Vaughn Shafer, a 62-year-old blacksmith from El Jebel and renowned stuntman, has set a new speed record for motorized skateboards, reaching an impressive 82.46 miles per hour on September 20 at the Western Colorado Dragway in Grand Junction.
This remarkable achievement will be featured in an upcoming documentary by Tall T Productions, led by Team Manager Nicholas Costello and Creative Director Brett Buescher. Both expressed their excitement about sharing Shafer’s inspirational journey. “We wanted to tell an inspirational story about Shafer,” Costello said. “Age is just a number, and our film, ‘The Fountain of Youth,’ aims to inspire others to follow their dreams and appreciate each day.”
Shafer’s record-breaking ride required him to travel at least 20 meters at the peak speed. While the official record stands at 82.46 miles per hour, Shafer has recorded even higher speeds in previous runs.
Originally from Indiana, Shafer’s journey began after high school when he attended a specialized acting school in Arizona, aspiring to become a stuntman. Under the mentorship of legendary stuntman Ron Nicks, he honed his skills, performing daring stunts that included jumping over five cars on a skateboard.
After his initial successes, including a world record for his stunt, Shafer formed a friendship with Robbie Knievel and participated in numerous performances. Following Knievel’s passing, he transitioned to motorized skateboards, setting his first speed record in 1999 with a top speed of 74 miles per hour.
Recently, Shafer collaborated with Costello and Buescher to develop a new motorized skateboard, which culminated in his recent record-setting attempt. “In the last 16 months, we fulfilled my dream,” he said, expressing his ambition to reach 100 miles per hour in future attempts.
Costello emphasized that the goal of this endeavor is not only to promote the new sport but also to support charitable causes. The funds raised will support the documentary, establish a Junior Dragsters program for aspiring skateboard builders, and provide financial aid to organizations like Anschutz Children’s Cancer Research, St. Jude’s, and HopeWest Kids.
Shafer aims to inspire the next generation, hoping to leave a lasting legacy in motorized skateboarding. “As I get older, I want to ensure there’s a footprint for children to look up to,” he said, affirming his commitment to safety and inspiration in the sport.
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