The Trailblazers is one of the
oldest motorcycle clubs in the
United States, and it held its first
annual banquet in 1940. Since
then, the Trailblazers' goal has
been to preserve some of Ameri
-
ca's racing history on two wheels
and to recognize those who have
risen to fame or success and left
their mark on motorcycling.
Each year, the club honors rid
-
ers and industry figures with vari-
ous awards, including induction
into the Hall of Fame, the Earl
and Lucille Flanders Lifetime
Achievement Award, and the
Dick Hammer Award. The Ham
-
mer Award recognizes someone
with drive, determination and
desire in the spirit of Dick Ham
-
mer. Hammer was not only a
successful racer but also some-
one who would never give up.
For example, after crashing in
the Daytona 200 while in second
place, he broke his collarbone
but got up, bump-started his
bike, and rode the last 100 miles
in pain to finish seventh.
This year's Dick Hammer
Award recipient was not only a
racer and a World Champion,
but he was also a race team
manager and mentor, who built
bikes and guided the careers of
notable riders such as three-time
World Champion Kenny "King"
Roberts. Others who thrived
under his leadership included
Eddie Lawson, Giacomo Agos
-
tini, Wayne Rainey and more. The
1969 250cc World Champion,
Kel Carruthers, was this year's
Dick Hammer Award winner.
A genuinely humble guy, Car
-
ruthers thanked his lovely wife of
69 years, Jan, for always sup-
porting him and being a partner
in his endeavors.
This year's Flanders Lifetime
Achievement Award went to
World Supercross Champion,
motocross racing pioneer, stunt
rider, promoter and trainer Jim
Holley.
This year's Hall of Fame
inductees included Jeff Ward,
Mitch Payton, Ronnie Jones,
Randy Hall, Brad Baker and Dave
Arnold.
Richard Haight
Jim Holley receives
the Flanders Award.
(L-R) Brad Baker, Ronnie Jones, Jim Holley, Dave Arnold, Kel Carruthers,
Mitch Payton, Jeff Ward and Randy Hall were honored.
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