“Robbie Knievel, son of famed stunt motorcyclist and Butte native Evel Knievel, found out he’s faster than a speeding locomotive.”
The following written content by Susan Parrott via The Associated Press via article in Montana Standard, February 23, 2000.
PALESTINE, Texas — Robbie Knievel found out he’s faster than a speeding locomotive.
The son of famed stunt motorcyclist and Butte native Evel Knievel safely completed his 200-foot, ramp-to-ramp jump over an oncoming Texas State Railroad train Wednesday night.
An estimated 10,000 people gathered along the pine tree-lined tracks for the jump, which was broadcast live on Fox television. White fire works shot into the night sky as he cleared the distance and landed cleanly on the other side.
Afterward, Knievel jogged to the top of the ramp and waved to the crowd.
“ That was close,” he said, smiling and out of breath.
“ God’s always watching over me.”
Spectators included members of the Christian Motorcycle Association of Longview, sporting black biker jackets and bandanas.
“ I’ve watched his father. I believe he’s going to be just as great,” association member Glenn French, 45, of Longview said before the jump. “ He’s definitely going to live up to the Knievel name.”
Knievel readily admits he’s not Superman and prays before each jump. Other than the historic train, a strong wind was the only obstacle in the younger Knievel’s way before the jump.
In a state that leads the nation in vehicle-railroad collisions, the stunt man offered several disclaimers to viewers.
“ We are saying Robbie is a professional stuntman and this is not to suggest that anyone should try any thing like this at home,” a Fox TV spokeswoman in Los Angeles, who declined to be identified, said Wednesday.
Knievel’s jump was broadcast from Texas State Railroad’s Palestine Park. He sped directly toward the oncoming train, propelling his motorcycle from a ramp positioned at an angle on the north side. He took off on his motorcycle just before the train plowed into part of the wooden ramp. Knievel cleared the locomotive smokestack and landed on another ramp. Read more from Montana Standard.
