Travis Pastrana will make his long-awaited return to the NASCAR circuit Saturday night in the K&N Pro Series East season-opener at Bristol Motor Speedway. The 11-time X Games gold medalist expected to make his Nationwide debut last season at the July 30 race in Indianapolis. However, two nights before the race, Pastrana attempted the “TP Roll” which is a 720 on a motorcycle during the Best Trick Competition during the X Games. The landing didn’t go as planned and Pastrana shattered his right ankle and foot. The injury and surgeries forced the 28-year-old driver to miss his entire 2011 Nationwide schedule. The Maryland native’s Nationwide debut is now set for April 27 at Richmond. Pastrana plans to run seven Nationwide Series races as well as 11 K&N Pro Series races in 2012. Longtime NASCAR Camping World Truck Series driver Matt Crafton will be at Bristol as a tutor for Pastrana.(Pastrana 199 Racing PR)(3-13-2012)
