9/29/2009 5:54 PM
Yes, thanks for another great story. I really wish a book could be written.
Participating Members
Bruce Bunch, Rick Hemme, Kyle Flemming
Wolfman
Posts: 1617 Joined: 4/01/2008 Location:
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gsxrcr28
Posts: 883 Joined: 3/05/2009 Location:
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9/29/2009 7:08 PM 
Some talk about these three and their tragic accident in Ponca City in 1982 have been in a couple other threads on here, but I wanted to start a seperate topic just in their honor. 
Yes, thanks for another great story. I really wish a book could be written. That would be cool. I have often wondered how the Pro Motocross results history would have been changed if it had not been for that accident.
I am sure it is VERY difficult for the families though. |
RRL 110
Posts: 4 Joined: 9/01/2009 Location:
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10/3/2009 6:50 PM
Neat to read what people have to say about these guys. I am a few years younger than Kyle was back then and my family and I lived a few houses down from the Fleming's on 43rd ave and st johns road in Glendale. I remember being in awe of him and jealeous in a way being he was an avid BMX'er turned motocross. After the incident i remember hearing the news, but not having the courage to ask the flemings what happened, i was only 11 at the time, but the activity seemed to almost stop completely at their home, and was never the same. The thoughts and memories have stayed with me throughout the years until a few days ago i figured i would do a little research on Kyle. I have 3 sons now and 2 of them are getting into BMX racing, doing their practices at Black Mountain. Glad to be back in some sort of way. Does anyone know what happened to the Fleming's? The Fleming's are living in Casa Grande AZ. Michele is doing well,she has two Daughters that are doing well. One lives in the north west states and the other lives with me there uncle.
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Webcokid
Posts: 55 Joined: 6/22/2009 Location:
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10/8/2009 10:27 AM Edited Date/Time:
10/12/2009 9:17 AM |
Webcokid
Posts: 55 Joined: 6/22/2009 Location:
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10/8/2009 4:29 PM Edited Date/Time:
10/12/2009 9:17 AM |
ASHLEY T
Posts: 5 Joined: 10/11/2009 Location:
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10/12/2009 6:10 PM My brother was the first ever Team Green rider ever, I remember watching him in second place at Ponca chasing Rick Hemme, One lap later he crashed in a turn and had his finger and thumb cut off.
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Webcokid
Posts: 55 Joined: 6/22/2009 Location:
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10/16/2009 3:20 PM
My brother was the first ever Team Green rider ever, I remember watching him in second place at Ponca chasing Rick Hemme, One lap later he crashed in a turn and had his finger and thumb cut off. Ashley T: Are you Sam's sister?
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Webcokid
Posts: 55 Joined: 6/22/2009 Location:
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10/16/2009 4:15 PM
I always liked Duke, I knew him from BMX and I always felt bad that he had to live with that hanging over him for the rest of his life. A few years ago I heard a much different story from someone who was a strict grandfather away from being in the car about what happened and what was going on earlier at the same hump/jump.
That's not "The Duke". He had a scar straight up his belly to his chest after the crash. He had a scar on his neck also, because he was on life support for a long time. All his insides were pushed up into his chest from the impact. It was not pretty. I can't see an scars on this guy.
Just an FYI: I spoke with the most reliable source on how the boys made it back home. Suzuki actually paid for all arrangements and flew both Rick and Bruce's body back to Calif. I am told Kyle was creamated in Oklahoma. From what I am told, and was not told until now, both Bruce and Kyle were in really bad shape-unrecognizable. They knew it was Bruce because he had a cast on his wrist. I look back now, and am glad the dad's did not tell us this. All I remember is a picture of bruce on top of a casket, along with his Simpson helmet, and plan to keep that memory for good!
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Looped Out
Posts: 226 Joined: 7/08/2009 Location:
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10/16/2009 9:17 PM Webcokid, Who was you reliable source? The only reason I ask is because I remember my parents talking about how Ralph had drove Bruce back himself. But I could be wrong and he wanted to drive Bruce back to California. This was a long time ago, actually 28 years ago.
You sound like your a Saddleback guy and you might be very surprised who I am and I'm sure I'd be surprised who you are. I sent everyday at Saddleback from 1981 till it closed. I was very close with the Bunch's, and the Hemme's, but not so close to the Flemming's. They were from AZ. and he had just started going fast. Give me your low-down bro. |
Webcokid
Posts: 55 Joined: 6/22/2009 Location:
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10/19/2009 10:47 AM Edited Date/Time:
10/22/2009 1:51 PM Looped out, your right. Saddle back was my home track and raced the beginner class at the 1979 world mini grand prix. I rode the novice class the following year at varoius tracks and followed the Harry's team to tracks like Barona Oaks, and 395 Adelonto. Chris Taylor was and still is one of my best friends, and he and Bruce's were best bro's. Taylor went to Kawasaki, Bruce to R&D. Chris rode the pro class until 1984 and was found at the webco flats in his red box van each week. He also rode as a Yamaha Test rider for a number of years and was a great talent. Chris has Bruces Toyota truck that Ralph gave him after it was garged for over 20 years. It still has the R&D racing stickers on the back window. I drove the truck to pick up my last bike and that was cool for me. My name is Tony Palmeri-poof, and grew up around the corner from Chris, and Keith McCarty-Hanna's old mechanic. It's a close knit community as you know! The last time I rode Saddle back was after the 1983 Golden State series with Chris on a practice day. I braved the infamous suicide hill and nearly killed myself a few times. That was a tough right hand turn at the bottom, especially after the pros rode the track. I had a 1981 YZ 125 back then. Even after my race days, it was always fun to practice with Bruce and Taylor. I was there when Bruce broke his femor in the tree section on a Wed. He just bailed and said his leg hurt? I made Bruce crash one time at the corner near the finish line on the front track after I cut him off. They ran the intermediates and novices together sometimes, and yes, Bunch was about to lap me. I took his ass out! Ha! He was pretty mad at me....I think that was a NMA sunday race.
So, The reliable source is by far the most, since he still speaks with Ralph on a daily basis. I never intend on proving anyone wrong, just want to keep the facts straight! It's good to hear your thoughts and hope we can meet sometime to hear more about your past. I am sure we have met before, or maybe crossed paths. We are at Anahiem 1 each year and can always be found around the Yamaha pit area. Do you still ride? I could try to guess, but there were so many good racers at Saddle back? How about Mickey Diamond? I could go on for ever. |
ASHLEY T
Posts: 5 Joined: 10/11/2009 Location:
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10/19/2009 1:42 PM Webco, name was Keith Turpin from Georgia.
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mr50racer
Posts: 181 Joined: 4/01/2008 Location:
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10/19/2009 3:48 PM Edited Date/Time:
10/19/2009 3:49 PM
Webco, name was Keith Turpin from Georgia. I remember that......I had to sit out that year because I got hurt at a qualifier when bruce wheelied over my abdomen after a crash.......That happened in the corner by the start line....The finger thing ..Damn I remember that pretty vividly.......
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Mini Elsinore
Posts: 522 Joined: 8/17/2006 Location:
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10/20/2009 8:56 AM
Webco, name was Keith Turpin from Georgia.
I remember that......I had to sit out that year because I got hurt at a qualifier when bruce wheelied over my abdomen after a crash.......That happened in the corner by the start line....The finger thing ..Damn I remember that pretty vividly....... Turpin was definitely fast.
"Show me a guy who is afraid to look bad, and I'll show you a guy you can beat everytime."
--Lou Brock |
lostboy819
Posts: 500 Joined: 8/16/2006 Location:
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10/21/2009 4:24 PM Edited Date/Time:
10/21/2009 11:23 PM
My brother was the first ever Team Green rider ever, I remember watching him in second place at Ponca chasing Rick Hemme, One lap later he crashed in a turn and had his finger and thumb cut off. I thought Billy Liles and Curt McCustion were the first team green riders but there may have been more than just those two.
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mr50racer
Posts: 181 Joined: 4/01/2008 Location:
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10/21/2009 5:05 PM I think Sam Storer was the first Kawi rider., He was there before Team Green was started.. Dave Jordon was from Georgia and he brought Liles, and Turpin with him....Before Team Green started Taylor Marcell's dad( I can't remeber his name) actually kind of ran Team Kawasakis program...Or got people free bikes.......It all happened so fast when Dave Jordan started Team Green......Dave was The Man who invented the grass roots marketing program for motocross............
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ASHLEY T
Posts: 5 Joined: 10/11/2009 Location:
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10/21/2009 6:24 PM Scott, youre right ,the turn by the starting gate,I was just a little guy. Team Green did start with Liles and Turpin as both were honored a few years back at Loreatts for there 25 year anniversary. Youre Dad always took time with me . I still remember him sending me a box of stickers from back in the day. We seen Dave and Sondra at LLs to me Dave still looks the same.
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Webcokid
Posts: 55 Joined: 6/22/2009 Location:
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10/23/2009 4:05 PM Edited Date/Time:
10/23/2009 4:28 PM  Here is a picture of Bruce’s truck. He got the truck when he was 15 and was waiting to get his license. Ralph garaged the truck for over twenty years and finally decided to give it to Chris Taylor. I think this was after Bruce would have turned 40. This truck meant so much to Bruce and he loved to drive it up to saddleback for practice. You can see the original R&D Suzuki stickers on the back windows and the license plate say’s “Bunch”. I drove this truck to pick up my latest bike, and think I had more fun driving the truck then riding the new Honda. It still has the old stereo in it and drives great! Bruce also enjoyed getting muddy in this truck and his mom called it the “Mud Bud”. It was pretty easy to go 4 wheeling back then, as most of the development around Orange County was still in the future. I can still vividly see this truck parked at the Webco flats during a practice day and can still smell the so cal race fuel in the gas cans. I wanted a truck like this so bad, but once Bruce was gone, my dad said a two wheel drive would be best. He said I would role a new 4x4 in a matter of weeks; dad was probably right on this one! Can’t wait to drive it again next year when I get a new bike! |
Webcokid
Posts: 55 Joined: 6/22/2009 Location:
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10/23/2009 4:29 PM Edited Date/Time:
10/23/2009 4:33 PM 
Bruce's first helmet: This is my most cherished momento of Bruce. I have many pictures, but this helmet say's it all. It has some nice scratches on it and can tell he was ready for a new full face. This is when the bell Moto 3 and Simpson helmets came out. The helmet sits on a shelf in my garage shop and is an awesome conversation piece. We have hsi old Harry's cycle jersey and plan to post a pic of the jersey as well. |
Ozzy
Posts: 498 Joined: 4/01/2008 Location:
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10/24/2009 12:12 AM I remember it all to well.
I was traveling then, a pro mechanic for Yamaha. They were locals to me......... All up & coming future stars. You could see it.......... I'm still So. Cal. in the 661.......... Got chills just reading it all over again......... Time heals all they say, but I beg to differ.... Dave O. |
mxracer106
Posts: 5 Joined: 6/12/2009 Location:
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10/24/2009 7:44 AM Edited Date/Time:
10/24/2009 7:45 AM
Webco,
Thank you for sharing the awesome pictures of your friend Bruce's Toyota and helmet! That is amazing that Ralph kept that truck all these years....it looks brand new! It must be like going back in a time machine for you every time you sit in it! I cannot imagine the emotions that you have when you are around it. I have been watching this post for almost year now, and reading all of the comments and stories on this tragic incident has touched my heart.... just like it did when I first read about it as a 15 yr. young man. Reading everyone's recollections of their memories of this sad story gives me goose bumps, and takes me back to 1982. I am now a 42 yr old vet expert from Indiana, where I started racing mx back in 1981 (80cc 12-15) and idolized the likes of Bruce Bunch, Kyle Flemming,Rick Hemme, Eric Kehoe, Paul Denis, Larry Brooks, etc. Growing up in the mid-west, far away from the growing SoCal MX scene, I couldn't wait until the next issue of Minicycle/BMX and Motocross Action to show up at Reader's World, so I could see a few pictures of my 80cc hero's and review their results. I will never forget reading the story about the accident at Ponca that took the lives of these three great riders. It was as big to me as my father reading about the plane wreck that took the lives of Buddy Holly, The Big Bopper, and Richie Valens. To me, that was my version of "the day MX died". I cannot imagine how big of a star Bruce Bunch would have been, or how many pro titles he would have won, or Rick and Kyle for that matter, and unfortunately we will never know. They are still legends in my mind, and I am sad to never have had the privilege to see these kids ride their RM80's in person like some of you have on this post. There was not much printed back then about this story, so it was so much of a mystery to me, but now the power of the internet has allowed me to know more about what really happened, and to once again honor these three great mx kids. Thank you everyone for your contributions to this post.....priceless! Webco, do you or anyone else out there have pictures of Bruce or Rick and Kyle without their helmets on? It would be cool to see what Bruce looked like behind the Simpson helmet and Scott goggles! Keep up the great stories guys!! |
gsxrcr28
Posts: 883 Joined: 3/05/2009 Location:
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10/24/2009 11:59 AM
Webco, Excellent post mxracer, and thanks for posting the pics Webcokid.
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mx101
Posts: 16 Joined: 3/13/2009 Location:
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10/24/2009 6:41 PM ok, the camera adds a few pounds.As Chandler said about Monica on the sitcom Friends,just how many cameras were on you.Hey Kieth,met you in 81 when Dave brought you out to race at Barona Oaks with us.Dave had planned on me flying out there staying at your house and racing with you guys.I remember all of us hanging out and you kept telling me before you left you had to get vans shoes.I kept calling you Turdpin the whole time.You were a good guy and I followed your career because I wanted you to do well.I see you have a son out there.I think hes yours,same last name and from Georgia,what are the chances.Hope things are well for you and your family.Take care.Chris Taylor
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mx101
Posts: 16 Joined: 3/13/2009 Location:
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10/24/2009 6:50 PM Ashley,I remember that and then he showed up the next day to watch the races.I couldnt believe it.I was also on the first Team Green Team.Tell Kieth I said Hi from Chris Taylor.Ashley,I was referring to Kieth ripping up his fingers.
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mx101
Posts: 16 Joined: 3/13/2009 Location:
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10/24/2009 6:54 PM Hey mr50racer,I know who you are.I would love to hear from you .I havent seen since GlennHelen many years ago.We ran into each other at the national.My e-mail is acemuffler@hotmail.com.My father has asked me many times if I ever talk to you or know how your doing.Chris Taylor
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ASHLEY T
Posts: 5 Joined: 10/11/2009 Location:
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10/24/2009 7:00 PM Chris , I will try to get Keith on here to chat with some of you guys . We really enjoy talking about the old days. Keith has two sons that race but you have probaly seen my kids name Jackson Turpin he has done very well nationally, he is a Factory Cobra rider on his 50.
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wownd out
Posts: 70 Joined: 10/22/2009 Location:
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10/25/2009 10:56 AM
I forgot that Duke guy lived thru that train wreck, was he the Oakley guy ? David Dooley, was the guy driving the rental car with bruce bunch in it. And yes he was with Oakley.
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project racer
Posts: 1229 Joined: 8/26/2006 Location:
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10/25/2009 1:24 PM
David Dooley, was the guy driving the rental car with bruce bunch in it. And yes he was with Oakley. Never heard of him. Does he know Dana Duke?
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wownd out
Posts: 70 Joined: 10/22/2009 Location:
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10/25/2009 1:51 PM It's been a long time but that's what i was told by Rudy and Dean, that the guy was a jerk off, and he worked for oakley, thought his name was David Duley probably was Dana Duke both names have two d's at the first letter of the name like i said it's been a long time, i know the guy came out to some races after the crash and nobody wanted anything to do with him.
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mx101
Posts: 16 Joined: 3/13/2009 Location:
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10/25/2009 4:33 PM Ashlet you have spent your life at the races.I have been following Jackson,its the only reason I look up races in your area.Great to have a Turpin to root for again.I got hurt in 86 compressing 3 vertebres and hurting my wrist real bad so I was done with racing as a career.I wanted your bro to do well because he was a nice kid.Tell him I said hey for me.Talk to ya again.Chris
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wownd out
Posts: 70 Joined: 10/22/2009 Location:
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10/25/2009 5:16 PM MX101, Chris check your messages!.
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Wolfman wrote: Yes, thanks for another great story. I really wish a book could be written.