The name Evel Knievel is synonymous with daredevil motorcycle jumping, having made incredible jumps and crashes throughout the 1960s and 1970s.

His son Robbie has established his own legacy throughout the years by making the Caesars Palace Fountain jump that Evel couldn’t make, jumping from building to building in Las Vegas and jumping the Grand Canyon.

With Evel passing away in late 2007, the torch has been passed on to Robbie, who himself is in the twilight of his career at age 46.

Having jumped the entire starting IndyCar field at Texas Motor Speedway back in 2001, Robbie is coming back June 7 for a jump before the Bombardier Learjet 550k IndyCar Series race.

Called “The Great American Hummer Jump” presented by Frac Tech Services, Robbie is going to jump 20 Hummer H2s side by side.

“When you say the name Knievel, you don’t have to explain. People understand — a real-life, in-the-flesh, red, white and blue superhero,” TMS President Eddie Gossage said during a press conference Tuesday.

“I’ve kept the name Knievel the most famous on two wheels,” Robbie said.

Gossage and Robbie talked about Evel’s legacy and Robbie’s current career. Often, Robbie has been approached by men that explained how their father took them to see Evel jump, and how they are now taking their sons to see him.

Robbie explained how he looked up to his father and wanted to emulate him. However, Evel and his mother didn’t want him to become a daredevil, so he was kicked out of the house as a teenager. It took several years, including working several menial jobs, before he could make a name for himself.

 “My dad was my hero all my life. Guys were getting on better bikes to beat him so I got on better bikes to beat them,” Robbie said. “My mom is a real spiritual lady. She told me to quit jumping. I said, ‘Mom, if you are such a big believer, can you start praying for me and get on my side?’”

When asked if any preparation goes into a jump, Robbie joked, “No, nothing at all.”

He then went on to explain how he arrives between seven to 10 days before a jump with a modified 1981 Honda 500cc bike with a special suspension and springs. He begins preparation by doing wheelies to pump up his arms and rid them of cramps. As it gets closer to the jump, Robbie then makes practice jumps with 80-foot gaps to get a feel for takeoff.

For the jump, Robbie is going as fast as he can in fifth gear when he reaches the ramp. Sometimes he has to make a split-second brake right at the end of the ramp because the rear wheel is driving the vehicle as the front wheel is in the air, slowing down. 

“If you don’t have that axle grease real good for that few seconds in the air, it’ll start crossing you up,” Robbie said. “You’re then flying the bike. You’re a bike pilot.”

Robbie said that, depending on measurements, he could possibly jump 24 or 25 Hummers instead of just 20 at TMS. He explained how he is charging TMS extra for each Hummer he can jump, to which Gossage responded that TMS wants just 20.

“When guys like him put on a helmet, they get a lot braver. I want him to be safe,” Gossage said.

Robbie said in jest, “I get braver with the more cash I have in my pocket.”

To which Gossage responded, “I know exactly how brave you’re going to be. And you’re not going to be 25 Hummers brave.”

Having jumped across the country, Robbie finds sports fans intrigued as ever with daredevils and the spectacle of motorcycle jumping.

“People come see a Knievel jump to be there if something happens. There’s a few that come to see you die. A lot come there just to be there just in case [of an accident],” Robbie said. “I can’t count how many crashes I’ve had. But some of the worst injuries have been riding on the streets.”

TREVOR WILLIAMS can be reached at 940-566-6874. His e-mail address is twilliams@dentonrc.com.