Dave Mirra transitions from BMX to rally
Dave Mirra -- From BMX to Rally
Dave Mirra rose to prominence in the early days of the X Games in the BMX Park and Vert disciplines. Just over three years ago, he walked away from the BMX bike. He now focuses on rallycross and will make his final rally appearance of the year this week at the GRC finals in Las Vegas.
Dave Mirra rose to prominence in the early days of the X Games in the BMX Park and Vert disciplines. Just over three years ago, he walked away from the BMX bike. He now focuses on rallycross and will make his final rally appearance of the year this week at the GRC finals in Las Vegas.
Dave Mirra, X Games L.A. 2013
Earlier this year Mirra parted ways with longtime car sponsor Subaru and is now racing a Mini RX. "Subaru had been working super hard to get a car to be competitive with those Fords and some of the other cars out there, and it's not really an even playing field: It was like showing up to a basketball court where everyone else is seven feet tall," says Mirra.
Earlier this year Mirra parted ways with longtime car sponsor Subaru and is now racing a Mini RX. "Subaru had been working super hard to get a car to be competitive with those Fords and some of the other cars out there, and it's not really an even playing field: It was like showing up to a basketball court where everyone else is seven feet tall," says Mirra.
Mirra on the MegaRamp
Towards the end of Mirra's BMX tenure at X Games, he rode BMX Big Air and adapted with ease to the size of the ramp. But after a disappointing finish at X Games 14, Mirra walked away from the competition. He did manage to bring new tricks, such as the no-handed 360 backflip, to the gap portion of the MegaRamp.
Towards the end of Mirra's BMX tenure at X Games, he rode BMX Big Air and adapted with ease to the size of the ramp. But after a disappointing finish at X Games 14, Mirra walked away from the competition. He did manage to bring new tricks, such as the no-handed 360 backflip, to the gap portion of the MegaRamp.
X Games 17 practice
After six years with Subaru, Mirra is now racing a Mini. "I really think it's the best car out there," he says.
After six years with Subaru, Mirra is now racing a Mini. "I really think it's the best car out there," he says.
Mirra's BMX days
During Mirra's BMX days, he was unstoppable on the competition circuit. Here, Mirra executes a textbook nothing air over a box jump during a demo in the early '00s.
During Mirra's BMX days, he was unstoppable on the competition circuit. Here, Mirra executes a textbook nothing air over a box jump during a demo in the early '00s.
On walking away from BMX
"I've probably ridden three times in the last two and a half years, and to be honest I don't really miss it. I had a great run and I loved the years that I did compete and all the success that I had, but it felt good to walk away from it," says Mirra.
"I've probably ridden three times in the last two and a half years, and to be honest I don't really miss it. I had a great run and I loved the years that I did compete and all the success that I had, but it felt good to walk away from it," says Mirra.
George Lucas and Dave Mirra
Mirra's BMX prominence and domination in the world of X Games allowed him unique media opportunities outside of action sports, including a surprise meeting with Star Wars creator George Lucas at the 31st Annual Toyota Pro/Celebrity race.
Mirra's BMX prominence and domination in the world of X Games allowed him unique media opportunities outside of action sports, including a surprise meeting with Star Wars creator George Lucas at the 31st Annual Toyota Pro/Celebrity race.
The Subaru days
Rickie Fowler (left), Dave Mirra (center) and Bucky Lasek (right) at the Subaru PUMA Global RallyCross team testing day.
Rickie Fowler (left), Dave Mirra (center) and Bucky Lasek (right) at the Subaru PUMA Global RallyCross team testing day.
One-handed tailwhip
Mirra's approach to BMX Vert helped to evolve the discipline in a more flow-worthy and stylish direction that also included hard tricks such as one-handed tailwhips at height. It's been a few years since he's touched a vert ramp, but his influence on the direction remains.
Mirra's approach to BMX Vert helped to evolve the discipline in a more flow-worthy and stylish direction that also included hard tricks such as one-handed tailwhips at height. It's been a few years since he's touched a vert ramp, but his influence on the direction remains.
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