Evel Knievel’s restored 1974 Mack FS700L cabover, the second truck he used in his touring operations, after the Kenworth.
Rise of Owner-Operators and Pop Culture
In the 1970s, the prominence of owner-operators surged in the U.S. This cultural shift led Overdrive founder Mike Parkhurst to engage in various projects beyond magazine publishing, including film endeavors like “Smokey & the Bandit.” The intersection of pop culture and trucking became central to the magazine, with a notable feature in February 1973 that included an interview with motorcycle stunt legend Evel Knievel.
Evel Knievel’s Dangerous Dreams
The article portrayed Knievel as someone who defied death against all odds. He detailed his plans for the “SkyCycle,” a steam rocket jump over Idaho’s Snake River Canyon: “I operate the valve to release water into the rocket, and as the pressure drops, I launch at 350 mph in eight seconds, praying I make it across. If I succeed, I’d kneel and express gratitude; if not, I’ll arrive at my final destination sooner than expected. Dying is an inevitable part of living.”
Adapting to Touring Life
Knievel also spoke about the increasing scale of his tours, which involved larger equipment over time. His first truck was a Kenworth cabover, but he later utilized a Mack that gained attention when Robb Mariani, former host of American Trucker TV, led a successful restoration project for it.
Finding the Right Drivers
Mariani revisited Knievel’s Overdrive interview and located one of Knievel’s former drivers, Mike Draper. During our conversation, Draper, who had a diverse professional background, recalled how he landed the unique opportunity of driving for Knievel while still a teenager.
A Thrilling Experience
Draper initially met Knievel at an event promoting Harley-Davidson when the daredevil needed a driver for his touring rig. Kneivel opted for two drivers, including Draper, who he praised for their upkeep of the Kenworth. Draper shared an incident involving a plane landing too fast during a performance, resulting in a collision with their trailer, but fortunately, no injuries occurred.
Touring with a Legend
On tour, Draper recounted hauling motorcycles and Knievel’s custom vehicles while earning a salary and reimbursements for expenses. Driving for such a prominent figure was a remarkable experience; they often interacted with other truckers who were curious about their distinctive equipment. Draper drove for Knievel on and off until the late 1970s, cherishing the memories from those formative years.
