Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

By David Swarts

Former racer Dick Hammer died from cancer Thursday, January 16 at his home in San Clemente, California. He was 64.

Hammer started his racing career on the dirt tracks of Southern California before turning Pro in 1961. In 1962, Hammer won his one and only Grand National dirt track event, taking the TT race win at Peoria on a Harley-Davidson. Hammer also road raced and won the International Lightweight 100K on an Aermacchi/Harley-Davidson in 1963 and 1964.

Most fans, however, will remember Hammer for the 1967 Daytona 200. In that race, Hammer was battling for the lead with his factory Triumph teammate Gary Nixon when a crew member’s rag got sucked into one of his carburetors during a pit stop. Hammer was able to pull the rag free and put his head down to make up time to Nixon. In his charge, Hammer fell, breaking his collarbone, but Hammer picked his Triumph back up and continued to finish seventh in the race. Hammer retired from professional racing in 1972 and was inducted into the Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 2000.

Memorial services are pending.