The Thrill Behind Nitro Circus: From Backyard Stunts to Global Spectacles
Welcome to the electrifying world of Nitro Circus, where the boundaries of action sports are pushed beyond imagination!
Get ready as we take you on a journey through the origins of Nitro Circus, the daily lives of our performers, our commitment to safety, and how we engage with fans worldwide. Whether you’re a loyal fan or just curious about what we do, buckle up for an inside look at the adrenaline-fueled adventure that is Nitro Circus!
How It All Began
Top Row R to L: Travis Pastrana, Andy Bell, Jolene Van Vugt, Street Bike Tommy, Erik Roner
Bottom Row R to L: Hubert Rowland, Jum De Champ, Gregg Godfrey, Jeremy Rawle, Special Greg Powell
Nitro Circus started as a simple yet ambitious idea: a group of friends passionate about action sports wanted to share their thrilling stunts with the world. With backgrounds in various action sports, these friends began filming their backyard antics, capturing daring tricks and hilarious fails. This grassroots effort led to the creation of the first Nitro Circus DVDs, showcasing their adventures and wild stunts.
As the DVDs gained popularity, so did their fan base. It wasn’t long before MTV took notice, giving them a platform to reach an even larger audience. The television show brought the excitement of their stunts into living rooms across the globe, captivating fans and generating buzz. By 2010, the idea of transforming the show into a live spectacle became a reality, and Nitro Circus Live was born, embarking on a journey to bring thrilling performances to arenas worldwide.
A Day in the Life of a Nitro Circus Performer
(Image creds: Nate Christenson)
So, what does a typical day look like for a Nitro Circus performer on tour? The day kicks off as the tour bus rolls into a new city, stirring a mix of excitement and anticipation among the athletes. They wake up to the sound of the city coming alive, ready to tackle whatever the day brings.
Their first stop is the venue, where a hearty breakfast awaits—an essential fuel for the physical demands of their day. After filling up on good food, it’s time to freshen up with a quick shower. This is followed by a visit to the locker room, where performers catch up on social media and emails, keeping connected with fans and loved ones back home. Many also take advantage of physiotherapy, addressing any aches or strains from previous shows to ensure they’re in peak condition for the day ahead.
Depending on the time of the show, the crew loves to explore the local sights. Whether it’s visiting a famous landmark or checking out a hidden gem, they make the most of their downtime to soak in the culture of each new city. This exploration is not just a break from routine; it’s a way to bond as a team and create lasting memories together.
Once the ramps are set up, it’s time to hit the practice area. This is where the real magic happens. The energy is palpable as riders work on refining their existing tricks and pushing the envelope with new maneuvers. The bond among the performers is evident as they cheer each other on, creating an environment filled with encouragement and innovation. Each practice session is an opportunity to not only hone their skills but also to inspire one another.
After practice, the focus shifts to refuelling. This shared time allows the athletes to connect, fuel their body with food and get in sync before they hit the stage. Many performers also take a final round of physiotherapy, ensuring their bodies are ready to deliver peak performances.
As showtime approaches, the excitement in the air is electric. Listening to a pumped-up playlist helps them get hyped, building the anticipation that will explode once they step onto the stage. When the lights dim and the crowd roars, it’s finally showtime! The athletes take to the ramps, ready to deliver a performance that leaves audiences breathless.
After the final bow and the rush of applause, the celebration continues. A well-deserved pizza feast and a refreshing shower help the team unwind. But the night doesn’t end there; they load up onto the buses, excited and energized, heading to the next city for yet another unforgettable performance, sometimes the very next day.
Safety First: The Backbone of Nitro Circus
(Image creds: Nate Christenson)
At Nitro Circus, safety is the top priority. The mantra, “Progression through safety,” echoes throughout the organization, guiding our approach to every stunt and performance. Over the years, they’ve invested millions in ramp technology to ensure the athletes can perform at their best while minimizing risks.
The evolution of our safety measures is impressive. The airbag lander ramps have changed significantly over the years. These state-of-the-art ramps feature extra padding and flexibility, allowing riders more room for error as they attempt jaw-dropping tricks. This innovation has not only enhanced safety but has also accelerated the trick-learning process, enabling athletes to perform maneuvers that fans have never seen before.
Additionally, the commitment to safety extends beyond equipment. We employ a dedicated team of medical professionals who travel with us on tour, ensuring that our athletes have immediate access to medical care when needed. Regular physiotherapy sessions are also part of the routine, helping to keep our performers in optimal condition and ready for the demands of the road.
The Evolution of Stunts and Tricks
(image creds: Nate Christenson)
Creating new stunts is a collaborative and creative process at Nitro Circus. The athletes draw inspiration from various action sports—think snowboarding, skiing, and even BMX. They often watch each other’s performances, brainstorming ways to incorporate elements from different disciplines into their own routines. Some of our most inventive tricks have even come from playful competitions and jam sessions among the riders.
Ryan Williams, known for his incredible BMX skills, made a remarkable transition from scooter riding to mastering BMX stunts. His journey began with a friendly challenge during practice, where he was called out to try one of his signature scooter tricks on a borrowed BMX bike. Without hesitation, RWilly climbed to the top of the ramp and executed the trick flawlessly, marking the beginning of a new era in his career. Since then, he has consistently landed tricks thought impossible on a bike, further solidifying his status as one of the greatest big air BMX riders on the planet.
Engaging Our Audience: The Heartbeat of Nitro Circus
(Image creds: Nate Christenson)
The fans are the heartbeat of Nitro Circus, and they strive to create an interactive experience that leaves them buzzing with excitement. The connection between performers and the audience is something we cherish. When riders land a big trick or send a crazy contraption down the Giganta ramp, they want the audience to feel like they are part of that moment.
To enhance this engagement, we’ve introduced Track Pass experience that involve audience participation, creating memorable experiences for fans. The Track Pass is designed for the ultimate fan that includes early entry, floor access for a close-up view of the action, Exclusive autograph session, VIP merchandise access and more.
(Image creds: Nate Christenson)
Whether it’s inviting spectators onto the floor for a brief stunt demonstration or organizing contests, we make sure everyone feels included. After the show, our athletes make it a point to stay and meet fans, taking photos and signing autographs long after the final bow. This dedication to our audience is what keeps Nitro Circus going, fueling our desire to tour the world and share our passion for action sports.
Behind the Scenes: Crafting the Perfect Show
(Image creds: Jason Friberg)
Creating a Nitro Circus show is no small feat. It takes years of planning and preparation. From designing and testing ramps to choreographing segments and integrating new elements, the process is extensive. The collaborative effort involves not only the performers but also a team of engineers, designers, and production staff working tirelessly behind the scenes.
For our latest tour, around 18 months went into the development of the show, ensuring that every trick and contraption is ready to wow audiences. The ramp designers work closely with our leading athletes to create setups that not only allow for the jaw-dropping tricks fans want to see but also prioritize safety and efficiency. Once a new ramp is built, it undergoes rigorous testing. Riders take it for a spin into an airbag, allowing for any necessary tweaks before it hits the road.
Touring Challenges: Adapting on the Fly
(Photo creds: Nate Christenson)
Touring brings its own unique set of challenges. Each venue presents different requirements—some have limited space for ramps, while others might restrict certain setups. Our riders must constantly adjust their strategies and speeds to deliver the best performance possible.
The unpredictability of touring can be both thrilling and daunting. For example, certain venues might not provide enough room for a proper run-up or landing, which means riders need to recalibrate their approach during practice to ensure they’re prepared for the show. Staying healthy is another critical aspect of touring life. Even though our riders make these tricks look easy and bounce back quickly from falls, the physical toll of constant performances can add up. Access to physiotherapy and medical support is vital, ensuring our athletes are in peak condition and able to give their all on stage.
Advice for Aspiring Athletes
(Image creds: RWilly)
To all the young performers out there, here’s a piece of advice from the pros: “Believe in yourself, work hard, and you can do anything you set your mind to.” This simple yet powerful message resonates with everyone involved in Nitro Circus. Passion and dedication are key components of success in action sports.
Aspiring athletes are encouraged to embrace their unique styles and push the limits of what they believe is possible. Experimentation is crucial; many of our most innovative tricks emerged from taking risks and trying new things. Surrounding young athletes with a supportive community, just like the Nitro Circus family, can make all the difference in achieving your goals.
(Photo creds: Nate Christenson)
Nitro Circus is more than just a show; it’s a lifestyle filled with camaraderie, creativity, and a whole lot of heart. As part of our latest tour, we’re bringing a piece of that backyard spirit to the big stage. With custom-built ramps designed to showcase the very expertise that our athletes have perfected over years of practice, fans can see firsthand how far their skills can grow—whether they’re aspiring riders or just passionate spectators. We’re thrilled to continue sharing our journey with fans old and new. If you’re ready for an unforgettable experience, grab your tickets and join us for the ride of a lifetime!
Nitro Circus, a global sports entertainment leader, creates electrifying live events and unbelievable original content that simultaneously exhilarates, captivates, and inspires thrill-seeking fans worldwide.
Co-founded in 2003 by iconic superstar Travis Pastrana, Nitro Circus has since grown into a multi-platform phenomenon creating spectacular live events, progressive competitions, hit television programming, and innovative digital offerings. With over three million tickets sold to date, linear content that has aired in over 60 countries, and a burgeoning consumer products business, Nitro Circus is at the forefront of sports and entertainment.
Round Room Live is a global leader in producing and promoting immersive exhibitions, transforming iconic intellectual properties into expansive, interactive experiences that engage audiences worldwide. With installations in major cities around the world, Round Room Live delivers high-quality, large-scale exhibitions that captivate and inspire. The company’s Immersive and Entertainment
Experiences division has produced, managed and/or toured celebrated exhibits with brands such as The Rolling Stones, Tupac Shakur., Jurassic World, Mandela, and is the lead producer of Formula 1®: The Exhibition
