Motorcycle Hall of Famer Gary Nixon passes away

The American Motorcyclist Association was saddened to learn of the passing of AMA Grand National Champion and Motorcycle Hall of Famer Gary Nixon. The 70-year-old Nixon died today, Aug. 5, at the St. Joseph Medical Center in Baltimore, Md., from complications related to an illness.

The AMA offers its most sincere condolences and heartfelt sympathies to the Nixon family and friends during this difficult time.

Born on Jan. 25, 1941, in Anadarko, Okla., Nixon's AMA racing career was marked by both extraordinary success and courage. Nixon's perseverance and talent at home and abroad made him one of the most popular and most respected racers in the history of the sport.

Nixon’s U.S. career peaked in 1967. He started the season winning the Daytona 200. By the end of the '67 season, Nixon had tallied a total of five victories and his first national championship. He followed up in 1968 with another title, taking the championship at the final race.

Internationally, Nixon laid claim to the World Prize Formula 750 Road Racing title in 1976, but was denied the championship after international politics cost him a victory, and ultimately the title, at the Venezuelan round of the series. His international success earned him the title of AMA Pro Athlete of the Year in its inaugural year.

For more on Nixon’s career, see his Motorcycle Hall of Fame biography.