You would probably laugh, or panic, or both, if someone told you they were going to jump a Chevy Corvette costing more than $70,000 off of a dirt ramp. Yet that’s exactly what Travis Pastrana and stunt driver Jim York pulled off—and the internet can’t stop buzzing about it as the video makes waves on YouTube and social platforms.
In a stunt that is at once both reckless and brilliant, the team took a completely stock C8 Corvette Stingray and launched it down 100 feet of unlevel ground and crazy terrain to prove that the key to excite in thrill-seeking is not always flashy modifications or builds, but sometimes just guts, coordination, and a little chaos.
Yes, They Jumped a Corvette Off a Dirt Ramp
The stage was almost as spectacular as the stunt, when they built a custom dirt jump instead of using a rally ready truck or off road vehicle, and attempted the impossible with a normal, unmodified Corvette Stingray.
Before attempting the big leap, the team ran test jumps using dirt bikes and side-by-sides to fine-tune the speed, ramp angle, and landing spot. Once everything was dialed in, Jim York hopped into the Corvette, floored the gas, and launched the car—sending it soaring more than 100 feet through the air.
"You can feel your heart drop just watching,” ONE viewer wrote on YouTube. “I could hardly believe it was real."
Why Go With a Stock Corvette?
Let's be real, most people wouldn't attempt this in a super exotic sports car. That was part of the point! He was trying to illustrate that even a basic Stingray can perform really well in these extreme situations.
Which is why it matters:
- He used none of the common aftermarket suspension upgrades or roll cages.
- He used no special tires. No lift kits. Just the factory settings.
- The car mostly survived, aside from bulged front fascia and crunched radiator!
It's the type of stunt that helps you realize how much we underestimate what cars can truly do—and why!
Smart Stunt, Not Just a Wild Risk
What makes this stunt a little different than your average viral wreck video? Planning.
Pastrana and company didn’t just send it and hope for the best. They:
- Did a slew of test jumps to dial in trajectory and distance
- Measured exact takeoff speeds (they landed just shy of 64 mph).
- Matched the approach speed and distance to the natural dynamics of the Corvette.
The landing was controlled—though rough. The airbags suddebly deployed, radiator was damaged, but York was totally unscathed.
“That’s the kind of chaos that’s fun to watch—because you know it was all carefully constructed,” said one fan on Reddit.
Human Moments Made This Real
While the flight in the car was mind-boggling, what made the video relatable were the moments afterwards:
- Jim York exiting the truck smiling and shaking off the nerves while throwing out a fist bump
- Travis sharing a laugh with a voice breaking with relief
- The behind the scenes and more granular view of teamwork and trust - it wasn't simply two guys doing something dumb, but a crew of people making a commit to each other pushing forward
That genuine response? That's what resonated. Not many refinements or overproduced - it was authentic.
Corvette Stingray – Quick Specs
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Why It’s Going Viral
The video has received millions of views, and not only because it is crazy, but because it is so different. We are all used to seeing trucks and dirt bikes leap through the air. But a mid-engine Corvette?
Why people take to the web about it:
- Unexpected: An off-road street car? I certainly did not see that coming.
- Authentic: No computer-generated images or edited footage—just real driving.
- Fun: It brings a playful spirit that reminds people why they loved cars in the first place.
Real Talk—Is That Worth It?
Yes, it's a lot of damage, but this was not simply a stunt for clicks. This was a demonstration of what is possible when you combine preparation with passion. And while it is unlikely that we will all be leaping our daily drivers over dirt jumps soon, we certainly respect the art (and the guts).
"It's not about destroying cars," said Pastrana. "It's about proving something—and having fun while you do it."
Conclusion
In a world filled with highly produced and often fake car content, this stunt brought back the true thrill of old-school daredevil action, with current engineering splendor. The Corvette didn't just take to the air—it inspired the imagination.
This wasn't a matter of carnage, it was a matter of what is possible. And in that respect, Travis and Jim not only made a car fly—they made something memorable.
Source(Image / Thumbnail): caranddriver
