: Pastrana's Nationwide Series Debut
On April 27, 2012, Travis Pastrana made his debut in the NASCAR Nationwide Series, securing a 22nd-place finish at the Richmond 250. This marked a significant step in his stock car racing career.
November 2012: Pastrana Secures Full-Time Nationwide Series Ride
In November 2012, Travis Pastrana secured a full-time ride for the 2013 NASCAR Nationwide Series with Roush Fenway Racing, a significant milestone in his stock car racing career.
2012: Pastrana Competes in 24 Hours of Daytona
Travis Pastrana participated in the 2012 24 Hours of Daytona race, driving for the AF Waltrip team. He shared driving duties with NASCAR drivers Michael Waltrip and Rob Kauffman, as well as veteran road racer Rui Águas. The team competed in a Ferrari 458, finishing 35th overall and 22nd in the GT class.
February 26, 2013: Pastrana and Hawkins Announce First Pregnancy
Travis Pastrana and Lyn-Z Adams Hawkins shared the news of their first pregnancy on February 26, 2013, through their social media accounts. Their first child was due in September 2013.
September 2, 2013: Pastrana and Hawkins Welcome Their First Daughter
Travis Pastrana and Lyn-Z Adams Hawkins celebrated the birth of their first child, a daughter, on Labor Day, September 2, 2013.
November 11, 2013: Pastrana Announces Departure from NASCAR
On November 11, 2013, Travis Pastrana announced his decision to leave NASCAR after the 2013 season. He cited a lack of sponsorship, dissatisfaction with his performance, and a desire to spend more time with his family as the primary reasons for this decision. Despite this announcement, he expressed openness to participating in occasional Truck Series events and a desire to compete in the Daytona 500 in the future.
2013: Pastrana's Rollercoaster Nationwide Season
In 2013, Travis Pastrana competed in the NASCAR Nationwide Series, driving the No. 60 Ford for Roush Fenway Racing. He achieved four top-ten finishes, with his best being ninth at Richmond International Raceway. He also secured his first career pole position at Talladega Superspeedway but was involved in a late-race crash. Despite showing potential, Pastrana faced frustrations and finished 14th in the standings, 429 points behind champion Austin Dillon.
2013: Pastrana's Part-Time Run in Global RallyCross Championship
Travis Pastrana continued his part-time participation in the Global RallyCross Championship in 2013.
August 5, 2014: Pastrana and Hawkins Announce Second Pregnancy
Lyn-Z Adams Hawkins announced on her personal social media page on August 5, 2014, that she and Travis were expecting their second child in February 2015.
October 3, 2014: Pastrana's Participation in Red Bull Straight Rhythm
Travis Pastrana competed in the first Red Bull Straight Rhythm competition on October 3, 2014, riding a modified Suzuki RM-Z 450.
February 9, 2015: Pastrana and Hawkins Welcome Their Second Daughter
Travis Pastrana and Lyn-Z Adams Hawkins welcomed their second child, another daughter, on February 9, 2015.
September 23, 2015: Pastrana Announces NASCAR Truck Series Return
On September 23, 2015, Travis Pastrana announced his return to NASCAR after a hiatus. He signed a one-race deal with NTS Motorsports to compete in the Truck Series race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on October 3, driving the No. 31 Chevrolet.
2015: Pastrana Returns to NASCAR Truck Series
Travis Pastrana returned to the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series in 2015.
July 2017: Pastrana Reclaims Mount Washington Record
Travis Pastrana reclaimed his record for the fastest ascent of Mount Washington in a car in July 2017. He beat his previous record and Higgins' record with a time of 5 minutes and 44.72 seconds in his Subaru WRX STi.
2017: Hurricane Maria
Hurricane Maria caused significant damage and devastation in Puerto Rico in 2017.
2017: Pastrana's Return to the Truck Series
In 2017, Travis Pastrana returned to the NASCAR Truck Series, this time driving the No. 45 Chevrolet for Niece Motorsports at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. This marked another chapter in his NASCAR career.
2017: Pastrana's Continued Participation in NASCAR Truck Series
Travis Pastrana continued to drive part-time in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series in 2017.
July 8, 2018: Pastrana Honors Knievel with Record-Breaking Jumps
On July 8, 2018, in Las Vegas, Nevada, Travis Pastrana paid homage to his idol, Evel Knievel, by completing a series of three record-breaking jumps. He successfully cleared 52 cars, 16 buses, and the Caesar's Palace Fountain, a jump Knievel himself failed to land in 1967. These daring feats were televised live on the History channel.
2018: Pastrana Triumphs at Pikes Peak
In 2018, Travis Pastrana returned to the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, this time behind the wheel of a Porsche Cayman GT4 Clubsport. He conquered the challenging course and secured a class victory with an impressive time of 10 minutes and 33.9 seconds.
2018: Pastrana's Return to Americas Rallycross Championship
Travis Pastrana returned to the Americas Rallycross Championship in 2018.
2018: Pastrana's Return to Motocross of Nations for Team Puerto Rico
Travis Pastrana returned to the Motocross of Nations in 2018 as part of Team Puerto Rico to support fundraising and raise awareness after Hurricane Maria.
August 2020: Pastrana Creates "Pastranaland Pit Bike Championship"
In August 2020, Travis Pastrana hosted the "Pastranaland Pit Bike Championship" on a custom-designed track at his home. The event featured 11 teams competing on Kawasaki KLX110 pit bikes on August 15.
September 17, 2020: Pastrana's Expanded Truck Series Schedule
On September 17, 2020, it was announced that Travis Pastrana would compete in the NASCAR Truck Series race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway with Niece Motorsports. This marked the first time Pastrana participated in multiple Truck Series races within a single season, signifying a growing commitment to the series.
2020: Pastrana Develops "Airslayer" Subaru WRX STI
Travis Pastrana developed the custom-built "Airslayer" 2020 Subaru WRX STI, boasting 862 hp.
2020: Pastrana Announces Circuit 199 and Creates Nitro Rallycross Series
Travis Pastrana revealed plans to build Circuit 199 and created the Nitro Rallycross series in 2020.
2020: Pastrana's Continued Presence in NASCAR Truck Series
Travis Pastrana made appearances in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series in 2020.
August 2021: Pastrana Shatters Mount Washington Record
In August 2021, Travis Pastrana once again broke his own record for the fastest time up Mount Washington. He drove his 862 hp "Airslayer" 2020 Subaru WRX STI up the mountain in an impressive 5 minutes and 28.67 seconds, surpassing his previous record by over 16 seconds.
2021: Pastrana Builds Nitro Rallycross Test Track and Wins Championship
Travis Pastrana constructed a test track for the Nitro Rallycross series in 2021 and emerged as the champion in its inaugural season.
2022: Pastrana's World Powerboat Championship Victory
In 2022, Travis Pastrana became a world champion in Class 1 World Powerboat Championship.
2022: Pastrana Misses Race of Champions Due to Injury
Travis Pastrana was forced to miss the 2022 Race of Champions event due to a broken pelvis he sustained during a BASE jumping accident in Florida where he crash-landed into a park.
January 13, 2023: Pastrana's Daytona 500 Bid Announced
On January 13, 2023, NASCAR Cup Series team 23XI Racing released a teaser video hinting at their entry of a part-time third car in the 2023 Daytona 500. Speculation quickly arose that Travis Pastrana would be the driver, fueled by a Twitter user discovering a photo of Pastrana wearing an identical hat to the one featured in the video. The Athletic's Jordan Bianchi subsequently reported Pastrana's involvement. This marked a significant development in Pastrana's racing career, as it represented an opportunity to compete in NASCAR's most prestigious race.
2023: Pastrana's NASCAR Cup Series Debut
Travis Pastrana made his debut in the NASCAR Cup Series at the 2023 Daytona 500.