Jim Davis
March 23, 1896 - February 5, 2000
Jim’s Wild Ride: A Racing Legend Who Played by His Own Rules
Some racers are born to follow the rules. Others make their own. Jim was undoubtedly the latter. With a career that spanned nearly two decades, Jim carved a name for himself on the dirt tracks of America, switching allegiances between Indian and Harley-Davidson, outsmarting officials, and racking up an astonishing collection of victories.
Suspended, But Not Stopped
In 1920, Jim arrived in Phoenix, Arizona, ready to race. But as soon as he reached the track, he was blindsided—he had been suspended for one year by the Motorcycle and Allied Trade Association, the predecessor of the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA). A lesser man might have packed up and left.
But not Jim.
With his characteristic wit and resourcefulness, Jim approached the event referee and made a bold offer: if he could produce a telegram from the association in Chicago, confirming his eligibility, would they let him ride? The referee agreed, thinking it was a long shot.
Jim had other ideas. He headed straight for the local Western Union office, charmed the young girl behind the counter with a box of candy, and enlisted a local kid on a bicycle to deliver the fake telegram to the referee. The ruse worked. Jim took to the track, outraced the competition, and won all four events that day.
Switching Sides and Chasing the Win
After the Phoenix race, Jim quit riding for Indian and joined Harley-Davidson, who successfully lobbied to get his suspension lifted. Throughout the 1920s and 30s, Jim didn’t hesitate to jump between manufacturers, riding for whoever offered him the better deal. His loyalty lay not with brands but with the thrill of competition and the pursuit of victory.
From 1926 to 1938, Jim competed in over 1,500 races, racking up 30,000 miles on the track. He claimed 17 National Championships, collected 180 medals (including 90 gold, 50 silver, and 40 bronze), and built a reputation as one of the fiercest competitors of his era. Whether riding in the blazing sun or through the mud, Jim’s only focus was the finish line—and he usually reached it first.
A Racer’s Legacy
When asked about his career, Jim’s answer was always the same: “I wouldn’t take anything in the world for the experience I got.” His passion for racing went beyond trophies and medals. For Jim, the real reward was in the freedom, speed, and adventure that came with every race.
Though his story may sound like the stuff of legends, Jim was very real—an embodiment of the rebellious spirit that defines motorcycle racing. He played by his own rules, adapted to every challenge, and showed that wit and grit were just as important as horsepower.
Jim’s legacy reminds us that life on two wheels isn’t just about the victories—it’s about the thrill of the race, the friendships made along the way, and the stories that get passed down through generations. His life on the track was a testament to resilience, cunning, and an unyielding love for the sport.
The Legend Lives On
Jim’s career was marked by a series of incredible feats, quick decisions, and daring moves. In an era when racing was as much about survival as it was about winning, he thrived. Switching between Indian and Harley-Davidson with ease, he became a symbol of adaptability and pure racing spirit.
To this day, Jim’s story continues to inspire riders to push boundaries and embrace the unexpected. His medals may have collected dust, but the memories of his wild races and clever tricks live on in the annals of motorcycle history.
Because if there’s one thing Jim’s life proved, it’s this: Rules may be written, but legends are made by those brave enough to bend them.