After the dealership closed, Knievel worked at a motorcycle shop where he learned motocross stunts that would later contribute to his daredevil career. Eventually, he opened a Honda motorcycle dealership in Washington, but faced difficulties promoting Japanese imports. To support his family, Knievel started the Sur-Kill Guide Service and later worked as an insurance salesman. Army before marrying Linda Joan Bork and starting a semi-pro hockey team. After adopting the nickname 'Evel Knievel', he participated in rodeos, ski jumping events, and served in the U.S. He left high school early to work in the copper mines but was later fired for causing a city-wide power outage.

Raised by his paternal grandparents, Knievel was inspired to become a motorcycle daredevil after attending a Joie Chitwood auto daredevil show. He died of pulmonary disease in Clearwater, Florida, in 2007, aged 69.Įvel Knievel was born in Butte, Montana.

Knievel was inducted into the Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 1999. Throughout his career, he attempted more than 75 ramp-to-ramp motorcycle jumps. Robert Craig Knievel (October 17, 1938 – November 30, 2007), known professionally as Evel Knievel ( / ˈ iː v ə l k ə ˈ n iː v ə l/), was an American stunt performer and entertainer.

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