Bay Area Scientists Hope To Make Failed Evel Knievel Stunt A Reality
SAN FRANCISCO (CBS SF) -- Two Bay Area scientists and a stuntman are preparing to do the impossible as they get ready to recreate the famous Snake River Canyon stunt that nearly killed the late motorcycle stuntman Evel Knievel over four decades ago.
On September 8, 1974, Knievel launched a spectacular jump over the Snake River Canyon in Idaho in a steam-powered rocket cycle as the world watched.
The jump failed badly after his parachute deployed too early. He survived with minor injuries, but never lived it down.
Now, 42 years later, with a boost from some Silicon Valley rocket science, there will be a new attempt by stuntman Eddie Braun.
It's like touching Superman's cape, said Braun I mean, how do you describe it?
Braun has spent 30 years in Hollywood doing stunts for movies. This will be his last.
This is my thank you and good night, explained Braun. It's my graceful homage to the gentleman who inspired me to become a professional stuntman, Mr. Evel Knievel.
Engineer Scott Truax of Saratoga is the son of the original rocket designer. He is currently in Idaho where he has built a new steam-based rocket cycle based on his dad's old blueprint with some new tech advances.
If I don't make it, I won't be here for the sequel. Let's put it that way, said Braun. If I don't make it and I live, I will do it again. I've got three rockets we've built. Much like a stuntman, I'm prepared for take two and three. If I'm alive, I'm getting across that canyon. If I'm not alive, somebody else can deal with it.
The new rocket called the Evel Spirit will launch at Snake River Canyon in Idaho on September 17th.
Video of the jump will be streamed live on the internet and members of the Knievel family will be in the audience.
Organizers have established a Kickstarter page to help fund the new Snake River Canyon jump. The group is also shooting a documentary about the project entitled "One Last Crash." If they meet their goals, this September they will have the ending to their film.
