Using the designs, and the son of the original fabricator, of Evel’s original steam, powered rocket, 54-year-old stuntman Eddie Braun made it across the 427-meter canyon. He flew 2000 ft high, accelerating up to 430 miles per hour in just 3.9 seconds.
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Braun had trouble finding corporate sponsors for the stunt, and said he spent about 1.5 million dollars (£1.15 million) of his own money on the jump.
Scott Truax, the designer of Braun’s rocket, told the Idaho Statesman that after the stuntman was given the ok to launch he did not hesitate. Right before he launched Braun told reporters, “I wouldn’t be doing this if I thought it couldn’t be done”.
The most famous was his failed attempt in 1974 to jump Snake River Canyon in Idaho. Cars and other vehicles were parked on side roads up to about a mile away from the jump site.
“What better way to pay homage to the guy who inspired me and led me to become everything that I am professionally?”
He was never able to get permission to attempt the jump in the Grand Canyon and instead turned his attention to Idaho’s Snake River Canyon. “How many people get to finish the dream of their hero?”
Other daredevils have proposed similar jumps across the canyon in recent decades – including Knievel’s son Robbie. It was the same jump that Knievel attempted back in 1974.
Footage shot by eye witness Andy Teuscher shows the parachute deploying shortly after take off.
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After completing to awesome jump, the stuntman said he was overjoyed with his team’s efforts after the success flight.
