FIRST PERSON/OPINION Via e-mail: Legendary Motorcycle Race Starter and former Harley-Davidson factory racer from 1948-1951, AMA National #49, AL Wilcox, 92, “The Trenton Flash” from New Jersey passed away February 3, 2011 at 8:30 am at Capital Health Center, just five blocks from his home that he lived in for 82 years. Yesterday I spoke with Al over the phone and I explained his plaque that we are placing at the Daytona 200 monument on March 9. He seemed very pleased when I read it to him. “Airborne Al” was a great man! His loving wife, Julia, had passed away 12 years ago, and Al managed to keep on starting WERA races and flagging for Motorcycle Xcitement. He lived for the days he was going to the racetrack to be with his friends. And the stories he would tell were the best. In the last few years, Al’s brother Ralph, 87, has been coming to the track with Al. Al was always first man on the track and last to come in. He has started and flagged thousands of races and racers from novices to world champions for the last 52 years. He has inspired so many racers, so many fans. What an amazing person and the wonderful stories about racing and the characters involved. Funeral arrangements are being made now and we will get back to you with that information. God Bless Al Wilcox, You are the MAN! It sure was a great race, Al. You will always be in our hearts. This checkered flag is for Al Wilcox. Roger Lyle Hagerstown, Maryland Racer Bill Johnson shot this video of “Airborne Al” Wilcox during the riders’ meeting for the June 12, 2010 WERA round at Summit Point Motorsport Park, Summit Point, West Virginia. Coverage of “Airborne Al” Wilcox in the Washington Post: ~http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/gallery/2010/05/26/GA2010052602401.html~