The Dark Truth About Travis Pastrana

Travis Pastrana is one of the godfathers of action sports.

Whether it be motocross, freestyle motocross, rally car racing, or skydiving, for decades, Travis has continually pushed the boundaries of everything he’s tried his hand at.

If there was a Mount Rushmore of action sports, his face would definitely be on it.

When you listen to interviews or watch videos of him, he’s virtually always filled with smiles and positivity, but if you take a look back on his career, it hasn’t always been a smooth ride.

The question is, how has one guy been able to do well in so many areas, while constantly coming back from dozens of injuries over the years?

And more importantly, how did he get to the position he’s in in the first place?

Travis has long cemented himself as one of the greatest action sports athletes of all time, but he’s definitely made a lot of sacrifices to get there.

This is the story of Travis Pastrana.

#travispastrana #nitrocircus #dirtbike

[wjim]

Here's one of my favorite Travis stories.

We're at the New England Forest Rally when a kid comes up to Travis and asks him to autograph a hat for his buddy who is in the hospital.
Travis says "let's get him on the phone!" and proceeds to chat with the kid in the hospital.

One thing I learned early on - Travis has lots of fans who frequently visit the hospital.

[LibertySpam]

I raced under 13 motocross with Pastrana, he had a focus that I can still remember and getting my ass whipped by him at 2 years younger than me pushed me away from racing after 13. His family and he were always amazing. I'm so proud of all he's done in this world....

[Jamiejustloves]

It's a relief to know that his dark side is being determined to follow what makes him happy, the amazing aspect is the total commitment and support his parents matched his commitment with. His father has given him the most amazing tools to pursue his dreams. Kudos to the whole family. Magical story

[berry]

I was at the X-games when Travis landed the double back flip. Was the most awesome thing I've ever experienced. I was maybe 14 years old. We were sitting 1st row along the balcony above the ramp they'd turn around on after the landing. The WHOLE staples center went silent. All you heard was Travis' 2 stroke pinned to the max. Then, when he rode away the place obviously erupted in excitement. I'll always remember that day like it was yesterday. I actually found my ticket stubs from that event while going through boxes last weekend.

[JamesBond-pyxs]

There's no dark truth about anything mentioned here. Travis is right up there with Tony Hawk in his own sport and has done so many things and lived so much more than most of us ever will. The only dark truth not mentioned here was the accident he had with Matt Bigos

[chrisostrowski]

I can't believe it's been almost 20 yrs since he landed the double backflip

[Ixxlostinabox]

Dude pushes 100% in everything he does, if everyone had that kind of determination we would probably be exploring space by now. Dude has some unreal commitment

[abba]

Travis Pastrana is a national treasure.

[TheTreadLife_]

I'll never forget watching the double backflip live. They said it would likely never be repeated. He's a true hero to the the sport

[grouperkng]

He is a beast. Friend of mine was in a motorcycle accident that left him paralyzed. Friends of friends passed the word along and nitro circus got him a sick chair

[believe]

I've met Travis a few times and he was very respectful and nice every time. He is who you want your kids to idolize.

[rarmstrong]

My family gave up so much to keep my son and two daughters on their race bikes. Travelling all over the country for races not to mention the cost of buying and maintaining the equipment. All the money and sleeping in the tent at races was worth it in the terrific kids it turned out. Strong, motivated and confident kids became wonderful adults. If I had it to all do over I would do it with great enthusiasm.

[jesseshort]

Man, I'll never forget street bike Tommy's crash. They showed a quick clip of it. Still gives me chills.

[stizzyraxx]

The way his parents sacrificed everything they had for him though! They deserve a medal 🏅

[bryancook]

Travis's response in an interview when he tried NASCAR. He said something along the lines of, "Taking a left hand turn is the hardest thing I've done"

[JohnThePiloteer]

I grew up watching Nitro circus, and got the chance to see him race at MXoN in 2018. Everytime he came around, you almost couldn't hear the bike over everyone cheering for him! The best part was that he was one of a few guys that actually tripled LaRocco's leap.

[jamesb]

Thank you for not talking crap about what he has done, not only the sports he's been involved in, but safety for everyone involved in a very big, scary genre of everything

[deborahchesser]

Those injuries especially the head traumas have taken way more of a toll than people realize.

[DerekGant-gdwr]

You are my hero!!! I grew up riding and there's nothing better! Unfortunately I lost my son Aaron 8 years ago and he was only 19 years old but what a great kid anyway we followed your career and we are so proud of you and you are my favorite!!! Anyway I'm sitting here watching you remembering my kid in tears my boy was always so positive like you and he loved you because you are a great rider/driver and a great role model!!!! We love you Travis be PROUD!

[ThesaurceryUC]

I have a friend who is like Travis.
Anything with a motor in it, he is just great at it.
Signed by suzuki when he was young, his family couldn't afford to move started racing mini sprints, was rookie of the year his first year.
It takes a family with extra money to make these things happen.