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ROC at Wembley

Pastrana and Edwards to Represent USA at The Race of Champions


Edwards, seen here celebrating victory, is currently second in the NASCAR Sprint Cup.

  • 9–times X Games Gold Medal Winner and 3-times US Rally Champion teams up with NASCAR Nationwide Series Champion
  • “Back-flip duo” to represent USA
  • USA aims for first ROC Nations Cup title since 2002

Two motorsport champions, both famous for back-flips, will represent the USA at The Race of Champions at Wembley Stadium in December. Nine-times X Games Gold Medal Winner Travis Pastrana and reigning NASCAR Nationwide Series Champion Carl Edwards will take on a star line-up including Michael Schumacher, Troy Bayliss and Sébastien Loeb in the end-of-season event

Pastrana has starred on both two wheels and four, winning 9 Gold Medals in the X Games for motocross and rallying, plus three US rally titles. He made history at the X Games in 2006 when he became the first man to perform a motorcycle double back-flip in competition.

Edwards, a 14-times winner in NASCAR’s premier category and the winner of last year’s NASCAR Nationwide Series, does a celebratory back-flip off the side of his car every time he wins a race. He currently lies second in both the NASCAR Sprint Cup and Nationwide Series points after wins in both categories at the weekend.

Pastrana has represented the USA in The Race of Champions for the past three years and single-handedly took the country to the finals of The ROC Nations Cup in 2006 after his team-mate was forced to drop out at the last minute. In 2007 he raced alongside reigning NASCAR Sprint Cup Champion, Jimmie Johnson.


Whether on two wheels or four, Pastrana is one of the world’s most spectacular motorsport stars

“Once again it’s an honour to be selected to represent Team USA at The Race of Champions,” said Pastrana. “I have a new team-mate this year in Carl Edwards and am looking forward to improving what Jimmie and I were able to accomplish last year. Carl is extremely talented and brings a new perspective to the event so we’re expecting big things this year!”

Although a newcomer to The Race of Champions, Edwards has repeatedly proven himself quick on new tracks and in new cars, and is looking forward to racing at Wembley.

"It’s great to be able represent the United States in the Race of Champions this year in England," stated Edwards. "I’ve never been to Europe and expect it will be spectacular. To race with the top drivers in the world is the opportunity of a lifetime. I will be teaming up with X Games Champion, Travis Pastrana, which will be a great experience in itself. He’s the man, and the goal is to bring back a trophy. I can’t wait. It should be a lot of fun."

Jimmie Johnson backs his NASCAR adversary, Edwards to perform strongly in London:

“Carl has a great racing background which will allow him to adapt to the variety of cars he’ll be driving and the unique track at this year’s Race of Champions. It will be a tough challenge, but I know Carl will represent Team USA well and have a great time doing it.”

Tickets for The Race of Champions are on sale now by calling 0844 412 1743, or online at www.raceofchampions.com. Adult prices start at £18 and child tickets at £9.

Notes to editors:

The ROC was created in 1988 by Fredrik Johnsson and the world’s best woman rally driver Michèle Mouton.

The premise is simple: using identical equipment and track, drivers can prove themselves based on talent alone. The drivers compete in a series of knockout heats in their own division to determine their class champion. Then, in a shoot-out to determine who is the master of motorsport, the winners go head-to-head in a super final. The victor is awarded the title “The Champion of Champions”.

Drivers confirmed for 2007 include:

  • Seven-time Formula One World Champion Michael Schumacher
  • Formula One star Jenson Button
  • Reigning World Touring Car Champion, Andy Priaulx
  • Red Bull Racing’s David Coulthard
  • Triple Champ Car Champion Sébastien Bourdais
  • Seven-time Le Mans winner Tom Kristensen
  • Former DTM Champion Mattias Ekström
  • Reigning NASCAR Champion Jimmie Johnson
  • Eight-time X-Games Champion Travis Pastrana
  • Double World Rally Champion, Marcus Grönholm
  • Renault F1’s Heikki Kovalainen
  • Scuderia Toro Rosso’s Sebastian Vettel
  • 1995 British Rally Champion Alister McRae
  • World Touring Car Championship star Yvan Muller
  • 2003 World Rally Champion, Petter Solberg
  • Five-time Norwegian Rally Champion, Henning Solberg

This traditional end-of-season showdown attracts spectators from across Europe. For three years the event, held at the Stade de France in Paris, has attracted well over 50,000 spectators each year.

Action from the Race of Champions 2006 was broadcast in over 200 countries and watched by more than 186 million viewers.