What compels a person to defy gravity at the Large Road Gap Jump? It is a question pondered by many. Here, daredevils become legends.
The Large Road Gap Jump in Las Vegas is more than just a stunt site. It’s a stage where bravery meets physics. Motorcycle jumping here has a history filled with both triumph and tragedy. Ironically, crashes at the Large Road Gap Jump often led to fame. Successful jumps, however, didn’t always bring the same recognition.
Evel Knievel’s 1967 crash at Caesars Palace is a prime example. He attempted to jump the fountains but failed. Knievel broke his pelvis and many other bones. Despite the injuries, he became synonymous with the word “daredevil”. His son, Robbie Knievel, successfully cleared the Caesars Palace fountains in 1989.
Gary Wells also attempted a jump at Caesars in 1980. He missed the landing and broke his leg. Spectators were injured when his motorcycle crashed into a wall. The crash footage aired repeatedly on television. This gave Wells brief national fame.
Butch Laswell tragically died during a jump in Mesquite. He was attempting to break his vertical motorcycle jumping record. Laswell became the only one to die on the job at a local event.
Despite the risks, many daredevils have found success in Southern Nevada. Robbie Knievel cleared 150 feet at the Silver Bowl in 1987. Joe Reed and Johnny Airtime jumped over the Binion’s Horseshoe parking garages in 1988.
Travis Pastrana recreated three of Evel Knievel’s iconic jumps in Las Vegas. He jumped 52 crushed cars and 16 Greyhound buses. Pastrana also successfully jumped the Caesars Palace fountain. He paid tribute to Knievel with a red, white, and blue suit.
Robbie Knievel made over 340 jumps and set 20 world records. He jumped the Grand Canyon and a moving train. Robbie also jumped in front of the volcano at The Mirage hotel.
The Large Road Gap Jump is a testament to the human spirit. It showcases the desire to push boundaries. It embodies the thrill of the impossible. Remember the stories of those who dared to fly as you stand here. Their courage and sacrifice echo in the air around us.