Associated Press
Nov. 30, 2007 02:20 PM
CLEARWATER, Fla. — Evel Knievel, the hard-living motorcycle daredevil whose exploits made him an international icon in the 1970s, died Friday. He was 69.
Knievel's death was confirmed by his granddaughter, Krysten Knievel. He had been in failing health for years, suffering from diabetes and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, an incurable condition that scarred his lungs.
You might think the living embodiment of the word “daredevil” had nothing to do with IndyCars, but consider that after failing in life as a ski jumper, pole vaulter, big game hunter, hockey player, arm wrestler and insurance salesman, Evel Knievel decided he would earn a living by emulating the stunts auto racer Joie Chitwood (who’s grandson is currently the COO of Indianapolis Motor Speedway) did on the “Joie Chitwood Thrill Show” television program in the 1960s.
Except of course Evel did them with motorcycles, leading to his massive fame, fortune and notable run-ins with the law. Knievel was so ubiquitous that none other than AJ Foyt made him a member of his pit crew at Indy one year. In fact, Knievel later presented Foyt with a "First 4-time Indy 500 winner" bracelet that Evel had made before the race in 1977.
So rest in peace, Evel, from a kid who’s most prize possession was once a doll with a helmet, a star-spangled cape, and chopper that jumped just about everything else in the house.
UPDATE: Thanks to mmack for directing us to a photo of a 1977 Indy 500 entry co-owned by Knievel and driven by Gary Bettenhausen.
An Unfortunate Storyline Continues
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Over the last few weeks, I’ve written on this topic before. But as time
goes on, this storyline is getting talked about more and more. Now I’m
starting to ...
1 day ago
Jeff,
WAYYYY back in 1977, Gary Bettenhausen drove a car for Grant King at Indianapolis sponsored by Evel Knievel. And it was painted like Evel's cycle and suit. So Evel did make it in the big show, in a way.
And here's Gary's car. I forgot Gary got to wear the star spangled driver's suit too.
that way cool thanks for the pic !
Jeff, you are right on with all of this...I can't remember how many times I panicked because I thought I had lost the cane that went with my Evel doll and wind-up motorcycle.
There aren't too many guys like this left: people who a whole nation tuned in to see on Saturday afternoons...Muhammad and A.J. are about all I can come up with...