Debbie Evans (born February 5, 1958) is an American former motorcycle observed trials competitor and current stunt performer. She is widely recognized as a pioneering female rider in the sport of observed trials and later became one of Hollywood's top stunt women.
Motorcycling Career
Evans was born and raised in Lakewood, California. She learned to ride a motorcycle at age six and began competing in trials and enduro events by age nine, often as the only female competitor. Her father, David Evans, was also a motorcycle trials competitor and taught her the sport.
In the 1970s, Evans was considered the best female observed trials rider in the United States and earned factory-backed sponsorship from Yamaha. In 1978, at age 19, she competed in the Scottish Six Days Trial, finishing in fourth place in the Under 200cc division against male competitors.
She became known for performing exhibition shows, including a signature trick in which she balanced her motorcycle with the kickstand up and performed a headstand on the seat. She appeared in the 1980 motorcycle documentary film Take It To The Limit performing this stunt.
Film Industry Career
Evans transitioned her riding skills into a career as a stunt performer in the American film industry, accumulating over 200 film and television credits since 1977. Her notable stunt work includes motorcycle riding in The Matrix Reloaded and throughout The Fast and the Furious film franchise. She is a seven-time winner of the Taurus World Stunt Award.
Later Life and Honors
At age 40, Evans returned to competition in 1998 to participate in the Women's Trials World Championship after an 18-year hiatus, finishing the season in 8th place. She was inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 2003.
Personal Life
Evans married Lane Leavitt in 1979, and the couple has three children.
