Evel Knievel's Early Daredevil Jump at Indio Fairgrounds

Legendary stuntman's debut performance helped launch his iconic career.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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NBC Palm Springs resident historian Steve Sumrall looks back at one of Evel Knievel's earliest public stunts - a motorcycle jump over two pickup trucks at the Indio Fairgrounds Arena in the 1960s. This early performance helped introduce audiences to Knievel's daring style, though a serious crash just weeks later nearly derailed his fledgling career as a solo daredevil.

Why it matters

Evel Knievel went on to become one of the most famous stunt performers in American history, known for his death-defying motorcycle jumps. This early Indio Fairgrounds show marked a pivotal moment in the launch of his iconic career, even as a serious injury shortly after threatened to sideline him.

The details

For this early stunt, the newly rebranded Evel Knievel attempted a motorcycle jump over two pickup trucks, a distance of roughly 45 feet. Instead of the Harley-Davidson motorcycles he later became known for, Knievel rode a British-made Norton 750cc Atlas. The jump was a success and helped introduce audiences to Knievel's daring style, though a serious crash just weeks later in Barstow resulted in a traumatic groin injury that temporarily sidelined his fledgling career.

  • Knievel performed the jump at the Indio Fairgrounds Arena in the 1960s.
  • Just a few weeks after the Indio show, Knievel suffered a serious accident while attempting another stunt in Barstow.

The players

Evel Knievel

A legendary motorcycle daredevil who became one of the most famous stunt performers in American history.

Steve Sumrall

The NBC Palm Springs resident historian who looks back on Knievel's early career in this 'Desert in a Minute' segment.

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What they’re saying

“NBC Palm Springs resident historian Steve Sumrall continues the 'Desert in a Minute' series with a look back at a little-known chapter in the early career of legendary motorcycle daredevil Evel Knievel.”

— Steve Sumrall, NBC Palm Springs resident historian (nbcpalmsprings.com)

The takeaway

Evel Knievel's early daredevil jump at the Indio Fairgrounds marked a pivotal moment in the launch of his iconic career, even as a serious injury shortly after threatened to sideline him. This little-known chapter highlights the humble beginnings of one of America's most famous stunt performers.