Dave Mirra Wasn’t Just a BMX Star, He Was Also A Down-To-Earth Petrolhead

I had the pleasure of meeting Dave Mirra at the 2010 SnoDrift, the first event of the 2010 Rally America championship season.

I know most people think of him as the amazing X Games star who positively dominated BMX through the 1990s and much of the 2000s. Rightfully so - he won 24 medals at the X Games from 1995 through 2009 due his mastery of freestyle BMX and a fearlessness that only champions possess.

Less known is Dave’s career in rally, where he was part of Subaru Rally Team USA as teammates with both Travis Pastrana and Ken Block, and later with David Higgins. To race at that level requires exceptional talent, and though Dave was often in the shadow of his rally teammates, he was absolutely a force to be reckoned with.

His skill behind the wheel was best showcased in the Global RallyCross Championship where he finished fourth for the 2013 season. And just like his fearless approach in BMX, he wasn’t afraid to push his Subaru to the limit against the greatest rally drivers in the world.

I won’t comment on the details of his passing, as those details are still being determined. I will say this about Dave Mirra, however. Of all the racing and action sports personalities I’ve had the chance to speak with over the years, Dave stood out as someone who could hang out with fans as easily as he could pull off a double backflip or clip a perfect apex. I think that’s because he wasn’t just a competitor, but a fan as well. Even with the money and the glory, he was still just like the rest of us - adventurous and addicted to excitement.

I’m grateful to have known him, if only for a bit. Rest in peace Dave Mirra. You will be missed.