oupa
Well-known Member
Hey guys, I haven't been around in a while. Tied up with research but several days ago someone pointed out something I'd overlooked in an original vintage photo from 1963 that is currently in my possession as part of a project. It was a photo of the late Gary Nixon, two-time AMA Grand National Championship national champion, racing a 305 Honda! As the discussion morphed and I spoke to a couple other interested parties, two more surprises came to light. Cal Rayborn and Sammy Tanner riding Hondas to!!!! :biggrin:
Much is made of the Honda NS & RS750 days in AMA Grand National dirt track racing, but this previous history was totally unknown by me... until now.
Enjoy!
In the Nixon photo, Gary was sponsored by a Triumph dealer in suburban Washington D.C., Bob Myers / Freestate Cycle. Bob also sold Honda, among several other brands. At the time there was a "heavy" class and a "Lightweight" class for TT races. I have photos of Gary racing his signature Triumph that day, but apparently, they had decided to try the Honda on the TT course in the lightweight division. The class was won by two Harley Sprints and a Parilla 1,2,3. Perhaps that is the reason there aren't more photos of Gary Nixon racing a Dream. :sorry:
"The flying flea" though obviously won Ascot at least once on his Honda.
Much is made of the Honda NS & RS750 days in AMA Grand National dirt track racing, but this previous history was totally unknown by me... until now.
Enjoy!
In the Nixon photo, Gary was sponsored by a Triumph dealer in suburban Washington D.C., Bob Myers / Freestate Cycle. Bob also sold Honda, among several other brands. At the time there was a "heavy" class and a "Lightweight" class for TT races. I have photos of Gary racing his signature Triumph that day, but apparently, they had decided to try the Honda on the TT course in the lightweight division. The class was won by two Harley Sprints and a Parilla 1,2,3. Perhaps that is the reason there aren't more photos of Gary Nixon racing a Dream. :sorry:
"The flying flea" though obviously won Ascot at least once on his Honda.