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/1530089
Smith's rise to fame began in the 1960s as a motocross and off-road racing competitor. His skill, versatility and sportsmanship were legend- ary, earning him eight gold medals in the Inter- national Six Days Trial (now the International Six Days Enduro). He also achieved multiple victo- ries in the Baja 1000, including a groundbreaking win in 1967 alongside J.N. Roberts. The 1971 documentary On Any Sunday, directed by Bruce Brown, further cemented Smith's status. The film highlighted the camaraderie and joy of motorcycling, featuring Smith alongside notable racers like Mert Lawwill and Steve McQueen, bring - ing motorcycling into the cultural mainstream. In 1966, Smith opened Malcolm Smith Motor- sports in Riverside, California. The dealership and gear shop became a hub for the off-road community, known for high-quality products and Smith's personable customer approach. He also designed a line of riding gear, modernizing pro - tective equipment for off-road enthusiasts. Smith was also deeply committed to philan- thropy. After witnessing poverty in Baja Califor- nia, he founded the Malcolm Smith Motorsports Foundation, which supported education and healthcare initiatives in Mexico. His charitable efforts earned him widespread admiration and numerous awards. Despite his fame, Smith remained a humble ambassador for motorcycling. "If it has two wheels, I'll ride it," he often remarked. His love for riding and his adventurous spirit were infectious, inspiring countless riders worldwide. "Malcolm Smith embodied so much of what's good about motorcycle enthusiasts and the sport of motorcycling," said AMA President and CEO Rob Dingman. "Not only did he excel in rid- ing, racing, and business, but he was also a great example of how to get the most out of motorcy- cling and give back to the community." In June 1996, Smith was inducted into the Mo- torsports Hall of Fame. At the time he was the only off-road motorcyclist in that Hall of Fame. Smith's journey in motorcycling began hum- bly with a 1953 Lambretta at age 13. His riding skills quickly developed, leading to a storied career racing bikes such as Matchless, BSA and Greeves before finding success with Husqvarna motorcycles. He won the Baja 1000 six times, the Baja 500 four times, and the Mint 400 twice. P56 FEATURE I B orn on March 9, 1941, on Salt Spring Island in British Columbia, Canada, Malcolm Smith moved to Southern California during his childhood. It was there that he discovered his passion for motorcycles, igniting a career that not only redefined the sport but also inspired genera- tions to embrace adventure on two wheels. BY LARRY LAWRENCE I PHOTOGRAPHY CYCLE NEWS ARCHIVES & KINNEY JONES Remembering MALCOLM