March 14, 1943 - September 1st, 1996
Elmer Trett
(Photo; oocities.org)
The motorcycle drag racing legend and perhaps the greatest Top Fuel rider in the sport’s history, was killed on September 1st, 1996, when he came off his motorcycle at the top end of Indianapolis Raceway Park while making an exhibition run, one of his numerous endeavors to bring more attention to motorcycle drag racing. He was 53. Trett's crash came one day after the fatal crash of Blaine Johnson at the same track. A sad weekend for the motor sport community.
Trett's death came when he was well on his way to a ninth title, and on the verge of becoming the first rider to break into the magical five-second bracket. “He had made several record runs in the low sixes and most people believe he would have broken into the fives by the end of that year.” said Keith Kizer, president of AMA Prostar.
In addition to his induction into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame, Trett also became the first motorcycle racer to be inducted into the International Drag Racing Hall of Fame.
The motorcycle drag racing legend and perhaps the greatest Top Fuel rider in the sport’s history, was killed on September 1st, 1996, when he came off his motorcycle at the top end of Indianapolis Raceway Park while making an exhibition run, one of his numerous endeavors to bring more attention to motorcycle drag racing. He was 53. Trett's crash came one day after the fatal crash of Blaine Johnson at the same track. A sad weekend for the motor sport community.
Trett's death came when he was well on his way to a ninth title, and on the verge of becoming the first rider to break into the magical five-second bracket. “He had made several record runs in the low sixes and most people believe he would have broken into the fives by the end of that year.” said Keith Kizer, president of AMA Prostar.
In addition to his induction into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame, Trett also became the first motorcycle racer to be inducted into the International Drag Racing Hall of Fame.
(Photo; motorcyclemuseum.org)
For his influence and impact on the sport the NHRA recognized Trett as number 50 on its list of the greatest 50 drivers of all time, highly impressive considering the NHRA is an organization showcasing primarily four-wheeled vehicles.
For more see our; Tribute To Elmer Trett
This Day In Motorsport History - Home Page
For his influence and impact on the sport the NHRA recognized Trett as number 50 on its list of the greatest 50 drivers of all time, highly impressive considering the NHRA is an organization showcasing primarily four-wheeled vehicles.
For more see our; Tribute To Elmer Trett
This Day In Motorsport History - Home Page
Superstar, genius, and superb family man. Glad I knew him...
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