Dunlop mourns the passing of Les Washbon
Buffalo, NY: Long-time Dunlop employee Les Washbon passed away on October 30, 2015. He was 54. There is no word at this time about the cause of death or service plans.
A former flat track racer and avid runner, Washbon worked for Dunlop for 15 years, primarily as a race technician. He worked in the AMA Pro Road Race paddock for several years as well as the AMA Supercross and Motocross paddocks, and served as Dunlop’s Supermoto racing Product Manager for six years. In 2010 he returned to the AMA Pro Road Racing scene as a service tech, and was the lead contact for Dunlop-sponsored riding schools and track-day events.When Dunlop was named the official tire of AMA Pro Flat Track in 2014, Washbon spearheaded the Dunlop effort.
“Les was a racer through and through,” said Mike Buckley, Dunlop Vice President of Sales, Marketing, Research and Development. “He was a dedicated colleague and an integral part of Dunlop’s racing success for many years. He will be missed by the racing community, and the entire Dunlop family.”
More, from a press release issued by AMA Pro Racing:
Statement from AMA Pro Racing on the loss of Les Washbon
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Nov. 3, 2015) – AMA Pro Racing is deeply saddened by the passing of Les Washbon. Washbon was a longtime Dunlop Tire Technician who worked very closely with AMA Pro Flat Track officials as well as several other motorcycle racing disciplines during event weekends over the course of his 15 year tenure with Dunlop.
Washbon also competed professionally in AMA Pro Flat Track from the early 1980’s until his retirement from racing in 1995. Washbon wore the National No. 90.
“Les was a racer through and through,” said Mike Buckley, Dunlop Vice President of Sales, Marketing, Research and Development. “He was a dedicated colleague and an integral part of Dunlop’s racing success for many years. He will be missed by the racing community, and the entire Dunlop family.”
“He was a great guy,” said ex-Dunlop engineer Jim Allen. “He was a hard working guy who loved being involved in any form of motorcycle racing. Above all, Les felt his first job at any race was to look out for the safety and well-being of any rider assigned to his care. He will be missed.”
Washbon passed away on Friday, Oct. 30, 2015 at the age of 54. His obituary can be found by clicking here. A Facebook page has been created in dedication to providing details of a future celebration of Washbon’s life. The Facebook page will be updated periodically and can be found by clicking here.
About AMA Pro Flat Track:
AMA Pro Flat Track is the world’s premier dirt track motorcycle racing series and one of the longest-running championships in the history of motorsports. Sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing in Daytona Beach, Fla., the series is highly regarded as the most competitive form of dirt track motorcycle racing on the globe. For more information on AMA Pro Flat Track, please visit www.amaproracing.com/ft/, follow us on Twitter, like us on Facebook or live stream the on-track action on FansChoice.tv.
About AMA Pro Racing:
AMA Pro Racing is the premier professional motorcycle racing organization in North America, operating a full schedule of events and championships for a variety of motorcycle disciplines. Learn more about AMA Pro Racing at www.amaproracing.com.