This New Year’s Eve, Henkel-sponsored snocross champion Levi LaVallee will attempt to best his world record 361-foot leap at the 2011 Red Bull: New Year. No Limits. event. With the Loctite(R) logo emblazoned on his suit and his equipment, LaVallee will jump his snowmobile alongside motorcyclist Robbie Maddison as both athletes concurrently leap over 300 feet of water between the North and South parks of Embarcadero Marina Park in San Diego. The event will air live on Saturday, December 31, at approximately 11 p.m. EST or 8 p.m. PST on ESPN, ESPNHD, and ESPN3.
Last December, just hours after shattering the world record for longest jump on a snowmobile, LaVallee was badly injured in an accident while training for his jump in the 2010 New Year’s Eve Red Bull: New Year. No Limits. event. The seven-time Winter X Games medalist suffered a cracked pelvis, broken ribs, cracked vertebrae and collapsed and punctured lungs. This year, a fully-recovered LaVallee will return to jump again, attempting to best his standing world record.
"I am so pumped to be able to come back for this year’s New Year’s Eve jump," said 29-year-old LaVallee. "Last year obviously didn’t go the way I was hoping and I am excited to have another chance at this amazing opportunity."
Beyond his world record distance jumps, LaVallee is widely known for becoming the first person to double backflip a snowmobile in the 2009 Winter X Games. Continuing his string of firsts, LaVallee became the first person to ever jump a snowmobile on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno earlier this month on NBC. LaVallee met with Leno and made his jump on the show on Wednesday, December 14, in preparation for his upcoming Red Bull: New Year. No Limits event. LaVallee is also scheduled for his first appearance on ABC’s Good Morning America on Wednesday, December 28.
LaVallee relies exclusively on Loctite(R) brand adhesives, sealants and lubricants to keep his snowmobile in top form during training and events. "We have enjoyed working with Levi and being a part of his record-breaking jumps," explains Mike Shannahan, Henkel’s director of marketing for the North American general industry business. "Loctite(R) products, especially our threadlockers, are critical to the snowmobile’s performance, and Team LaVallee really appreciates our help and support."
