Dick ”Bugsy” Mann will go down in history as one of the most versatile racers ever to throw a leg over a motorcycle. A two time AMA Grand National Champion, Mann was one of the very few riders to complete on the national level in dirt track, road racing and motocross. When he retired from professional racing in 1974, Mann was second on the all-time AMA Grand National Series wins list with 24 national victories and had one of the longest careers of competing successfully on the pro circuit spanning early 1950s to the mid-70s.
Mann’s maybe most important win was his 1970 Daytona 200 win riding the new Honda CB750 [CR750]. After all, Mann had been racing in the 200 for 15 years and was running-up three times, but could not quite find a way to finish on top of the podium. To say he was long overdue for a win at Daytona was an understatement! The win not only gave Mann his first victory at Daytona, it also marked Honda’s first win in an AMA national.
i remember watching dick at the grand nationals in Castle Rock, Wa.. it was the most exciting thing i'd ever seen. starting dead last and watching him come up on everyone, by riding the high goove, was nothing more than poetry in motion. i'll remember this for the rest of my life. no one, but malcomb smith, could ride like that! Tom Fuller, Longview, Wa.
ReplyDeleteHi Anonymous :)
ReplyDeleteI would have loved to have had that experience!!!
Poetry in motion! I fully agree :D
Thank you for your comment :)
With regards,
The Cling on Pilot
In 1964 as a teenager I attended several local (Modesto, CA) races that Dick participated in. I remember the hype and excitement it brought to our area particularly to our fastest dirt racer, Ray Huff. Ray could not eat or sleep as he was gearing up to race with Dick. Both were great racers. Long story short, Ray only got close enough to get oil splatters from the exhaust of Dicks two stroke Greeves on his goggles. Thanks Dick for sharing your great talents with us. Al Hamilton
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