Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/1367911
IN THE WIND P28 Legendary Racer Passes D ick "Bugsy" Mann, one of the most versatile racers to ever throw a leg over a motorcycle, passed away on April 26 at the age of 86. Mann, born June 13, 1934 in Salt Lake City, Utah, was a two-time AMA Grand National Champion (1963 and 1971), and became best known for being the first person to achieve a motor- cycle racing Grand Slam, which involved winning across all five types of circuits included in the Grand National Championship: road racing, TT, short track, half- mile and mile. When he retired from racing in 1974, Mann had 24 national victories, which—at the time—placed him second in all- time wins within the AMA Grand National Series. While Mann got his racing start in scrambles, he soon got hooked on turning left on dirt ovals, and after some time learning his trade, headed to the professional racing circuit in 1954, turning expert in 1955. He achieved his first national win at the Peoria TT in 1959, quickly establishing himself as an elite racer in the series. Mann also helped pioneer the sport of motocross in the U.S., competing in several of the early AMA professional motocross races in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Perhaps Mann's most fulfilling national win was his victory in the 1970 Daytona 200 aboard the then-new Honda CB750. Despite retiring from profes- sional racing in 1974, Mann returned to his trail-riding roots in 1975, qualifying for the United States International Six Days Trial team, competed for the U.S. on the Isle of Man, and brought home a bronze medal. In 1995, Mann was presented with the AMA Dud Perkins Life- time Achievement Award, recog- nizing his significant contributions to the sport. He was inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 1998. AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Mert Lawwill was once quoted: "He [Mann] is a human calcula- tor" and "the best scientist on the track" when it came to racing. Mann replied, "Probably not so." Honda acknowledged Mann's passing, saying that Mann was "a true Renaissance man," and was "noted for his adaptability as a rider, and for the longevity of his professional motorcycle-racing career." Mann's primary tie with Honda on the Isle of Man, and brought (Left) The legendary Dick Mann passed away at the age of 86. (Below) The headline says it all.