X Games 17: 4 Fun Facts About Travis Pastrana

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Travis Pastrana is a mainstay on the X Games scene. He's been instrumental in the explosion of the popularity of the X Games and is one of the most popular extreme sports athletes in the world.

The X Games are right around the corner and Pastrana is sure to dazzle us yet again. Let's take a look at five fun facts about the motorsports superstar.

He Can Pull off a Double Back Flip

Travis Pastrana is able to pull off a trick that was once thought to be impossible. The original Pastrana double back flip in competition was one of the most memorable moments in the history of the X Games.

He's completed the trick multiple times, but it never loses the wow effect. Watching the video never gets old.

He's Competing in the Nationwide Series

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Pastrana's abilities go way past the X Games. He's a renaissance man, as his involvement in NASCAR clearly demonstrates.

Pastrana is competing in the Nationwide Series for NASCAR, driving the #99 Boost Mobile car. He's going to be driving for the race team he also happens to be a partner in, Pastrana-Waltrip racing.

He's Got 16 X Games Gold Medals

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16 X Games gold medals speak to just how accomplished Pastrana is. He won his first medal in 1999. Fittingly, it was the first ever MotoX Freestyle event in the X Games.

Pastrana helped to make X Games what it is today. Still, he remains only 27. Pastrana has a great legacy to leave behind when he chooses to move from the X Games and into one of the many facets he has demonstrated a level in expertise in.

Hes Taking the $5 Million Dollar Challenge

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IndyCar CEO Randy Bernard is offering up $5 million to any driver from another series who wins the league's season finale in October.

Pastrana isn't one to back down from the challenge. He's taking hold of the opportunity and will try his best to show what he can do in an IndyCar.