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Dick "Bugsy" Mann

Dick "Bugsy" Mann

Dick: A Legacy in American Motorcycle Racing

Born in 1934, Dick's journey with motorcycles began in the sun-soaked landscapes of Nevada and California. His passion ignited in 1949 when a young Bugsy made a down payment on a lightweight BSA motorcycle. This pivotal moment marked the start of a lifelong love affair with two wheels, leading to thrilling adventures that would ultimately define his career.


With a blend of enduro and cross-country riding, Dick honed his skills on the bike. His competitive spirit soon took him to the Belmont track, just north of Redwood City, California, where he participated in his first real race. It was the beginning of a storied racing career that would earn him a place in motorcycle history.

In 1954, Dick took on the Eastern Circuit, where his talent quickly became evident. Over the years, he amassed an impressive array of titles, showcasing his versatility and skill across various racing formats. His remarkable record speaks volumes, with numerous National Championship titles including:

  • 1959: Peoria, Illinois - 25 Lap TT

  • 1960: Laconia, New Hampshire - 100 Mile Road Race (Paved)

  • 1961: Heidelberg, Pennsylvania - 15 Mile Half-Mile Dirt Track

  • 1962: Laconia, New Hampshire - 100 Mile Road Race (Paved)

  • 1963: Gardena, California - 50 Lap Steeple Chase

  • 1964: Multiple victories including Windber, Pennsylvania (50 Mile Road Race), Greenwood, Iowa (175 Mile Road Race), Meadowdale, Illinois (150 Mile Road Race), and Peoria, Illinois (25 Lap TT).

  • 1965: Meadowdale, Illinois (150 Mile Road Race), Wentzville, Missouri (120 Mile Road Race), and Nelson Ledges, Ohio (120 Mile Road Race).

  • 1967: Reading, Pennsylvania - 12 Mile Road Race (Paved) and Peoria, Illinois - 25 Lap TT.

  • 1969: Chicago, Illinois - 20 Lap Short Track.

  • 1970: Daytona Beach, Florida - 200 Mile Road Race (Paved) and Castle Rock, Washington - 25 Lap TT.

  • 1971: Houston, Texas - 20 Lap TT, Daytona Beach, Florida - 200 Mile Road Race (Paved), Kent, Washington - 100 Mile Road Race (Paved), and Pocono, Pennsylvania - 100 Mile Road Race (Paved).

Remarkably, Dick became the first rider to win every type of event in the Grand National series, excelling in Short Track, Half Mile, Mile, TT, and Road Racing. Over two decades of AMA racing, he consistently finished in the top 10, claiming the number one spot twice—an extraordinary feat that solidified his status as one of the sport's legends.


Even after stepping away from competitive racing, Dick remains deeply involved in the motorcycle community. He dedicates his time to building special frames for A.R.R.M.A. racers in his workshop at home, passing on his wealth of knowledge to the next generation of riders.


Dick's legacy is not just about the titles he won but the impact he has had on the sport and the community that surrounds it. His journey from a young rider with a BSA motorcycle to a champion with a record-setting career serves as an inspiration for countless enthusiasts and aspiring racers. As he continues to innovate and support fellow riders, Dick proves that true passion for motorcycling transcends competition—it’s a lifelong commitment to the ride.

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