Travis Pastrana racing his 2006 Subaru WRX STi :: PhotoCredit: (c)Jason Arnold/Red Bull Photofiles

Travis’ interest in Rally Racing stemed from his constant injuries and downtime in which he would race cars around his property. At age 16 he went to Europe to race a WRX grade Subaru WRC; Travis could see this as an alternative career.  He and Subaru would continue to show interest in a Rally deal until 2005 when it came full circle.

If winning Rally America Championships wasn’t enough, from Travis competing in the series it would be added to the X Games as a sub-competition and be aired on TV. He also advertised the series with interviews which made attendance to the stage events increase. Travis had, like FMX, boosted an alternative sport to the center stage.

Travis Pastrana after winning the 2008 Rally Event at X Games 14 with Carolyn Bosley :: PhotoCredit: (c)Christian Pondella/Red Bull Photofiles

Travis would race some of the Rally America events that year as practice for the next year. In 2006 Travis blew everyone away with co-driver Christian Edstrom. He brought his go for broke attitude to Rally which caused some hardships as he destroyed cars time and time again. Travis did however learn to be patient which led him to win the 2006 Rally America Championship. That year he also won the Rally Car event at X Games.

Travis’ success would roll over to the next year, again winning stage after stage, race after race. He would win the 2007 Championship. 2008 was no different however with the exception of a new co-driver, Derek Ringer, he had increased competition from fellow driver, team mate and DC Shoes founder, Ken Block. Block and Pastrana would battle the whole year but Travis came out on top. Travis has won 3 consecutive Rally America Championships. In 2007 and 2008 he would place 3rd and 1st at X Games respectively.

In 2009 Travis again chases the championship, this time with former co-driver, Christian Edstrom.