For some unusual reason, the Snake River and it’s sizable chasm has always enthralled stuntmen trying to jump across it’s canyon.
Advertisement
Eddie Braun, 54, hurtled across the 1,400ft wide canyon in southern Idaho in a custom-built rocket dubbed “Evel Spirit”.
Evel Knievel’s effort failed when his parachute deployed too early, forcing the rocket into the canyon.
The contraption was launched off a steep ramp on the edge of the canyon and reached around 400 miles per hour (644 km/h) before the parachutes deployed and landed safely in a field, 1,400 feet (427 meters) away on the other side.
The jump was a tribute to Evel Knievel, who in 1972 attempted unsuccessfully to jump the canyon in his Skycycle. Knievel landed at the bottom of the canyon when his parachute prematurely deployed, but walked away with only minor injuries.
Months of testing were carried out on the Evel Spirit, which was designed by Scott Truax whose father built the original X2 Skycycle. “I’m simply finishing out his dream”. The new machine was based on the old plans down to every bolt, with the only modifications being done to the parachute system.
For Braun, the outcome was clearly much better, although having paid for the stunt out of his own pocket, he admitted he was feeling a little bruised financially.
Advertisement
Braun reportedly spent about $1.6 million of his own money, after finding corporate sponsorship proved hard.
