The world of flat track racing has lost a true legend. Mert Lawwill, the 1969 AMA Grand National Champion and AMA Hall of Fame icon, passed away at the age of 85. His legacy, however, will continue to inspire generations of riders and fans.
Lawwill wasn't just a champion—he was a grand slam winner on the dirt. He conquered every discipline the sport had to offer: the Mile, TT, Half-Mile, and Short Track. This incredible versatility made him one of the most formidable racers of his era. His fame skyrocketed even further when he was featured in the classic 1971 motorcycle documentary On Any Sunday, a film that introduced the passion of two-wheeled sport to millions and cemented his status as a flat track icon.
Born in Boise, Idaho, in 1940, Lawwill's journey began with a push from his older brother, Roy, despite their parents' initial concerns. He quickly found his rhythm, racing at local TT tracks before expanding into hare scrambles across the Northwest. His raw talent caught the eye of famed Harley-Davidson dealer Dudley Perkins, leading him to California to begin his professional career in 1963. By 1964, he had signed a factory contract with Harley-Davidson, a partnership that would define his racing years.
After hanging up his leathers in 1977 due to an inner-ear disorder, Lawwill didn't step away from the sport. He channeled his mechanical genius into building motorcycle frames and running his own racing team. But his most surprising innovation came on two pedals, not two cylinders. Using his motorcycle design experience, Lawwill is credited with designing the world's first production mountain bike, the Lawwill Knight Pro Cruiser. This groundbreaking achievement earned him a spot in the Mountain Bike Hall of Fame in 1997.
His contributions didn't go unnoticed by the motorcycle community. Lawwill was inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 1998, and in 2012, he was granted the prestigious Legend status for accomplishments that transcend his original induction category.
The American Motorcyclist Association expressed its deep sadness at the loss, offering condolences to his family and friends. "One of the most defining racers of the late 1960s and early 1970s, Lawwill left an undeniable mark on the motorcycling community," the organization noted.
From the dirt tracks of Idaho to the silver screen and the birth of mountain biking, Mert Lawwill's story is a testament to the spirit of innovation and grit. His legacy reminds us that the passion for speed and the open road—or trail—can lead to unexpected and lasting greatness. Ride on, Legend.