American motorcycle daredevil
Debbie Lawler |
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Born | (1952-12-13) December 13, 1952 (age 72)
Grants Pass, Oregon |
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Occupation | stunt performer |
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Known for | Motorcycle daredevil |
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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]
References