Have you ever wondered what it’s like to grow up as the child of a world-famous daredevil? Tracey Knievel knows firsthand. She’s the daughter of the late, great Evel Knievel. Evel Knievel was an American stunt performer and entertainer known for his death-defying motorcycle jumps. He attempted over 75 ramp-to-ramp motorcycle jumps between 1965 and 1980, including a failed jump across Snake River Canyon in 1974.
But what about the woman who called this daredevil “Dad”? Let’s get to know Tracey Knievel and take a glimpse into her fascinating life.
Who is Tracey Knievel?
Tracey Knievel was born on September 23, 1961 to Robert “Evel” Knievel and his first wife, Linda. As Evel’s oldest child and only daughter, Tracey had a front row seat to her father’s rise to fame in the 1960s and 70s. Growing up, Tracey watched her dad become an international icon. Evel Knievel’s daring stunts and larger-than-life personality made him a household name. His star-spangled jumpsuit and motorcycle became symbols of American daring and bravado.
But being the daughter of Evel Knievel wasn’t always easy or glamorous. Tracey witnessed firsthand the toll her father’s dangerous career took on him physically and the strain it put on their family. Still, Tracey loved and admired her one-of-a-kind father.
Early Life and Family Background
Tracey Knievel was the first of four children born to Evel and Linda Knievel. She has two younger brothers, Kelly and Robbie, and a younger sister, Alicia. The Knievel kids had an unconventional upbringing, to say the least. Their father’s career meant the family was often on the road, traveling from one event or performance to the next. Home was a tour bus or hotel room as often as it was a house.
Still, Evel and Linda tried to give their kids some stability and normalcy amidst the chaos. They emphasized the importance of family and made sure to celebrate holidays and milestones together, even if it was in a new city every time.
Who Are Her Parents?
Tracey’s father, Robert “Evel” Knievel, was born on October 17, 1938 in Butte, Montana. As a teenager, Knievel was a talented athlete and pole vaulter. He also had a wild streak and a penchant for thrill-seeking that would shape the course of his life.
In the early 1960s, Knievel began performing motorcycle stunts at local fairs and carnivals. He soon gained notoriety for his daring jumps and quickly started booking bigger events. By the late 60s, Knievel was a full-blown celebrity, known around the world for his death-defying feats. Tracey’s mother, Linda Joan Bork, was born in 1940. She met Evel Knievel in 1959 and the couple married in 1960. Linda was a constant source of support for her husband, often serving as his assistant and helping to manage his career behind the scenes.
Linda and Evel divorced in 1980 after 20 years of marriage. The breakup was hard on Tracey and her siblings. However, both parents remained actively involved in their children’s lives. Evel Knievel passed away in 2007 at the age of 69 after battling diabetes and pulmonary fibrosis. Linda died in 2021 at the age of 81.
Relationship with Her Siblings
As the oldest of the Knievel kids, Tracey was protective of her younger brothers and sister. The siblings had to stick together, given their unusual upbringing and often tumultuous home life. Tracey’s brother Kelly was born in 1963, followed by Robbie in 1966 and Alicia in 1970. Like their famous father, the Knievel boys were drawn to motorcycles and stunts from a young age. They often performed alongside their dad in shows.
Today, Kelly and Robbie carry on their father’s legacy as stunt performers and daredevils in their own right. Robbie has even successfully replicated some of Evel’s most famous jumps, including the Caesar’s Palace fountain jump that nearly killed their father in 1967. Tracey remains close with her siblings and supportive of their endeavors. The Knievel kids share a unique bond, having experienced the highs and lows of growing up in the shadow of a legend together.
Personal Life
Outside of her famous family, not much is publicly known about Tracey Knievel’s personal life. She has largely stayed out of the spotlight, preferring to live a more low-key life than her attention-grabbing father and brothers. It’s not clear if Tracey is married or has children of her own. She has not spoken much about her romantic life or personal relationships in interviews or public statements over the years.
However, Tracey has been open about the challenges of growing up with an absent and often reckless father. In a 2021 interview, she recalled worrying constantly about Evel’s safety and never knowing if his latest stunt would be his last. While she admired his courage, a part of her also resented the stress and uncertainty his job brought to their family.
Despite it all, Tracey has expressed pride in her father’s legacy and the indelible mark he left on popular culture. She’s called him a “pioneer” and a “visionary” who inspired countless people to chase their dreams, no matter how impossible they seemed.
Career and Professional Endeavors
Tracey Knievel has mostly remained a private figure, not seeking out the same kind of fame and attention as her father and brothers. She hasn’t followed in their footsteps as a stunt performer or entertainer. However, Tracey did step into the spotlight briefly in the late 1980s. She appeared as herself in the 1988 documentary film “The Last of the Gladiators” about her father’s life and career. The film featured interviews with Evel and his family, as well as footage of some of his most famous jumps and stunts.
Beyond this notable appearance, not much is known about Tracey’s professional life and career. She seems to prefer staying out of the public eye and maintaining her privacy. Tracey hasn’t regularly appeared at public events or given many interviews over the years.
Some reports have mentioned Tracey working behind the scenes to manage her father’s estate and licensing in the years since his death. However, her exact role and the extent of her involvement are unclear.
Tracey Knievel’s Role in Preserving Her Father’s Legacy
While she may not court the spotlight herself, Tracey Knievel has played an important role in preserving and honoring her late father’s legacy. She’s been involved in various projects and events commemorating Evel Knievel’s life and career over the years.
In 2007, Tracey and her siblings attended the unveiling of a new Evel Knievel exhibit at the Harley-Davidson Museum in Milwaukee. The exhibit featured a collection of Knievel’s motorcycles, leathers, helmets, and other memorabilia. Tracey spoke at the event, sharing memories of her dad and reflecting on his impact.
Tracey has also been supportive of efforts to honor Evel Knievel in his hometown of Butte, Montana. In 2016, she attended the grand opening of Evel Knievel Days, an annual festival celebrating the daredevil’s life and legacy. A museum dedicated to Knievel opened in Butte in 2017, with Tracey and her family in attendance at the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Impact of Her Father’s Daredevil Career on Her Life
Growing up as Evel Knievel’s daughter had a profound impact on Tracey’s life, in both positive and challenging ways. On one hand, she got to witness her father achieve incredible things and live out his dreams on a grand scale. She was exposed to a world of excitement, adventure, and possibility from a young age. However, Evel’s career also took a toll on Tracey and her family. The constant travel and time apart was difficult, as was the stress of knowing her dad was regularly risking his life. Tracey has spoken about the worry and anxiety she felt watching her father perform dangerous stunts.
Evel’s frequent injuries and the chronic pain he suffered later in life also affected Tracey. Seeing her strong, invincible father in a more vulnerable state was hard for her to process. In interviews, Tracey has reflected on wishing she could have had more quality time with her dad, without the specter of his next big jump looming over them.
At the same time, Tracey has expressed immense pride in her father and all that he accomplished. She’s called him her “hero” and credited him with instilling in her a sense of determination and belief in the impossible. Growing up around Evel Knievel undoubtedly shaped Tracey in profound ways.
Public Appearances and Media Presence
As mentioned, Tracey Knievel has mostly eschewed the public eye and rarely makes media appearances or statements. This sets her apart from her more publicity-friendly father and brothers. Her most notable appearance to date was in the 1988 documentary “The Last of the Gladiators.” The film offered a rare glimpse into Tracey’s life and relationship with her famous father. In interviews, she candidly discussed the challenges and complexities of being Evel Knievel’s daughter.
While Tracey Knievel hasn’t sought out regular media attention, she has occasionally spoken publicly about her father’s legacy and impact. This has mostly been in the context of events and projects directly related to commemorating Evel Knievel’s life and career.
For example, Tracey has given interviews and made appearances at museum openings and exhibit launches honoring her dad. She’s provided commentary and insight into his life and their family dynamic. However, Tracey typically keeps a low profile and seems to prefer maintaining her privacy.
Conclusion
Tracey Knievel may not be a household name like her father or brothers, but her life story is no less fascinating. As the daughter of the legendary Evel Knievel, Tracey had a truly one-of-a-kind upbringing. She witnessed the soaring highs and devastating lows of her dad’s daredevil career firsthand. Tracey experienced the thrill of watching Evel achieve the impossible, but also the constant worry for his safety and the toll his job took on their family.
While she’s largely stayed out of the spotlight herself, Tracey has played an important role in preserving and honoring Evel Knievel’s legacy since his death. She’s been involved in museum exhibits, hometown memorials, and other events commemorating the iconic stuntman. Though much of her personal life remains private, it’s clear that being Evel Knievel’s daughter had a profound impact on Tracey. Growing up in the shadow of a death-defying legend undoubtedly shaped her in ways both challenging and inspiring.
Tracey Knievel’s story offers a fascinating glimpse into the life of a daredevil’s daughter. It’s a tale of adventure, heartbreak, pride and family bonds as unique as Evel Knievel himself.
