A Hollywood Stuntman plans to do what legendary daredevil Evel Knievel was unable to do back in 1974, when he heads to the Snake River Canyon with a rocket cycle, and sets it up for the jump of a lifetime.
54-year-old Eddie Braun plans to ride a rocket-cycle over the canyon in Idaho, in September. Braun says he is inspired by Knievel.
In 1974 Evel Knievel was almost killed when the parachute on his sky-cycle opened prematurely. Some accused him of opening the chute on purpose because he knew he couldn't make the jump. The Snake River Canyon is a quarter miles wide. The attempt in 1974 was a huge media event, and was televised live. Kids all over the world watched the drawn out affair which ended in disappointment, but fueled sales of Evel Knievel toys afterward.
WATCH THE EVEL SPIRIT VIDEO WITH STUNTMAN EDDIE BRAUN BELOW
Braun's rocket-cycle will be steam powered. It is called "Evel Spirit", and is a replica of the original vehicle used in 1974. Braun says he wants to prove his idol "could have made it", and in the process end the decades long rumours of Knievel opening the chute on purpose.
'We are now officially endorsed by the Knievel family,' the project said on its Kickstarter page.
'This past weekend the Knievel's gave team 'Evel Spirit' their blessings for the launch.'
'How many people get to fulfill the dreams of their hero? It's kind of like touching Superman's cape", said Braun.
"Slash" of "Guns N Roses" fame is also releasing a recording of Elton John's famous song Rocket Man to support Braun. Much of the funding is coming from a kickstarter campaign.
The new jump will be attempted September 17th just a few miles from the original site near Twin Falls Idaho. Knievel put the community on the map, but in the process local residents say he left behind a string of unpaid bills racked up by himself and his team when they came to town. Skipping out on bills became a big part of Evel Knievel's notoriety, but somehow the daredevil managed to remain popular through the years and even today is seen as an American hero of sorts, as the tribute jump in September confirms.