Biography

Born on the 17th of september, 1980 to Bill and Tina Van Vugt (pronounced “Van Voot”) she is the sister of brother Billy, and sister Michele. Her dad, Bill and brother, Billy are both involved with Motocross hence this is where she gained interest with the sport. At age 11 she was allowed to get her own bike to let her talent blossom. She is from a strict motocross background winning many Canadian championships both National and from her home province, Ontario. In 2006, after befriending Travis Pastrana, she had already learned how to backflip a motorcycle and won a few championships and this opened up many future avenues for Jolene, such as starring in 4 Nitro Circus films (as of 2009) and being featured in every Nitro Circus episode on MTV.

Jolene is the only female member of the Nitro Circus but will go as far if not further to beat any of the other guys. During filming for the Guiness World Record Episode for Nitro Circus, she missed out on the Longest Indoor Freefall when she fell early in the stunt, however her skills in the air are still supreme. Scott Palmer was blamed (who, eventually with Travis, got the record) and they had a boxing match in the flight tube. Jolene got her revenge.

Jolene’s race number is #63 and still competes in Motocross whilst trying to find time for the Nitro Circus series. Contrary to what people may think, Travis and Jolene have never been in a relationship.

Trivia

• First appearance was in Travis and the Nitro Circus 3.
• Jolene has a brother, Billy.
• Jolene and Billy learned to flip at Travis’ House.
• Has a piercing in her upper lip (her left side).
• 3rd person of the Nitro Crew to hyrdo-plane a dirtbike.

Achievements

• Guinness World Record:  First Backflip by a Woman  (RM-250 2-Stroke)
• Guinness World Record:  Longest Backflip by a Woman: 40ft 7inches (RM-250 2-Stroke)
• 2008 CMRC Women’s Canadian National Championship, 3rd
• 2007 CMRC Women’s Canadian National Championship, 2nd
• First Female to backflip a dirt bike into Grand Canyon
• 2006 CMRC Women’s Canadian National Championship, 1st
• First women to backflip a full-sized dirtbike, ramp to dirt
• 2005 CMRC Ladies Ontario Provincial, 3rd
• 2004 CMRC Ladies Ontario Provincial, 1st
• 2004 CMX Ladies Canadian National Champion
• 2003 CMRC Ladies Ontario Provincial, 1st

Sponsors

• DC shoes
• Suzuki
• Works Connection
• Ogio
• Blackfoot Direct
• Pro Circuit
• Twin Air
• Evolved Nutrition
• Haan Wheels
• Hinson Racing
• Electric
• W.E.R.
• Michelin
• Alpine Stars
• Tubend Racing
• Fox Racing
• RDS
• EVS
• Motul
• Nitro Circus
• 8 Six Six
• Race Tech
• Four Seasons Dental Centre