Press Release | July 26, 2017
22,000 Fans Pack Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium – Largest North American Attendance in Nitro Circus Live History.
This is a press release from Nitro Circus…
Annapolis, MD (July 27, 2017) – After months of anticipation, Travis Pastrana brought Nitro Circus Live to his Annapolis hometown for the first time ever last Sunday. Pastrana and the Nitro team were primed to go big for the crowd of 22,000 fans who packed Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, the largest North American attendance in the tour’s history.
The riders definitely delivered, even in the face of some rough weather, putting on an epic show ranking among Nitro’s best.
“This was incredible. To be able to show just what Nitro Circus is all about in my hometown, in front of my friends and family, is absolutely a dream come true,” said Pastrana. “Everyone stepped up and sent it, and the fans were amazing. Their passion and energy never let up, even with the rain. Thanks so much!”
After the Nitro crew showcased their skills on FMX, BMX, skate, scooter and inline during an electric first half, trailblazing WCMX athlete Aaron “Wheelz” Fotheringham took things to another level. In a special appearance, his first Nitro Circus show in North America this year, Wheelz landed an epic frontflip off the 40-foot Giganta ramp. Annapolis-native Gregg Duffy, the first athlete to double frontflip a motorbike, throttled up the excitement next by going for a huge Nac-Nac frontflip variation.
With the crowd’s energy at an all-time high, Travis sensed the moment and doubled-down, reprising his most iconic trick, the groundbreaking 2006 world’s first double backflip. Decked out in riding gear featuring Maryland’s state colors, Pastrana stomped the always incredibly dangerous double, then rode to the center of the course for a celebratory burnout.
To close out a legendary show, Nitro’s BMX and FMX riders threw down back-to-back trains, the final FMX run featuring an unprecedented two frontflips followed immediately by a double backflip. Leading the way, Nitro veteran Steve Mini pitched forward while landing his frontflip, going over his handlebars and tumbling down on the lander as his bike rolled over him. This left only milliseconds for Harry Bink, who trailed Mini with his own frontflip, to steer clear of Steve and avoid a huge stack. Fortunately Mini was okay and Bink landed safely, clearing the way for Josh Sheehan to put an exclamation mark on the night with his double backflip. Afterward, Travis told the crowd, “What you just witnessed right there was the gnarliest final train in Nitro history!”
While the Nitro Circus crew pushed the envelope, they also had to battle the elements with storms affecting much of the Atlantic region on Sunday. The athletes, crew and fans had to contend with rain and even a lightning warning, which necessitated a later start and a longer than usual intermission. But despite the delays the riders continued to send it and the fans’ enthusiasm remained undimmed.
Prior to the show, the American Motorcyclist Association honored Nitro Circus with the Friend of the AMA Award, an accolade given to a member of the motorcycling community who has strongly supported the AMA mission and its programs.
“With all of your numerous accomplishments you’ve certainly promoted—even redefined—the motorcycle lifestyle,” said AMA Government Affairs Manager, Off-Highway Steve Salisbury. “Nitro Circus has done an exceptional job of showcasing the excitement of motorcycling to riders and non-riders alike in an exciting yet safe environment. Thank you!” Travis proudly received this honor from the AMA on behalf of Nitro Circus.
Also just before the show, Pastrana introduced Annapolis Mayor Mike Pantelides to the crowd and thanked him for helping to make the event possible. In December, when some neighborhood resident group initially blocked the show, Mayor Pantelides quickly showed his support, even going door-to-door with Travis in a snowstorm to answer residents’ questions and ease their concerns.
Next on the Nitro Circus Live itinerary is an Indianapolis show on Friday, July 28, the first time the action sports phenomenon has performed in the motorsports mecca. The following weekend, the tour returns to Canada for a Hamilton, Ontario stop on Friday, August 4; then it heads to Grand Rapids, Michigan for a Sunday, August 6 show. Nitro Circus Live’s 2017 North American tour continues through September.
For more information, visit www.nitrocircus.com.
