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AMA Names Travis Pastrana the 2018 Motorcyclist of the Year

Travis Pastrana for Nitro Circus
Image from AMA by Nitro Circus

Pastrana’s Actions Help All Motorcyclists

Every year, the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) selects a motorcyclist of the year. This year, the association picked Travis Pastrana. The AMA had many reasons to select Pastrana, including the fact that he completed three jumps inspired by Evel Knievel.

“Few things or people in motorcycling today capture the fascination of today’s youth like Knievel did for me as a boy,” AMA President and CEO Rob Dingman said. “Travis Pastrana’s performance no doubt captured the attention of young people in a way that hasn’t been done since the days of Knievel.”

Dingman went on to say that Pastrana’s performance brought attention to motorcycling in a good way. That is exactly what the association looks for when selecting a motorcyclist of the year.

Racer, Rider, Philanthropist, Etc.

Pastrana’s daredevil jumps aren’t the only thing that won him motorcyclist of the year. He has been a member of the AMA for over 25 years, making him Charter Life Member. Also, his philanthropic efforts in 2018 surely didn’t go unnoticed.

After the damage of Hurricane Maria, Pastrana helped rebuild motocross tracks, homes, and a school playground. This further qualified him as someone worthy of the AMA’s annual honor.

Long before all of this, Pastrana won several AMA amateur racing titles. He went on to dominate the professional racing scene and continues to compete in various motorsport activities. His life-long commitment to motorcycling and motorcycle racing is well-known. I don’t think there’s anyone more deserving of the AMA honor this year. It’s exciting to see the award go to such a worthy rider.