LEGENDS AND HEROES HONOREE - OAKLAND SX FEBRUARY 2020
Dave's love of dirt bikes came at the ripe old age of 7 when his Dad brought home a Honda Z50 on Mother's Day! The remainder of the year found him riding his "Mother's Day" gift in the field next to his parents' house in Yuba City, CA.
In 1969 he moved up to a Honda CT70 and then onto a Honda SL70. He started racing five years later in 1973. In his first race, he finished 2nd behind fellow Legends and Heroes Honoree Donnie Cantaloupe. He was hooked from that point on, and now nearly 50 years later, he continues to compete.
Dave turned Pro in 1976, and he began riding the MX Nationals in 1979 aboard a Suzuki RM125. His first big win as a Pro came in 1980 when he won the ITT President's GP Cup at Indian Dunes, CA. That win no doubt led to a team ride in 1981 with Maico USA alongside teammates Alan King, Carlos Serrano, and Eric Eaton. That year he traveled the US in a box van with his mechanic Bob May riding the 250 National Series, where he finished 22nd overall and was awarded a National #66 for the 1982 racing season.
Some of Dave's more memorable accomplishments include 1st in the Nor-Cal Blue Plate Series in 1983; 1st place in the CMC Nor-Cal #1 Plate series in 1992; 3rd overall in the 4-Stroke World Championship at Perris in 1994; and 1st place in the 40+ Pro Class at Mammoth Mountain MX in 2002.
Dave has spent most of his life involved in the motorcycle industry in one way or another. He recently retired after 20 years in outside sales with Parts Unlimited. In 1997 Dave tried his hand at promoting MX races at his favorite track, "E" Street in Marysville, CA. He continued promoting motocross races until 2003.
In September of 2016, Dave was honored to be invited and participate in the Vet Motocross des Nations at Farleigh Castle, England. He raced in the 50+ Pro Class and finished 2nd behind fellow American John Dowd. Dave and John were the only two Americans in the 65 rider field.
Dave has been active in the Vintage MX World for several years and has an impressive collection of over 100 Vintage and Post-Vintage bikes in a showroom at his home in Rio Oso, CA. His hobbies include vintage motorcycle restoration, playing with his new grandson, Rex, and riding one of his many motorcycles one to two times a week at the local tracks in Marysville, CA.
