Travis Pastrana failed to land his corked 720, but he succeeded in continuing the ever-present push to progress the sport of moto x. Just three years ago his double backflip changed the perception of what could be done on a motorcycle. Since then, more double backs (by others), front flips and more and more variations of inverted trickery have been achieved.

On Friday night, July 31 Pastrana wasn't alone. Thousands of fans packed into the Staples Center and provided a Lakers-worthy level of audible appreciation to the athletes on hand: Scott Murray, Charles Pages, Paris Rosen, Willy Watts, Todd Potter, Blake Williams and the returning two time champion, Kyle Loza.

The level of consequences inherent with Moto X Best Trick is such to leave a knot in your stomach. As loud as the audience is when the announcer calls out each riders name, it’s matched in opposite by the breath holding hush that sweeps through the arena before each takeoff.

The word "extreme" is often association with action sports, much to the disdain of many who participate in it. While I won't use that term to describe the risk of critical injury to these athletes, let's just say if we were using a color chart we'd be deep in the red.

I'll forgo the play-by-play, adequately done here, but I will say this: Murray's double back attempt was scary as hell, never mind his second attempt! Pastrana hinted at a second run return (after the first fall) but I think everyone was relieved when he opted out. Blake "Bilko" Williams thought he had the Gold with his cliffhanger flip to no-handed lander (so did I), but two time defending champ Kyle Loza wasn't convinced. Bottom line, his Electric Doom/Electric Death was executed well enough for the judges to award him the Gold.

In a fitting tribute all three podium finishers dedicated their success to fallen comrade Jeremy Lusk who's name was inscribed into the back of each Moto medal.

All photos Laura Austin and James Sullivan