Mert Lawill, R.I.P.

[yonder]

Motorcycycle legend and Boise, Idaho native, former American Motorcycle Association Grand National Champion (sort of like the motorcycle version of NASCAR's Dale Earnhardt, Jimmie Johnson or Richard Petty), mountain bike pioneer, suspension and prosthetic assist designer, On Any Sunday star, etc., Mert Lawill passed away Wednesday, May 6th at 85, in Boise.

He was my MC hero growing up in the 60's and 70's as well as inspiration for my own brief time sliding sideways around dirt tracks somewhere. His sister still lives here along with a nephew. He stayed busy with a lot of irons in the fire even after his long racing career was over. He was an approachable, decent guy, all around.

This is big news in the motorcycle world and thought I'd post here though it looks like I might be pushing Skinner's forum guidelines.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mert_Lawwill

https://www.roadracingworld.com/news/r-i-p-on-any-sunday-star-and-ama-grand-national-champion-mert-lawwill/

[GiqueCee]

1. I've long wondered...

... if Mert was short for something, or if that was his given name. Anyway, RIP, Mert, you did a lot of good.

[yonder]

3. Good question, dunno.

He WAS famously short-statured though, as many flat trackers are, which gave him the nickname of Mert the Squirt.

[lame54]

2. Thanks for the info...

Love that movie
Especially the soundtrack