Mack Pinnacle Model Grabs Starring Role at Hollywood Premiere of Being Evel

08-20-2015 
HOLLYWOOD, CA (Aug. 20, 2015) – Playing a role befitting a Hollywood hero, a Mack® Pinnacle™ 70-inch high-rise sleeper model rolled into Southern California hauling Evel Knievel’s fully restored 1974 Mack FS786LST model show truck to the theatrical premiere of “Being Evel,” a documentary film that chronicles the life of the legendary daredevil. 

Both the Mack Pinnacle model and restored FS model, affectionately known as “Big Red,” shared the spotlight at the premiere after-party, offering VIPs and guests a firsthand look at the truck Knievel chose as his show truck.

“Seeing Evel’s restored Mack FS model in the film, then experiencing the rig in real life, adds a great dimension to Evel’s fascinating story,” said John Walsh, Mack vice president of marketing. “Not just anyone can be depended upon to haul a legend, and what better choice than a present-day Mack Pinnacle model to deliver Big Red to the premiere.”

“Being Evel” follows Knievel from his humble beginnings through his spectacular rise to fame as the most famous stuntman in the world. In the movie, Knievel’s story is told through rare footage of his stunts as well as interviews with important people from his life and several current stars who were inspired by his career, including actor and stunt performer Johnny Knoxville, who was also one of the film’s producers, professional skateboarder Tony Hawk and motorsports star Travis Pastrana. The film opens in select cities on Aug. 21.

Mack provided two Mack Pinnacle highway models as part of a recently announced partnership with Evel Knievel Enterprises and Historic Harley-Davidson of Topeka, Kansas to help transport the definitive collection of Knievel memorabilia, including Big Red, to stops across the country, helping bring the daredevil’s legacy to a new generation of fans.

With its legendary Mack durability and toughness, the Pinnacle model is the perfect truck for hauling one of the most important pieces of Knievel history. With 505 horsepower on tap from the Mack MP8® 505C engine, efficient shifts from its mDRIVE™ automated manual transmission and a smooth ride thanks to Mack’s Twin Y™ air suspension, the Pinnacle model is designed for maximum fuel efficiency and driver productivity.

Big Red was discovered in a salvage yard in Clearwater, Florida, before being restored by Lathan Mckay of Evel Knievel Enterprises and Historic Harley-Davidson. The traveling memorabilia collection features not only the truck, but also several of Knievel’s motorcycles, leathers, helmets, medical X-rays, casts and other unique items.

Restored as close to its original condition as possible, Big Red features a cab finished in Knievel’s signature red, white and blue colors. Knievel’s custom-built dressing room has also been restored with furnishings and memorabilia from his life on the road.

Being Evel Preimiere

A Mack® Pinnacle™ 70-inch high-rise sleeper model (top left) delivered Evel Knievel’s fully restored 1974 Mack FS786LST model show truck (top right) during the theatrical premiere of “Being Evel,” a documentary film that chronicles the life of the legendary daredevil.
Following the premiere showing, VIPs and fans had the opportunity to tour the truck, known as Big Red, on Sunset Boulevard (bottom left).
Actor and stunt performer Johnny Knoxville, one of the film’s producers, greets media on the red carpet (bottom right).



Dedicated to durability, reliability and meeting the needs of customers, Mack Trucks has provided purpose-built transportation solutions for more than a century. Today, Mack is one of North America’s largest producers of heavy-duty trucks, and Mack® trucks are sold and serviced through an extensive distribution network in more than 45 countries. Mack trucks, diesel engines and transmissions sold in North America are assembled in the United States. Mack manufacturing locations are certified to the internationally recognized ISO 9001 standard for quality, ISO 14001 standard for environmental management systems and OHSAS 18001 standard for health and safety management systems. Mack is also a proud sponsor of Share the Road, an American Trucking Associations public information campaign aimed at enhancing the safety of our nation's roadways.

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