This New Year's Eve, Travis Pastrana is following up on FMXer Robbie Maddison's jump onto the Arch de Triumph at the Paris Hotel in Vegas last Dec. 31 by jumping his rally car farther than anyone has jumped a car. The current record of 171 feet is held by TP's friend/sponsor/DC Shoes owner Ken Block. TP's already beaten those digits by more than 50 feet—in practice.

Last Wednesday, I went out to the desert to spend a day watching the third of seven days of practice, which will be spread between now and the first week of December. Check out my report on espn.com/action here. And check back for a full feature on Pastrana's New Year/No Limits jump. (And of course, the post-report. It should be a fun night.)

In this week's Five-Ring Circus Olympic blog, I introduce readers to Michelle Gorgone and the sport of snowboard PGS. It's still snowboarding, people! Check that post out here.