Michael Waltrip Racing along with Gary and Blake Bechtel has teamed up with Travis Pastrana to form Pastrana-Waltrip Racing. Pastrana, the star of MTV’s “Nitro Circus,” will compete in seven Nationwide races in 2011 and plan on running in 20 races in 2012.
“I’ve been following NASCAR closely for years as a fan of the sport with competing in the sport a life-long dream,” Pastrana said. “I decided it was time to try and turn that dream into reality and with the help of the Bechtel family, Michael Waltrip Racing and Wasserman media group I’m now one step closer!”
This has been the most exciting Chase in recent memory but the news of Travis Pastrana coming to NASCAR in the Nationwide Series next season has me even more fired up.
Combine the adrenaline-fueled atmosphere of NASCAR with the no fear, anything goes approach of Travis Pastrana and anything is possible. It could be a crashing disaster or an electrifying roller coaster ride of success.
Wham!
One thing is certain; you won’t want to miss a minute.
Pastrana has been a star since the first ever MotoX Freestyle event at X Games in 1999 where he won a gold medal. He followed this up with two more gold medals in 2000 and 2001.
His passion and willingness to risk everything has made him a fan favorite. The excitement that Pastrana brings to any event is infectious. You never know what he will do. You do know that you want to be there to see it.
Bam!
Pastrana is perhaps most well-known for the first double backflip in the Best Trick competition at the MotoX Games in 2006. But his talents and the need to challenge himself always have him searching for the next adventure.
Recently, Pastrana has been focused on the rally racing scene. He’s the youngest ever U.S. Rally Champion and has to his credit over 150 wins, 22 event victories, and four straight Rally America National Championship titles. He has also been dominant at ESPN X Games Rally Car Racing events where he has earned two gold medals, one silver and one bronze medal.
Pastrana’s entry into NASCAR will surely bring a much-needed antidote to the vanilla interchangeable driver parade that has grown stale.
With a charisma that matches Dale Earnhardt Jr and a built-in X Games fan base, Pastrana could be the fuel to reignite NASCAR.
Thank you, Ma’am!
