Knievel passes torch as 12-year-old sets new world record

BUTTE, Mont. – A 12-year-old motorcyclist from Australia set a new world record Saturday during Evel Knievel Days, a three-day celebration named for the legendary motorcycle stuntman from Butte.

Tyrone Gilks, of Newcastle, Australia, set the record for an 85cc motorcycle by landing a 169-foot jump. He also holds the record on a 65cc bike.

After Saturday’s successful stunt, Gilks threw down his bike and jumped around on the landing ramp.

“I didn’t know there’d be this many people here,” he told the crowd. “Thanks.”

Also Saturday, Evel Knievel’s son, Robbie, announced he is officially passing the torch to Ryan Capes – who fell a few feet short of a new ramp-to-ramp record Saturday – and other young motorcyclists.

Though he will continue to jump, the younger Knievel hinted that he won’t be performing many major stunts.

“Ryan and to all you extreme (sports) guys, I’m passing it on to you,” he said.

Friday night, Robbie Knievel completed a 180-foot jump over a pyrotechnic show in honor of his dad, who has pulmonary fibrosis.

Robbie Knievel, 44, has set 20 world records in more than 250 professional jumps. His longest jump was 223 feet.