Gary Nixon
January 25, 1941 - August 5, 2011
Gary Nixon: The Road to Number One
Born on January 25, 1941, in Anadarko, Oklahoma, Gary Nixon had dreams of becoming a sports star. With talent in football, basketball, and baseball, he initially aspired to make it big in sports. However, as he faced the reality of growing competition—bigger football players, taller basketball rivals, and the dangers of the diamond—Gary shifted his focus to a sport that offered the thrill and challenge he sought: motorcycle racing. Little did he know, his journey would be paved with triumphs, challenges, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.
Gary’s motorcycle racing career began in earnest in 1958 when he entered the professional scene as an unlisted B Rider. His talent was evident as he clinched the Oklahoma State Scrambles Championship. By 1959, he had secured a spot as a listed B Rider and finished an impressive sixth in the national point standings. The following year marked a significant turning point in his racing career—he earned the status of an Expert, indicating that he had much to learn and much to achieve.
In 1962, Gary's prowess caught the attention of the racing world during the iconic Sturgis Races, where he received his first National Number. This accolade set the stage for his breakout performance in 1963, when he captured his first National victory in Windber, Pennsylvania, followed by another win in Chicago just a week later. Gary was on the fast track to becoming a racing legend.
The highlight of his career came in 1967 when he made history by winning both the Daytona 100-Miler and the 200-Miler back-to-back. This remarkable feat solidified his reputation and earned him the coveted #1 plate that year, a title he would reclaim in 1968. However, the road to glory was not without its obstacles. In 1969, a tragic accident at a Mile Race in Santa Rosa, California, resulted in a compound fracture of his left femur due to a transmission failure and a lack of safety barriers.
Despite setbacks, Gary remained undeterred. By 1973, he clinched the U.S. Road Race Championship and finished third overall in the national standings. In 1974, he set his sights on international competition, aiming to win the World Championship. However, fate had other plans—an engine seizure during a test in Japan sent him crashing into a tree at 120 mph, leading to a challenging recovery.
His resilience was evident as he continued to compete, and in 1976, he and renowned racer Erv Kanemoto secured the Formula 750 World Road Race Championship Title. Unfortunately, political circumstances surrounding the European FIM and the AMA led to a controversial loss of the title. The experience served as a turning point, prompting Gary to retire from professional racing in 1979 to focus on his business endeavors.
Yet, his passion for racing remained strong. In 1985, he took on the role of Team Manager for Jim Francels’ "Super Team" during the Daytona 200 in 1985 and 1986. His legacy continued to grow, and in 1995, he celebrated victory once again by winning the Legends Race at Daytona, followed by a tie with the legendary Jay Springsteen in 1996.
Today, Gary continues to contribute to the sport he loves, aiming to win the #1 Plate as Assistant Team Manager for Total Control Racing. His journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, passion, and the relentless pursuit of greatness in the fast-paced world of motorcycle racing. With every twist and turn of the track, Gary’s legacy lives on, inspiring a new generation of racers to chase their dreams and strive for the top.