Debbie Lawler

Last updated
Debbie Lawler
Born (1952-12-13) December 13, 1952 (age 70)
Grants Pass, Oregon
Occupationstunt performer
Known forMotorcycle daredevil
Website debbielawler.com

Debbie Lawler (born December 13, 1952) is an American motorcyclist. Lawler is most noted as the first female motorcyclist to beat Evel Knievel's record. [1] [2]

Early life and career beginnings

Lawler was born in Grants Pass, Oregon. Her veteran motorcycle racer father Ben Lawler [3] gave her a motorcycle for her 10th birthday in 1962. [4] Lawler began jumping at fairs and speedways in 1972. [5] [6] In February, 1974, Lawler beat Evel Knievel's indoor record where she jumped 101 feet, being the first woman to set such a record. The next month Lawler crash landed at Ontario Motor Speedway where she jumped 146 feet. [7] The bike that Lawler used was Suzuki TM250. [8] Lawler was known to never jump without her orange bra. [9] [10] Lawler was called America's stunt sweetheart, flying angel, and the female Evel Knievel. [11] [12] [13] Evel Knievel gave her a pink mink coat after he reclaimed back his title . [14] After her crash landing from her jump in 1974, Lawler retired from jumping. [15]

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References

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  2. Pruitt, Sarah. "7 of History's Most Fearless Female Daredevils". History. Retrieved 19 July 2019.
  3. "Debbie Lawler: the Pain and Payoff of Jumping Over Cars". People. Retrieved 19 July 2019.
  4. "Debbie Lawler "The Flying Angel" — United States". cyclejumpers. Retrieved 19 July 2019.
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  6. "They say you should never meet your heroes…". The Scotsman. Retrieved 19 July 2019.
  7. "Daredevil Debbie Lawler: The Flying Angel". Good Spark Garage. 2 May 2011. Retrieved 19 July 2019.
  8. "Daredevil Debbie Lawler: The Flying Angel". Good Spark Garage. 2 May 2011. Retrieved 19 July 2019.
  9. "Daredevil Debbie Lawler: The Flying Angel". Good Spark Garage. 2 May 2011. Retrieved 19 July 2019.
  10. Samarotto, Gina (23 May 2019). "6 of the Greatest Daredevils Throughout History". Artful Living. Retrieved 19 July 2019.
  11. Samarotto, Gina (23 May 2019). "6 of the Greatest Daredevils Throughout History". Artful Living. Retrieved 19 July 2019.
  12. "10 Incredible Female Daredevils". Oddee. Retrieved 19 July 2019.
  13. "Daredevil Portland: The city's long love affair with weird stunts, 'death thrills' ... and Evel Knievel". The Oregonian. 27 September 2018. Retrieved 20 July 2019.
  14. "Daredevil Debbie Lawler: The Flying Angel". Good Spark Garage. 2 May 2011. Retrieved 20 July 2019.
  15. "10 Incredible Female Daredevils POSTED ON AUGUST 11, 2014 BY STEVE MORAMARCO". The Oddee. Retrieved 20 July 2019.