World’s First Modular Quarterpipe to be Centerpiece of Red Bull Experiment’s Record-Setting Evening
Santa Monica, Calif. (July 1, 2008) – On Friday, July 11, the iconic Santa Monica Pier will be sporting a new addition, as a massive quarterpipe ramp will be constructed directly on the pier. The one-of-a-kind structure will aid freestyle motocross star Ronnie Renner in the latest Red Bull Experiment, in which he will attempt to establish the Guinness World Record for highest air ever attained on a motorcycle on a quarterpipe. Pushing limits and breaking boundaries is at the core of the Red Bull Experiment, which showcases the world’s best athletes performing world-first, “experimental” sporting feats.
RAMPING UP TO MAKE HISTORY
The custom quarterpipe was designed and built specifically for Renner’s Red Bull Experiment, and will be constructed directly on the pier near the entrance to Pacific Park. The ramp was modeled on the traditional dirt-based quarterpipe design, and built to specifications calculated from a dirt test site. Fabricated from galvanized steel and plywood, the next generation modular system allows maximum versatility of transport and set up. Designed and built by Jack Murphy Productions from a Dane Herron Industries concept, the quarterpipe measures 64 feet wide and 25 feet tall. The ramp is the first of its kind and will take approximately 24 hours to set up onsite.
THIRD TIMES A CHARM
Renner’s jump will be the third chapter of the Red Bull Experiment, following the record-shattering performances of fellow motocross sensation Robbie Maddison and BMX star Kevin Robinson. Maddison jumped the length of a football field in front of thousands on New Year’s Eve, clearing 322 feet at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. On June 12, Robinson soared 27 feet above the lip of a huge quarterpipe (54 feet above the ground) in New York’s Central Park to set the BMX big air world record.
Renner is a respected freestyle motocross veteran, whose credentials include a gold medal in Step-Up at the 2007 Summer X Games and until recently, the Step-Up world record (35 feet high). Step-Up is similar to a high jump, with riders attempting to jump their motorcycles over bars at ever-increasing heights.
COME ONE, COME ALL
The Red Bull Experiment is free and open to the public. The event will not only feature Renner blasting into near orbit, but also aerial acrobatics performed by the Red Bull stunt helicopter and Red Bull MiG fighter jet, as well as musical acts (to be announced shortly). The activities will take place from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. Parking near the pier is limited – it is recommended to walk, bike or take the Big Blue Bus. The pier is wheelchair accessible. For bus information, visit www.bigbluebus.com or call 310-451-5444.
For those who cannot be on-site, EXPN.com will serve as the exclusive destination for the live webcast of the event and as the digital broadcast partner for Renner’s Red Bull Experiment. Visit www.expn.com.
For more information on the Red Bull Experiment, please visit www.redbullexperiment.com, and for hi-res images, free for media use, visit www.redbull-photofiles.com. For more information on the Santa Monica Pier, please visit www.santamonicapier.org.
