Pastrana and Edwards to Represent USA at ROC

Carl Edwards

Two motorsport champions, both famous for back-flips, will represent the USA at The Race of Champions at Wembley Stadium in December. Ninetimes X Games Gold Medal Winner Travis Pastrana and reigning NASCAR Nationwide Series Champion Carl Edwards will take on a star line-up including Michael Schumacher, Troy Bayliss and Sébastien Loeb in the end-of-season event.

Pastrana has starred on both two wheels and four, winning 9 Gold Medals in the X Games for motocross and rallying, plus three US rally titles. He made history at the X Games in 2006 when he became the first man to perform a motorcycle double back-flip in competition.

Edwards, a 14-times winner in NASCAR’s premier category and the winner of last year’s NASCAR Nationwide Series, does a celebratory back-flip off the side of his car every time he wins a race. He currently lies second in both the NASCAR Sprint Cup and Nationwide Series points after wins in both categories at the weekend.

Pastrana has represented the USA in The Race of Champions for the past three years and single-handedly took the country to the finals of The ROC Nations Cup in 2006 after his team-mate was forced to drop out at the last minute. In 2007 he raced alongside reigning NASCAR Sprint Cup Champion, Jimmie Johnson.

“Once again it’s an honor to be selected to represent Team USA at The Race of Champions," said Pastrana. “I have a new team-mate this year in Carl Edwards and am looking forward to improving what Jimmie and I were able to accomplish last year. Carl is extremely talented and brings a new perspective to the event so we’re expecting big things this year!" Although a newcomer to The Race of Champions, Edwards has repeatedly proven himself quick on new tracks and in new cars, and is looking forward to racing at Wembley.

"It’s great to be able represent the United States in the Race of Champions this year in England," stated Edwards. "I’ve never been to Europe and expect it will be spectacular. To race with the top drivers in the world is the opportunity of a lifetime. I will be teaming up with X Games Champion, Travis Pastrana, which will be a great experience in itself. He’s the man, and the goal is to bring back a trophy. I can’t wait. It should be a lot of fun."

Jimmie Johnson backs his NASCAR adversary, Edwards to perform strongly in London: “Carl has a great racing background which will allow him to adapt to the variety of cars he’ll be driving and the unique track at this year’s Race of Champions. It will be a tough challenge, but I know Carl will represent Team USA well and have a great time doing it."