Brad Lackey

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Brad Lackey (born July 8, 1953 in Berkeley, California) is a former professional motocross racer and the first American to win the 500cc Motocross Grand Prix World Championship. He was known as "Bad Brad" to his fans.

In 1970, Lackey received sponsorship from a local CZ dealer and by 1971, he finished second in the U.S. National 500cc class. In 1971, CZ sent Lackey to Czechoslovakia to enter a training camp. He also got his first taste of the World Championship Motocross Grand Prix circuit when he raced in a few 250cc GP races while attending the training camp. The Kawasaki factory offered him a sponsored ride in 1972 and he won the 500cc U.S. motocross crown in dominating fashion. However, he had his sights set on the world championship Grand Prix events held in Europe. In 1973, Lackey set out on a ten year quest for, what would prove to be, an elusive^[clarify] 500cc Motocross World Championship. Over the years, he rode for several different factories including, Kawasaki, Husqvarna, Honda and Suzuki, finishing as high as second in the world in 1978 and 1980. He often encountered bad luck with bike failures at inopportune times^[clarify], prompting the European motorcycling press to dub him "Bad Luckey."^{[citation needed]} It seemed as if he would never attain his goal. Finally, in 1982, after a ten year struggle, he was able to clinch^[clarify] his first and only 500cc Motocross World Championship aboard a Suzuki. After his triumph, Suzuki scaled back their racing efforts and Lackey was left without a ride. He decided to retire on top, as world champion.

Lackey was inducted into the Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 1999. Today, Lackey continues his involvement in the sport of motocross taking part in vintage motocross racing.