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Greg Toyama in front of me. 1981 South Australia
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Me in 1989, Spain.
For all the years my buddies and I raced, I sure didn't take or keep many pictures. Here's one from the '86 Hangtown Race of Eric Kehoe on his 125 Suzuki. I remember being super impressed how fast all the pros were.
O’mara
Locey
O’mara
R. Turner
Special bonus answers, Johnny is leaning on Larry Bakers Honda and that’s Doug Russell’s ugly Chevy truck behind Timmy.
1990 sorry, 1 year off
‘81 Cambridge MN, spent the winter in Florida, good times
The 80’s. When leathers, boots and gloves were optional!
Pit Row
1982
1980 x2 Check out those real leathers!
1983
Top pic is 1984 Saddleback, Ricky Ryan #24 and some other guy who must be getting lapped because he is a 3 digit rider so he must be a back marker... Or he might have lucked into a podium that day. (:
Bottom pic is Chappy Blose at the Lakewood CO National 1984 (Chris Blose's uncle).
1983 pics
Top pic David Bailey at the San Diego SX. That year it was a CMC race (not AMA), Lechien won it on the YZ250 he got from a dealer because Yamaha wouldn't give him a factory bike (he was switching to Honda).
Bottom pic- Brad Lackey before the Carlsbad USGP (the only time he ran the #1 plate and his last race). The guy feeling his own ass was Caitlin Jenner back when his first name was Bruce. Those shorts should have been a give away of what was to come...
Side story on the David Bailey photo- 2 days prior to that race we had gone to Saddleback (practice day) late afternoon just to watch (first time we had ever gone). It was late so not many riders were still around. Just by chance we parked next to a truck, about 2 minutes later the #58 Honda rides up and puts his bike on the stand. Did not realize at first who it was, I instantly recognized the works Honda but the #58 did not make sense. I saw the last name but wasn't sure until he took his helmet off and I about shit.
David Bailey, with a factory Honda, in a pickup truck by himself (he said his mechanic was there earlier but had to leave early). He talked to us for about 10 minutes while he was changing and loading up. We were just young teenagers but he could not have been more friendly and talkative. He said he had just got back from Tokyo SX a couple days prior and was just getting some practice in before heading down to San Diego for the SX. Nice guy who made a huge impression on a couple of teenage kids who idolized him.
We lived in a regular neighborhood, but in the 80's all I had to do was cross the main street next to our neighborhood and I had miles and miles of desert.
By 1983 I had advanced to wearing gear, but it was like 4 different mix-matched brands of gear. I still recall going to Lancer Leathers on Peoria ave (Phoenix) and custom ordering gear they would make in the shop (that years later turned into a strip club). Boot gators were cool (thanks to Johnny O')
Juan Benazevetez Can-Am vs Jim Tarintino - 1982
Troy Lee (yes, that Troy Lee) in a plain white helmet - 1982
Dave Coupe 5 Maico - 1982
My Dad #158 on his 1980 Yamaha YZ465 at the bottom of the start downhill - vet class 1982.
Scott Gilman Basset Yamaha
Mark Barnett Factory Suzuki
Donnie Hansen 186, Steve Wise 9 Team Honda leading the 250 pack
Post a reply to: 80s MX racing. Got pics?