Recipients list 2009 Brad Lackey
Vintage AM
The very first
Motocross races came to the USA in 1967 as the Inter AM
series. Riders from around the world were competing with the
Americans in 1967. They were the brainchild of Edison Dye
(Husqvarna importer), Ted Lapadakis (importer of the Sachs DKW.
Puch, Maico and KTM) and Andy De La Torre (Mid Valley CZ and Monark
importer). They brought over the very best riders to
expose us to the skills of the racers and to demonstrate the
nimbleness of the lighter two strokes and the highly modified four
strokes of the day. From Westlake and Hopetown to
Northern CA then heading eastward across the country the events
were a huge success. Everywhere the races were held
became hotbeds for this new sport (in the USA… Europe was
about 20 years ahead of us). The following year I raced
Westlake and all of the Hopetowns at Corriganville .
When I heard about Brad Lackey’s
Vintage AM up at Sandhill I knew it would be the most fitting venue
to kick off The Extreme Sports Pioneer recognitions. I
could thank the Europeans for coming over and teaching us about
their sport and recognize the Americans who had competed back
then. I contacted Brad and his wife Lori and they were nice
enough to include my endeavor at their event. Thanks
again!!!
The Americans
Brad
Lackey The first American to win a World MX
title. Rode a Sachs for Ted Lapadakis at the Inter AM in
Northern CA
Gary Jones: Multi time
250 National Champion
Chuck Sun: 1980
National Champion and member of the first winning US MXDN team 1982
(it might have been Trophee des Nations back then).
Danny La Porte: 1982
250cc World Champion and also a member of the first winning US MXDN
team
Bill Silverthorne:
Baja Winner
Marty Tripes: Winner of the
first Supercross ever held. LA Coliseum.
Donnie Hansen: National
Champion and another member of the first winning US MXDN
team.
Doug Grant: Old school
MX racer
Tommy Croft: Honda Factory
Star
The
Europeans
Lars Larson:
Sweeden….Motorcycle hall of fame. Came stateside
Zdenek Velkey:
Czechoslavakian National Champion
Herbert Schmitz:
German National Champion
Graham Noyce:
Great Britain…1979 500cc World Champion
