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Travis Pastrana New Years Eve 2009: Attempting a New Year's Jump

by Amy Judd | December 31, 2009 at 01:46 pm

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(Travis Pastrana breaks the record - see updated story and video footage)

Travis Pastrana will be spending his New Year's Eve 2009 not partying or getting drunk, but attempting to make a New Year's Eve jump in his Subaru Impreza WRX STI on Pine Avenue Pier.

"If there's wind I'll actually have to aim off the ramp," said the 26-year-old daredevil from Annapolis, Md. "It's like shooting a golf ball."

Pastrana is a motorcross champion and stunt performer and he is attempting to break a world record by jumping 230 feet over open water from one ramp to another. The current record is 171 feet.

Pastrana has done a few practice runs in the desert and he says it's all about the speed:

"I have to hit the right speed," he said. "Once you're in the air it's just about flying the car."

The jump will be televised live on ESPN after the Chick-fill-A Bowl that starts at 4:30pm.

If Pastrana does hit the water the Long Beach Fire Department is standing by and he has a scuba tank in the car.

"I'm still scared to death," he said. "There's always a risk. But it's worth it to wake up every morning with a passion."

1 See all footage | View Slideshow

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EJG# (not verified)

at 18:44 on December 31st, 2009

Travis will drunk soon after he makes this sick jump....Im on the 405 freeway about 20 minutes away!!!!! Lets do this Travis!!!! Good Luck Brother!!!!