AMA National Flat Track Series Opener at Houston Astrodome Sports Facility... Features close-up of Mert Lawwill, Bart Markel and Dick Mann - Sonny Kenyon 8mm film
The first AMA ST National they had at the Astrodome was in 1968, Gary Nixon won the race on a Sonicweld T25 Triumph 250; which in actuality was a B25 BSA Engine. Since Johnson Motors didn't have any TR25 Engines and BSA West did they used the Beezer Motor. They were identical Engines except for badging; much like the Triple Engine used in the Trident and Rocket 3. The 69 Race at the Astrodome was on Wide World of Sports and it looked like a runaway for H-D Factory Rider Fred Nix but close to the finish, Fred bottomed out his Front Forks and got thrown over the handle bars letting Ronnie Rall on a Bultaco take the win. Dick Mann is 82yrs old, Mert is 76yrs and Bart who passed in 2007 would be 81. All Former Grand National Champions and Friends ... Golden Days of Flattrack Racing ..s.m.
In '69 PACE, the promoter of this AMA National Opener, hired my friend Harold Murrell to build the Short Track... Harold suggested to make the event a "Twin Bill Event" with an added TT race on Friday night...., and the rest is history
those were the days, friends. one year the san jacinto highrollers put on a run that ended at the astrodome for the races. we got to ride a lap around the track. now days, you can pay $10 to ride around the springfield mile to benefit charity. well worth the money--you can get a feel for just how big the track is. it would be nice if such a ride could be incorporated into all the flat track races.
![The Wall Song ร้องข้ามกำแพง | EP.215 | พาเวล นเรศ - พูห์ กฤติน | 17 ต.ค. 67 [1/5]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/IUzrjuf60P4/mqdefault.jpg)
Awesome! Miss ya Richard :)
The first AMA ST National they had at the Astrodome was in 1968, Gary Nixon won the race on a Sonicweld T25 Triumph 250; which in actuality was a B25 BSA Engine. Since Johnson Motors didn't have any TR25 Engines and BSA West did they used the Beezer Motor. They were identical Engines except for badging; much like the Triple Engine used in the Trident and Rocket 3. The 69 Race at the Astrodome was on Wide World of Sports and it looked like a runaway for H-D Factory Rider Fred Nix but close to the finish, Fred bottomed out his Front Forks and got thrown over the handle bars letting Ronnie Rall on a Bultaco take the win. Dick Mann is 82yrs old, Mert is 76yrs and Bart who passed in 2007 would be 81. All Former Grand National Champions and Friends ... Golden Days of Flattrack Racing ..s.m.
In '69 PACE, the promoter of this AMA National Opener, hired my friend Harold Murrell to build the Short Track... Harold suggested to make the event a "Twin Bill Event" with an added TT race on Friday night...., and the rest is history
I was a big fan of all of them Especially Mark Brelsford an dirt riding buddy. He was so frickin good.
Dick "Bugsy" Mann, the ultimate privateer! Never knew what he's show up on.
those were the days, friends. one year the san jacinto highrollers put on a run that ended at the astrodome for the races. we got to ride a lap around the track. now days, you can pay $10 to ride around the springfield mile to benefit charity. well worth the money--you can get a feel for just how big the track is. it would be nice if such a ride could be incorporated into all the flat track races.
Dick Mann and Mark Breslford are from Richmond Ca.
I am so glad I was exposed to my first flat track race in Savannah in 68 after Daytona. Bart Markel won.
I was named after Bart Markle.