LONGVILLE, Minn. (AP) — A central Minnesota man is hoping to extend his world record for longest snowmobile jump, by jumping more than the length of a football field.
Levi LaVallee of Longville set the current record last year with a jump of 361 feet. But he crashed on a subsequent jump, fracturing ribs, vertebrae and his pelvis.
That hasn't dissuaded him from wanting to try again. The 29-year-old will attempt another jump Saturday in San Diego. He'll be jumping side-by-side with Robbie Maddison, an Australian who'll be trying to break the world record for longest motorcycle jump at 391 feet.
LaVallee's mother tells the St. Paul Pioneer Press (http://bit.ly/v6rptd ) she's "totally nervous." She says she's always a little bit uncomfortable when her son is falling out of the sky.
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Information from: St. Paul Pioneer Press, http://www.twincities.com
Copyright 2011 The Associated Press.
Comments (6)
Add commentSomething more news worthy
Surely there must be more important things to report than snowmobile jumping.
What is considered
important to some is not considered important to other. Good luck!
Local Boy
Being it's a local boy doing this amazing feat and the Brainerd Lakes Area is a (or should be) hotbed for snowmobiling, I would say this is relevant news. Not everything in the BDD needs to be about who's doing what at the airport or city counsel. Besides you don't have to read everything in the paper, it's like your TV if you don't like it don't watch it.
Good Luck
Good Luck Levi and keep the rubber side down. I for one will be watching.
Follow your DREAMS
Good luck and HAPPY LANDINGS
Launchin' Levi
Okay oldmarine and cowgirl, you're not a big fan of snowmobile jumping, Levi LaVallee, and seemingly like only bad news, we get it. Don't bother setting your alarm to get up to watch the local boy on New Year's Eve.
On the other hand, Levi, who grew up in Longville, an hour north of Brainerd; driving a Polaris, made in Minnesota; snowmobiles, big business during a typical snowy winter, is of interest to many. He's made several national appearances, brought camera crews to the area, is a positive role model for the youth in the area, and an all-around nice guy.
Levi is giving many Lakes Area residents a reason to gather together on New Year's Eve and celebrate our local celebrity. His hometown is proud of him, even prouder that we knew him long before he became a thrill-seeking daredevil on his sled. Go Levi - we'll be cheering and praying for you and Maddo for a successful side by side jump.