Mert Lawwill

Mert Lawwill, born on September 25, 1940, in Boise, Idaho, is a distinguished American dirt-track and road racer. His racing journey began as an amateur on local TT tracks and in scramble events throughout the Northwestern United States.

In 1963, he transitioned to professional racing after relocating to California. The following year marked a significant milestone in his career as he signed with Harley-Davidson, a partnership that would define his racing life. Lawwill achieved his first major victory at the iconic Sacramento Mile on September 19, 1965, propelling him into the spotlight of the racing world.

His most notable achievement came in 1969 when he clinched the AMA Grand National Championship and was recognized as AMA's Most Popular Rider of the Year. Lawwill's fame expanded beyond the racetrack when he appeared in Bruce Brown's legendary 1971 documentary "On Any Sunday," alongside Hollywood icon Steve McQueen and off-road legend Malcolm Smith, although the film also highlighted several of his race retirements.

After a successful 15-year career that culminated in 161 AMA Grand National finishes, Lawwill retired in 1977 due to an inner-ear disorder affecting his balance. Post-retirement, he dedicated himself to developing race motorcycles and mountain bikes, and he even created a prosthetic device to help arm amputees ride. In 1998, his contributions to the sport were commemorated with an induction into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame.