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right at the end (20.54-21.00 mins), there is a tiny bit of footage that may briefly show some R&D Suzuki's, poss Bruce and the others even?
Not totally sure, as its very short and abit grainy but does look like the no 6 that Bruce seemed to run, along with the distinctive helmet, does look abit like a couple or so of R&D Suzuki's. Pity it does not show abit more footage- is a good documentary by the way
That period of racing seemed so cool and the riders and competion seemed fierce and it was prestigious if you managed to do well, as these guys surely did.
The Shop
It was issue #009. There are photos in there that nobody had seen for a very long time.
Thanks,
Brett
Thoroughly recommend anyone having a look at this Facebook page- some great pics and stories in memory of this fantastic young rider and Rick and Kyle also.
Surely was a great period of racing those years and the talented riders that came with it.
I just read through this 12 pager. Also read the article in Meta. Brett that has to be one of the best articles that I have ever read about the sport that I have been involved in for the better part of 40 years. Powerful journalism.
May the people involved (either living or deceased) find their peace. They certainly deserve it...
Thank you so much for reading that article and taking the time to send such a kind note. It was quite an experience writing that.
If you liked "The Darkest Day in Motocross", check out my website wewentfast.com. Lots more moto stories there.
- Brett
Mike P. posted it in another thread but figured appropriate to include in this thread as a memorial of these two super riders, alongside Kyle.
Webco Kid: Saddleback Park, Calif.
Webco Kid
We Went Fast has reprinted "The Darkest Day in Motocross", which, in 2017 appeared in the journal formerly known as META.
To read online: https://www.wewentfast.com/2022/08/01/darkestday/
To listen to the podcast version, find the "We Went Fast" podcast channel in your preferred player and look for episode #19. Or listen directly on the We Went Fast website by clicking here.
It's been an honor and a privilege to care for the memory of these boys. Please share this story with a friend.
- Brett
@wewentfast
wewentfast.com
Finally, the project begins, a project that is close to my heart, a project that I feel will be one of the coolest motorcycle restorations in memory Bruce Bunch, Rick Hemme and my best friend Kyle Fleming.
Bruce, Rick and Kyle were three of Team R&D Suzuki’s brightest future motocross stars.
Many feel the record books would look different today if it weren’t for that fateful day in 1982 at Ponca City.
In 2017, Brett J. Smith wrote the book “The Darkest Day in Motocross” diving into the details of the accident that took these three kids. It was an good book that shed a lot of light and details I didn’t even know. But more importantly, it brought the memory and story of these three amazing kids to a new generation of motocross riders and fans that never heard or knew the story.
Because of Bret’s book, I got the idea to do three 1982 Suzuki RM 80’s in memory of Rick, Bruce and Kyle.
This project won’t be easy. The 1982 RM80 was a one year bike, not only is finding them hard, it’s tough to find parts. Back then, the NMA Grand Nationals Championships had a stock, modified and 105 class. My goal is to restore these three bikes just as their stock race bikes would have been that week at Ponca, complete with numbers, decals etc.
I am then hoping to display them along with Bret’s “The Darkest Day in Motocross”article telling the story. Ideally I would like to take them to the biggest amateur national events in America for everyone to remember these kids and know the story. And then ultimately, end up on display at whatever the biggest or most popular motocross museum is in America. Let me know if you have any idea.
This project also would not be possible without the help of my friend Paul DeLenoit of PDG Moto Builds. Paul is arguably one of the best vintage bike restorers there is. His builds are beautiful, perfect, extremely detailed and second to none. Check out his Facebook and instagram to see some of his art work.
If anyone out there who were close to these three riders or just likes the story and wants to help, please let me know as it’s not an inexpensive venture. Your name or company name will be listed on a plaque thanking those who helped support this project.
We will keep everyone up to date as the project moves forward.
Awesome project Fig, I'll send you a PM with my contact info (if I can figure out how to do that...)
We alternate between Phoenix and Flagstaff most every week (we have businesses in both areas), I would be happy to help you working on the bikes and/or transporting parts or parts bikes if you are able to find anything in the Phoenix area to bring to Flagstaff. And we can kick in a few bucks to help you get started.
Randy Shipley
Pit Row
I just realized I haven’t posted updated pictures of these bikes completed. Huge thanks to Paul at PGD MotoBuilds for his help with this project, his work is second to none and I couldn’t have done this project without his help.
The bikes will be on display at Anaheim Supercross (not sure if it will be A1 or A2 as of this posting), and the Phoenix Supercross with the Legends and Hero’s booth. There will also be RacerX video coming soon on this project.
Wow, those turned out beautiful. I love the milk crate under the Fleming bike, taking it old school. Looking forward to the Racer X video.
Thank you, actually we’ve put together matching stands for the three bikes, but in hindsight, maybe I should have just used three milk crates. 😂 That’s what we did back then.
Great job Fig
shawn hilton
Did the video ever come out? Amazing job on the build!
Absolutely beautiful! Great job, Rob. Appreciate your efforts. Those 82' RM-80's were wicked.
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