Debbie Lawler (born December 13, 1952) is an American motorcyclist. Lawler is most noted as the first female motorcyclist to beat Evel Knievel's record.[1][2]
Debbie Lawler | |
|---|---|
| Born | December 13, 1952 Grants Pass, Oregon |
| Occupation | stunt performer |
| Known for | Motorcycle daredevil |
Early life and career beginnings
editLawler was born in Grants Pass, Oregon. Her veteran motorcycle racer father Ben Lawler[3] gave her a motorcycle for her 10th birthday in 1962.[4] Lawler began jumping at fairs and speedways in 1972.[5][6] In February, 1974, Lawler beat Evel Knievel's indoor record where she jumped 101 feet, being the first woman to set such a record. The next month Lawler crash landed at Ontario Motor Speedway where she jumped 146 feet.[7] The bike that Lawler used was Suzuki TM250. [8] Lawler was known to never jump without her orange bra.[9][10] Lawler was called America's stunt sweetheart, flying angel, and the female Evel Knievel.[11][12][13] Evel Knievel gave her a pink mink coat after he reclaimed back his title .[14] After her crash landing from her jump in 1974, Lawler retired from jumping.[15]
References
edit- ^ Perry, Douglas (27 September 2018). "Daredevil Portland: The city's long love affair with weird stunts, 'death thrills' ... and Evel Knievel". The Oregonian. Retrieved 19 July 2019.
- ^ Pruitt, Sarah (7 July 2019). "7 of History's Most Fearless Female Daredevils". History. Retrieved 19 July 2019.
- ^ "Debbie Lawler: the Pain and Payoff of Jumping Over Cars". People. Retrieved 19 July 2019.
- ^ "Debbie Lawler "The Flying Angel" — United States". cyclejumpers. Retrieved 19 July 2019.
- ^ "Daredevil Debbie Lawler: The Flying Angel". Good Spark Garage. 2 May 2011. Retrieved 19 July 2019.
- ^ "They say you should never meet your heroes…". The Scotsman. 23 December 2007. Retrieved 19 July 2019.
- ^ "Daredevil Debbie Lawler: The Flying Angel". Good Spark Garage. 2 May 2011. Retrieved 19 July 2019.
- ^ "Daredevil Debbie Lawler: The Flying Angel". Good Spark Garage. 2 May 2011. Retrieved 19 July 2019.
- ^ "Daredevil Debbie Lawler: The Flying Angel". Good Spark Garage. 2 May 2011. Retrieved 19 July 2019.
- ^ Samarotto, Gina (23 May 2019). "6 of the Greatest Daredevils Throughout History". Artful Living. Retrieved 19 July 2019.
- ^ Samarotto, Gina (23 May 2019). "6 of the Greatest Daredevils Throughout History". Artful Living. Retrieved 19 July 2019.
- ^ "10 Incredible Female Daredevils". Oddee. 11 August 2014. Retrieved 19 July 2019.
- ^ "Daredevil Portland: The city's long love affair with weird stunts, 'death thrills' ... and Evel Knievel". The Oregonian. 27 September 2018. Retrieved 20 July 2019.
- ^ "Daredevil Debbie Lawler: The Flying Angel". Good Spark Garage. 2 May 2011. Retrieved 20 July 2019.
- ^ "10 Incredible Female Daredevils POSTED ON AUGUST 11, 2014 BY STEVE MORAMARCO". The Oddee. 11 August 2014. Retrieved 20 July 2019.