Hall of Fame Competition Contributors

Kurt Biegger - Class of 2017

admin — Fri, 19 Jan 2018 14:38:26 +0000

Kurt Biegger - Class of 2017 admin Fri, 01/19/2018 - 09:38

“Living vicariously through his riders young and old”

Kurt Biegger Racing has been a pinnacle team in the Flat Track racing scene for over 40 years. The mastermind behind these blazing fast bikes now lives vicariously through his riders young and old.

Kurt was a championship rider back in the 90’s in both dirt track and ice racing. His riding career has taken a back seat for now but he is no slouch and has the trophies to prove it. An impressive nine Championships and thirteen Ontario titles to his credit. Between 1994 and 2001, he was exceptional, winning the national 250 Intermediate/Expert championship six times in eight seasons.

While Kurt may not be racing anymore, he certainly knows his way around the track. Now in his fifth decade of racing in Canada, Biegger is the busiest man out there who never seems to have enough time in the day. Between building motors, building bikes, crewing for some of the best riders in Canada and holding down a regular Monday to Friday job, it’s a wonder he ever has a chance to eat or sleep. Most nights will see him working long hours in his home-based shop and race weekends don’t get much easier. Biegger can constantly be found at the track tinkering with his KBR (Kurt Biegger Racing) machines as he searches for that perfect balance between motorcycle rider and track.

Biegger’s first motorcycle was a 1972 Kawasaki KE175 that he pretty well wrecked from crashing so often. His next bike was a ’74 KX250 that he did a few motocross races on. “I did OK and won a few races but I had more fun practicing going round an oval that I found at the old Burlington clay pits.” The Hamilton native was firmly bitten by the oval bug and in 1977 started racing dirt track in the 250 class. “When I first started, I was fast but I crashed a lot until I learned to slow down. I ended up second in points that year though after winning the last three races.”

Given his obvious talent, some people may wonder why Biegger ever thought of putting somebody else on his machines in the first place. The answer is quite simple – it was because of injuries, Biegger says, “I couldn’t get out and race when I was hurt. I knew I had some pretty good bikes at home and it seemed a waste of time having them sit there on race day.”

In 1979, Biegger had one of those injury time outs after being involved in an accident on the street. “My Yamaha RD400 lost a collision with a VW Rabbit that day,” he says. “It ended a promising season as I had won the first race of the year in Woodstock on a Harley XR750. That bike was a beast after riding a 125 the previous season.”

Since that first rider swung a leg over the seat of a KBR machine, the list of riders who have raced on Biegger’s equipment is a who’s who of flat track in Canada. This includes Canadian champions Chris Evans, John Parker, Steve Beattie, Don Taylor, Doug Beattie, Tyler Seguin and Doug Lawrence.

A KBR ride takes some convincing, Biegger admits, in regards to putting someone on one of his machines. “I have to believe that I can help make the rider faster so he can win championships, not just races. I have to see something in them.” There have been many championships throughout the years for KBR riders and in 2013, Biegger helped Tyler Seguin become the youngest racer to win the CMA No 1 plate. “It was a great season and I was proud to be part of what he accomplished.”

KBR riders racked up dozens of wins and a few championships over the years. Sequin reached the winners circle seven times during the 2014 season, won the CMA 450 Expert title and the Flat Track Canada Production Expert Title and finished second in the CMA and FTC Open Expert classes. Steve Beattie won four out of the five races he entered and brother Doug won two races while running a limited schedule and PJ, Kurt’s son, finished second in CMA Open Intermediate.

As each season opens, Kurt is busy with tuning and on-track support for his riders with the desired result of more championships, of course. He will continue to be at the track every summer after a long winter of meticulous preparation in his shop for his KBR Race Team. Perhaps one day, he’ll be able to swing his leg over a bike again and shown them how its done.

Corduroy Enduro - Class of 2013

admin — Wed, 25 Oct 2017 15:01:30 +0000

Corduroy Enduro - Class of 2013 admin Wed, 10/25/2017 - 11:01

The toughest motorcycle event in Canada

Rocks, trees, mud, wet leaves, fallen logs, steep hills—just add deep water and stir well. Continue for two days and you have the makings of a Canadian classic with an international reputation. It’s the formidable Corduroy Enduro, the toughest motorcycle event in Canada.

Since its inception in 1953, the Cord has been a rite of passage for every aspiring off-road competitor. It began as the first two-day endurance run in Canada and after 60 years its September date remains a fixture on the competition calendar.

The first Corduroy Enduro was organized by Don Charters and Ron Jackson, two young members of the British Empire Motor Club in Toronto, and they remained associated with the event over the decades as it grew. They laid out a course starting at the northeastern outskirts of Toronto and proceeding northeast through Bobcaygeon to Gold Rock Lodge near Norland. The entry fee was $1 and a bed for Saturday night cost another $2.

The winner of the first race, in 1953, was Basil Jackson on a twin-cylinder Triumph; he had half the penalty points of second-place man Bill Sharpless, a teenage trail novice on his ride-to-school Norton twin. Despite its small number of entries, the first Cord was deemed a success and its future was assured. Gerald Robarts was the overall winner the following year on a 750 cc Harley-Davidson and by 1955 Bill Sharpless was victorious on a 650 cc Ariel. Entry numbers grew gradually and the Enduro’s reputation soon extended to the northern United States.

Nowadays the event is organized by the Haliburton Trail Riders. It’s a non-profit organization dedicated to maintaining the volunteer spirit that has made the Cord so successful. This year, The Corduroy Enduro™ celebrated its 60th anniversary of racing competition.

Blackfoot Motosports - Class of 2024

Vada — Sun, 23 Mar 2025 16:37:17 +0000

Blackfoot Motosports - Class of 2024 Vada Sun, 03/23/2025 - 12:37

They lived, ate and breathed motorcycles

The Blackfoot, a powerful indigenous tribe of the Piegan, Blood and Siksika bands, embody resilience and unity. Their name lives on in Calgary, carved into its core with Blackfoot Trail – the lasting symbol of strength and legacy.

In 1970, Bruce Cameron and the original owner established Blackfoot Motorcycle Ltd. as a Honda dealership, inspired by the competitive spirit of the Blackfoot, on Blackfoot Trail and 42^nd Avenue SE in Calgary. Mere blocks away, Blackfoot Motorcycle Park boasted 88 acres of riding trails and motocross tracks, captivating racers and off-road enthusiasts from across Western Canada.

Between 1988 and 1991, a powerful new partnership was forged: President Douglas MacRae, Vice President Jason Mitchell and Secretary-Treasurer Patrick Chambers – a partnership that continues to this day. These men, all in their 30s, were driven by a deep passion for motorcycles and the powersports industry. Having competed in various racing forms and riding and touring whenever possible, they didn’t just work in the business – they lived, ate and breathed it.

They forged a mission statement that fueled their success for over 50 years, anchored in genuine customer care and service, driven by a team of passionate, expert motorcycle enthusiasts in every role.

Blackfoot Motorcycle, with its iconic, “Wheel and Feather Logo,” quickly became synonymous with motorcycle enthusiasts. Not only was it a top-performing store, but it also dominated the racing scene, competitive with the best. Blackfoot recognized the vital need to strengthen grassroots programmes, fueling support at both the National and local levels.

From humble beginnings and attention to every detail as well as top riders on the podium in all disciplines, Blackfoot continued to grow.

With a total of just under 4 acres of land, 45,000 square feet of retail space with adequate customer and staff parking, over 250 units on display and a selection of over a million dollars of parts and accessories, Blackfoot Motosports was the Premiere Powersports Dealership in Canada.

Blackfoot Motosports’ presence was everywhere – on CBC’s Hockey Night in Canada, the Ring of Fire at Calgary Flames games and on the radio and in the Calgary Sun & Herald.

It truly was a magical era for Blackfoot Motosports for racing and sales and marketing success that will probably never be repeated. The mantra of winning on Sunday and selling on Monday could never have been truer.

In 2012, in response to global financial instability, the partnership pivoted from volume sales to focusing on customer service and retention. This decision resulted in the decision to discontinue snow-mobiles, watercraft and power equipment product lines and focus on mainly motorcycles and related parts, accessories and service.

This shift in business proved crucial in elevating the dealership’s reputation for exceptional service from 2011 onward, as they completely renovated and rebuilt Blackfoot Certified Service. They also played an integral role in establishing the Alberta Mini Road Racing Association (AMRA). Blackfoot continued to partner with Yamaha and Southern Alberta’s Institute of Technology (SAIT) to build a street riding training centre and school.

Additionally, they developed an off-road training centre, launched Kawasaki’s Off-Road Learn to Ride programme and implemented a BFR grassroots racing and riding support team with over 150 members at Wild Rose Motorcycle Park.

This decision also fueled the growth of Blackfootonline.com an e-commerce online store with customers nationwide turning to the brand for their parts and accessory needs. The partnership travelled globally, attending key shows in Italy, Germany and the US to secure exclusive, high-quality products that met the evolving needs of their many loyal customers.

In addition, the Blackfoot accessory team designed, tested and developed the proprietary Octane branded street apparel brand that they had manufactured in Europe, providing industry-leading adventure and touring riding gear and apparel to motorcycle enthusiasts nation-wide.

Recognizing the challenge of providing 5-star service to customers while offering the manufacturers broad product range, the partnership made the strategic decision to focus exclusively on motorcycles – and returned to their roots and the passion that fueled their success from an early age – motorcycles.

Though the original 3 partners sold the parent company and retired in February of 2023, the Blackfoot partnership legacy continues through BFD Moto, led by partner, Dean Thompson. They are an authorized full line Husqvarna and Gas Gas motorcycle & Ebike dealership, WP Suspension Service Centre and continue to represent the heritage of the Blackfoot brand.

Reflecting on their careers dating back to the mid-1970s, Douglas MacRae, Jason Mitchell and Patrick Chambers are always ready to reminisce about the pivotal role they played in shaping and driving the powersports industry in Canada over the last 50 years.

Above all, they take the most pride in the enduring partnership they’ve built over the years, fostering lasting friendships and relationships with loyal staff, OEM representatives, aftermarket distributors and the incredible racers who helped shape the Blackfoot Motorcycle, Motosports and Racing Dynasty from 1970 to 2023.

After more than 50 years of relentless dedication to selling, servicing and racing, they are deeply thankful to everyone who played a part in making this extraordinary legacy possible.

Wheel and Feather Forever!!!

Al Perrett - Class of 2018

Vada — Fri, 25 Jan 2019 18:33:21 +0000

Al Perrett - Class of 2018 Vada Fri, 01/25/2019 - 13:33

From the day that Al was offered a ride on a 250 BSA, he was hooked

From the day that someone offered Al Perrett a ride on a 250 BSA, he was hooked. He was only 14 but thought that motorcycles were awesome. Motorcycles however, would have to wait as his love of skiing got in the way. He competed from the age of 16 until he was 22, even trying out for the Olympics in 1961.

Al tried working at various jobs but was not enthused and his brother suggested he go into the motorcycle business. In 1966, he borrowed $4000 from the bank, bought five little Suzukis and opened a small shop in Richmond. It didn’t take long before he moved to larger quarters selling Yamahas. Money was tight but Al bought out Tyne Side Repairs, a long-time established dealership. This purchase saved his bacon as he had truck loads of parts for sale and was soon able to pay off the bank as well as Deeleys for the Yamahas. He was even able to move to a larger location.

Al purchased a Montessa and started motocross racing at Totem Raceway in Aldergrove. MX was OK but Al’s preference was cross country and he raced the Ashcroft cross country event numerous times, coming close but never winning.

In 1972, Al sold his Yamaha shop and moved to Kamloops starting Kamloops Honda. Now he was able to compete more and won his first cross country race.

Dan Amor talked Al into going to the Six Days Trials in Italy in 1974. All he had was an XL350 which he put aluminum bars on, Koni shocks and a Snuff-or-not muffler. He made it to day 5 but crashed, landing in the hospital for a couple of days. Al thought this was such a great event that he continued to race the ISDT over the next decade. At the Isle of Man in 1975, he earned a Bronze medal and a Silver in Austria in 1975. He entered the 1977 Czech event and the 1980 one in France but broke down both times and did not finish. Day 5 must have been his unlucky number as his DNF’s and crash all happened on that day.

Al was so impressed with the ISDT events that he organized two-day qualifier events in Kamloops and encouraged a lot of the local riders to go to the 6 days. He also did a lot of trail work with many dedicated riders and organized many races over the years.

In 1973 and 1975, Al was offered a Harley-Davidson franchise and turned it down. In 1977, Don James made him an offer he couldn’t refuse – 6 prepaid Harleys, no interest, pay when you sell them and ship them back collect if it doesn’t work out. This was one of Al’s best business decisions.

In 1986, a disastrous fire destroyed the business. Robyn Muglich, a longtime employee and Shirley Perrett worked tirelessly with Al without pay, to salvage as much as they could. Things worked out and the business slowly grew and thrived again.

Kamloops Harley-Davidson was the sponsor for the Harley Owners Group from 1988 to 2016. This chapter raised $850,000 for Muscular Dystrophy. Their poker runs have been amazing with one event raffling off ten Harleys. Over the years, the dealership donated many gifts as well as cash to local charities. These donations as well as the HOG events helped to support and benefit the community.

In 1990, Al rode his first Baja 1000 and finished! He was hooked! He has competed in 17 Baja races with different team mates over the years winning class 50 and 60 numerous times. His last race was in 2012. Al grew to love the Baja and eventually bought some property and built a small house there where he spends his winters.

In 2003, Al wanted to start a small ride for close friends and family at Sun Peaks. It is called “Round the Peaks” and has been an annual event ever since.

Many riders have been inspired and encouraged by Al over the years which he didn’t realize until lately when people started to express this to him.

Al is very proud that he survived 50 years in the motorcycle business through some very tough times. According to Malcolm Hunter, “His customer service is legendary and has been the cornerstone of his success from the start.” The business grew from 2-4 people and had 28 employees when he sold to Barnes Harley-Davidson in 2016.

Al is grateful he could follow his passion for motorcycles as a career.

Led Szmek - Class of 2024

Vada — Sun, 23 Mar 2025 18:08:55 +0000

Led Szmek - Class of 2024 Vada Sun, 03/23/2025 - 14:08

An inate ability to visualize what would make them work

Led Szmek grew up in Whitehorse, Yukon before moving to Prince George, BC in the 1960s. Led was a typical 60’s hot rodder, modifying cars and motorcycles with a passion and ability that he still possesses. He left high school early to get on with life and, as it turns out, that would have no bearing on his genius for understanding the dynamics of all things mechanical, design, fabrication and just plain how to get it right.

Led was one of the original and founding members of the Prince George MC club that was formed in the mid-sixties to promote motocross, cross country and bring together riders and enthusiasts of the sport. Led was a solid supporter of all club activities.

Shortly after his move to Kamloops, Led started a small backyard machine shop, learned how to tig weld, offering frame and suspension mod-ification as well as machining services. About this same time, Led became interested in flat track racing and started modifying motocross bikes to perform as flat trackers. He played with frame geometry and suspension settings until the bikes started to handle closer to the way he thought they should. Led intuitively knew how to improve their performance on the track.

He began competing in short track, ¼ mile, ½ mile and ice racing throughout BC, Alberta and Washington state. Led had consistent podium finishes gaining more insight into what was working and how they handled.

In 1973 he moved to Vancouver area and partnered up with Dennis Curtis at Curtis Mfg. Led refined his understanding of proper frame jigging, geometry, machining and developed his legendary “every bead perfect” tig welding skills. The shop not only produced complete frame kits but offered modifications to racers looking for an edge on the competition. He was the driving force in developing the frame building process with his innate ability to visualize what had to be done, then make it happen. He began to include some of his now signature innovations and design concepts that have endured for over 50 years as the pinnacle of flat track frame performance. Led was a driving force in frames and complete race bikes that won or placed well at Daytona, Houston TT/short track, Ascot and all the Pacific Northwest TT tracks.

When Curtis Mfg. closed their doors, Led seized the opportunity and created his now historic “Panther Racing Frames” brand. He set up a machine shop and often burned the midnight oil to get a frame or build completed for countless numbers of racers and rarely charged what he should have.

Led was tracked down by Rick Hansen (man in motion) to design and build Rick’s first marathon race wheel-chairs that took Rick to several international wins.

Around 1980, Led opened Cycle Associates with Bill Hilland offering collision repair, performance engine tuning with frame design and fabrication through Panther Racing. His racing frames continued to evolve, produce more fans and become the top tier flat track frame design that endures today. Racing was still the main focus of the business and often there would be a “closed, gone racing” sign on the shop door. After 10 years, Cycle Associates was wound up and Led once again was going solo. Building and selling motorcycle frames was not a money maker and Led continued to offer welding, alloy wheel and frame repair services to pay the bills through his new name, Ledco Welding.

Led moved again to a shop in Langley. Ledco Welding offered a variety of services. At this time Led got involved in building and racing mini sprint cars at local ovals. His cars were impeccably prepared and handled as good if not better than others on the track.

Wishing to get out of the congestion of the Fraser Valley, Led moved to a rural property West of Quesnel, and yes, built another machine shop. He started building hot rods, marine components and offered a variety of related services. Shortly after the move to Quesnel, Led was tracked down by Don Galloway, Carl Blomfeldt and others begging him to once again build his legendary flat track frames which he has been building ever since.

Now in his mid-70s, Led still takes on new prototype projects utilizing Yamaha, Triumph, Rotax, can am, Godden, Honda and many more motors for racers across the world, shipping frames to Germany, United Kingdom, Australia and the United States. Each frame project starts with the selected motor and concept then progresses to full sized detailed drawings that include appropriate wheelbase, rider height, head angle, engine mounts, shock and fork geometry. Design then is transferred into building the jig that will keep all the frame members correctly aligned throughout the assembly. This is about as “hand made” as it gets. Each frame takes 3 to 4 weeks to complete the build.

Led and his wife live in rural Quesnel where he still “goes down to the shop” daily to create his masterpieces of art, design and performance.

Led has built frames for – Jon Cornwell, Chris Evans, Peter Grant , Kurt Bieger, John Parker, Doug Sehl, all champions inducted into the Canadian Motorcycle Hall of Fame, thanks to Led!!