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When I think of Omara's era, I think of how they seemed to race all the time. TransCal, WinterSeries, Over seas races, USA GPs, Super bikers, local races, mini bikes the night before a national, earlier TransAms, the supercross races and nationals were just the tip of the iceberg.
Hands down the best reply I've seen on these boards in a long time!!
And then did Ironman Tri's just for fun on the off weekends.
My brother and I ran into him friday before A-1. He was super cool and took a few minutes to talk to us. Awesome guy! All time great.
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I did the same thing. Bought a 82 CR250. I wanted a Suzuki RM 250 but they came out so Late I couldn't wait.
Only digital photo I have of O'Show (Hangtown).
I was living in Gilbert Arizona from 76 - 80. I raced at Canyon Raceway back then. They had a fall race sponsored by Bosch. It was a big money race. I was there in the fall of 80 and O'Show came in a mini yellow pickup. He had just signed with Honda. He also had a stock 1981 Honda CR250. There was also a Honda box van there for his support.
I have some printed photos from there but no digital. I need to get on that and get them digitized.
It’s Indian Dunes late 82, and yes, that jump was huge. It wasn’t a triple, it was a table and a double, for that time it was a huge gap.
That’s not a factory bike, it an 83 production bike
There was some fast guys there that day, if I remember right, O’mara won the 250s, Lechein second and RJ third.
Ward won the 125s on a factory bike O’mara second, AJ Whiting third and some squid on a Suzuki fourth
500s were a good battle between Timmy Locey, and Factory Phil Lawrence, Hollywood in third
It’s weird that I can remember this stuff, but forget what I had for breakfast
And expected to win!
Ya man. I can remember the stupidest shit from my childhood. Im 55. In 5 minutes I will forget I posted this.
Thanks UpTITe for sharing that experience. You're right 83 125 but would it have been production at that time? Omara had already signed to HRC by then no?
Was the Phil Lawrence from the 90's his son? can't imagine Factory Phil being on a 500 in 83.
wow that's like a nobrainer, why has this not happened yet? Maybe this year since he's looked after 96/18.
Great photos! Maybe Phil Larson?
Yes, it was a production bike for that time.
Sorry, it was factory Phil Larson, not Lawrence.
I vaguely recall that he loaned the bike to Primm, and then it was sold, and there was some debate if the bike was loaned or given to Primm? Is that a correct statement? Or was that someone else? I just remember hearing a few guys were pissed when the Primm deal closed and got sold off.
Best thread on Vital in years. Johnny epitomizes style, class, &what a hall-of-famer is all about. . One of the nicest, humble stars you will ever meet. Always had time for the fans. Fierce on the track (and mtb trail), but calm and humble off of it. Achieved this status in arguably the most stacked era in the sports history. His '84 SX title had 8 hall of famers in the top 10. Don't think that season can ever be topped.
I'm 56 years old and I still get a thrill when Johnny O likes one of my comments on his Instagram. It's kind of ridiculous but I don't care. The man is an absolute legend.
Pit Row
Johnny told me he loaned it to him, and when I told him Primm sold it, he was passed.
Now this is a bike failure (O’Mara breaks frame in the main event) unlike computer glitches causing bike failures today:
Aluminum steer stem tube broke I think…
Yep. Was it aluminum? I was thinking it was a regular steel frame. 👍
Is that Steinke's long lost dad?
I believe this photo is of Jim Gibson (Scott goggles, Johnny was an Oakley Factory Pilot 😎)
Johnny O was “My Guy” as a kid.
One finger on the clutch, ALWAYS!
The corners of his JT visor riveted to the helmet, for the cool, curved look.
Best Gear combos were Johnny imo
Jett needs to rock some O`show replica gear.
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