Travis Pastrana will make a long-awaited NASCAR Nationwide Series debut in the No. 99 Boost Mobile Toyota at Richmond International Raceway on April 27.
The 11-time X-Games gold medalist and action sports star plans to run seven Nationwide Series races as well as 11 K&N Pro Series races in 2012. He’ll make his K&N debut in the season-opening race at Bristol Motor Speedway on March 17.
“The wait has been grueling,” Pastrana said. “This is one of the toughest things I’ve ever done. But we’re ready to go now. We have seven Nationwide races planned but if we can secure some additional sponsorship we’ll run more. If it were up to me we’d run every race after Richmond. I’m ready to get this thing going.”
Pastrana expected to make his Nationwide Series debut last season at the July 30th race in Indianapolis. But two nights before the race he broke his right ankle and foot in Los Angeles while attempting a trick called a “TP Roll” which is a 720 on a motorcycle during the Best Trick Competition in the X Games.
The injury and surgeries forced him to miss his entire 2012 Nationwide schedule.
“I was pretty much unable to do anything for a couple months, but as soon as they let me I was back behind the wheel testing and preparing for this upcoming season. I have to thank Boost Mobile for its patience and understanding – they didn’t have to stick with me through all this, but they did and I really appreciate it. I really hope to reward their commitment once I get back behind the wheel at Richmond.”
Before the accident, Pastrana raced in four K&N races plus the Toyota All-Star Showdown at Irwindale (Calif.) Speedway where he finished sixth. Last month, he raced for AF Waltrip in the Rolex 24 at Daytona International Speedway.
Pastrana will race under the Pastrana199 Racing banner in 2012. The team will have a technical alliance with Michael Waltrip Racing supplying personnel and equipment. Boost Mobile will sponsor each of the seven Nationwide races while iRacing will serve as the primary sponsor in four K&N races.
Pastrana, 28, owns multiple supercross and motocross championships, and four Rally America championship. He is also known for his Nitro Circus empire, which includes a TV show, live tours and a soon-to-be-released 3D feature film.
Pastrana Nationwide Schedule
Richmond April 27
Darlington May 11
Charlotte May 26
New Hampshire July 14
Chicagoland July 22
Indianapolis July 28
Atlanta Sept. 1
Pastrana K&N Schedule
Bristol March 17
Greenville-Pickens March 31
Richmond April 26
Iowa May 19
Bowman Gray June 2
Langley June 23
Iowa Aug. 3
Greenville-Pickens Sept. 3
New Hampshire Sept. 22
Dover Sept. 28
Rockingham Nov.3
MWR
