The motorcycling world mourns the loss of Mert Lawwill, the revered 1969 AMA Grand National champion and a memorable figure from the classic documentary On Any Sunday. He departed last week at the age of 85, leaving behind a legacy of triumphs on the track and groundbreaking contributions to motorcycle design and rider welfare.
A Life Lived at Full Throttle: Mert Lawwill's Enduring Impact
In a solemn announcement last week, the motorcycling community learned of the passing of Mert Lawwill at 85 years old. This iconic figure, who achieved the prestigious AMA Grand National championship in 1969, also famously co-starred in Bruce Brown's seminal motorcycle film, On Any Sunday. His life journey was one of remarkable dedication, from his early days as a fearless racer to his later years as an innovative engineer and advocate for riders.
Lawwill's journey into the thrilling world of motorcycling began as a spirited youth in Boise, Idaho. Despite his parents' initial reservations about the motorcycling subculture, Lawwill found his true calling after his brother, Roy Lawwill, introduced him to the sport. He quickly distinguished himself in local TT track races and cross-country hare scrambles throughout the Pacific Northwest. His burgeoning talent soon captured the attention of Dudley Perkins, a renowned Harley-Davidson dealer, leading Lawwill to California in 1963 to launch his professional racing career. By 1964, he had secured a factory contract with Harley-Davidson, a partnership that would define his competitive years.
His first major victory came in 1965 at the Sacramento Mile, a testament to his consistent podium finishes in his initial two professional seasons. The pinnacle of his racing career arrived in 1969, when he clinched the AMA Grand National championship and was simultaneously honored as the AMA “Most Popular Rider of the Year.” Just two years later, in 1971, Lawwill’s unwavering pursuit of excellence and his spirited defense of his title during the 1970 season were prominently featured in Bruce Brown's legendary documentary, On Any Sunday. This film, co-starring racing greats Steve McQueen and Malcolm Smith, transcended mere entertainment; it played a pivotal role in reshaping public perception of motorcyclists, shifting the image from rebellious outsiders to dedicated and disciplined athletes like Lawwill.
Lawwill's racing career was not without its trials. He sustained numerous injuries, including fractures to his right collarbone, left shoulder, left wrist, and left hand, along with countless sprains and twists to his left foot—the very foot he used to balance during high-speed slides. Despite these physical challenges, his passion never waned. He amassed an impressive 15 AMA Grand National victories and completed 161 AMA Grand National finishes, notably achieving the coveted dirt track grand slam by winning at least one race in all four dirt track disciplines: the Mile, TT, Half-Mile, and Short Track.
In 1977, an inner-ear disorder that impacted his balance ultimately led to his retirement from active racing. However, Lawwill's contributions to motorcycling were far from over. He channeled his profound understanding of racing mechanics into designing and constructing frames for high-performance motorcycles. His innovative spirit also extended to human prosthetics, particularly after witnessing his former teammate, Chris Draayer, lose an arm in a racing accident. Lawwill developed “Mert’s Hands,” a revolutionary ball-and-socket attachment system that enabled amputees to continue riding motorcycles and bicycles, empowering them with renewed freedom and mobility. This humanitarian effort, alongside his work with Yeti Cycles, earned him induction into the Mountain Bike Hall of Fame in 1997. Additionally, he launched the production of his acclaimed Mert Lawwill Street Tracker motorcycles, street-legal replicas of the Harley-Davidson XR-750 flat track racers he famously rode.
His profound impact on the sport was formally recognized in 1998 with his induction into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame. In 2012, his legendary status was further cemented when he was granted AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Legend status, an honor reserved for individuals whose accomplishments transcend their specific induction categories and leave an enduring mark on the broader motorcycle community. Throughout his later years, Lawwill remained an active and cherished presence at numerous motorcycle events, including The Quail, A Motorcycle Gathering, where he was celebrated as a “Legend of the Sport” and participated in insightful panel discussions.
Mert Lawwill is survived by his son, Joe Lawwill; his daughter, Marcella Lawwill; his stepsons, Rick, Mike, and Tim Suchomel; three grandchildren; and a wide circle of extended family and friends. A celebration of his extraordinary life is planned for later this summer in Southern California, near the historic Ascot Raceway, a venue that held deep significance in his early racing days.
Mert Lawwill's life was a testament to passion, perseverance, and innovation. His journey from a young, ambitious racer to a celebrated champion and a compassionate innovator offers profound lessons. Beyond his numerous victories and groundbreaking designs, Lawwill exemplified how one individual can profoundly influence a community. His dedication not only to the sport but also to empowering others, particularly through his prosthetic work, showcases a legacy that extends far beyond the racetrack. It reminds us that true greatness lies not just in personal achievement, but in the positive impact one creates for others and for future generations. His story encourages us to push boundaries, embrace challenges, and continually seek ways to contribute meaningfully to the world around us, ensuring his spirit continues to inspire for years to come.
