HOLLYWOOD, CA (July 28, 2009) - Travis Pastrana is one of the most successful and most beloved figures in action sports, but tonight it was time to put Travis on the hot seat. A full house of fans, athletes and celebrities gathered at the Avalon Hollywood to pay tribute (and to poke a little fun), at all that Pastrana has contributed to the world of action sports at Red Bull Toasted. The event was a surprise to Pastrana until he arrived at the venue in a restored English double-decker bus, but the presenters were more than ready to give Travis a ribbing (with love, of course).
Travis took his licks in good spirits, saying "It was epic to have so many of my friends and family come out tonight. When Red Bull does something, they do it huge. It was a roast and it was funny, but there was a lot of respect. I couldn't have asked for anything better. Going into X Games, all I've been thinking about over and over is Best Trick, the Rodeo 720, if you will, and tonight distracted me in a really good way."
Red Bull Toasted featured special appearances by several iconic friends and family members of Pastrana. Video montages showcased his life and career - his highlights and even his goofier moments. Roasting and toasting Travis included: Arj Barker (Flight of the Conchords), Tony Hawk (skateboard legend), Sal Masakela (Host of E! Daily 10), Brian Vickers (Red Bull Racing NASCAR driver), Greg Giraldo (comedian and Comedy Central roaster), Dan Levy (comedian), Ryan Sheckler (skateboarder and star MTV's Life of Ryan), the cast members from MTV's Nitro Circus, including Andy Bell, Jeremy Rawle, Gregg Godfrey and Jolene Van Vugt, Kelley James (singer), Debbie Pastrana (Travis' mother), Robert Pastrana, (Travis' father) and Carey Hart (motocross star).
Spotted at the event were Audrina Patridge and Brody Jenner from MTV's The Hills, Verne Troyer, Ryan Cabrera and Steve-O.
Fellow athletes in attendance included Robbie Maddison, Ronnie Renner, Mat Rebeaud, Ashley Fiolek, Tarah Gieger, Levi Sherwood, Lance Coury, Ian Walsh, Sandro Dias, Daniel Dhers, Kevin Robinson, Parks Bonifey, Corey Bohan and Corey Martinez, in addition to Vickers and Sheckler.
Highlights of the night included a fierce thrashing of every celebrity in the room by comedians Dan Levy and Greg Giraldo, most of which cannot be repeated without a "bleep." Kid Rock (via video) recounted a New Year's Eve party which ended with Travis BASE jumping from his suite in the Palms Hotel in Las Vegas, a bewigged Troyer made a surprise appearance on-stage and almost every roaster made a point to describe Travis' amazing motocross ability...and complete lack of skills with women.
The guests in attendance were also the first to hear "what's next" in Travis' career. He was passed the torch - or in this case, the steering wheel - and will be the star of the 2009 Red Bull: New Year. No Limits. New Year's Eve event, live on ESPN. Look for more details on how Travis will take over New Year's Eve in Los Angeles in the coming months.