| |
Dave Schultz Dies at the age
of 52 |
|
|
Dave Schultz, one of the most prolific racers in the history of
motorcycle drag racing, passed away February 11, 2001, following a six month battle with
colon cancer. Schultz was 52.
Schultz, who received major multi-year sponsorship from Sunoco, was know as one of the
premiere Pro Stock motorcycle racers in the world. Teamed with long-time crew chief Greg
Cope, Schultz helped elevate the class to a true professional status and for years was the
benchmark to which other teams measured themselves.
Schultz was the winningest rider in both NHRA and AMA/Prostar history. His NHRA scorecard
includes 45 event wins and 6 championships (1987-88, 1991, 1993-94, 1996). In AMA/Prostar
competition, Schultz earned 2 championships (1991, 1994) and 21 national event titles. He
also holds the record for most consecutive NHRA event wins in a row at 8 set in 1994.
In addition, Schultz recorded 7 IDBA championships and is the only racer to score
motorcycle drag racing's "Triple Crown" - simultaneous championships in NHRA,
AMA/Prostar and IDBA - which he accomplished in 1991 and 1994.
Schultz' rivalry with the late John Myers was one of the most intense in the sport. The
pair locked up the NHRA #1 plate from 1990 until 1996.
Ever the innovator, Schultz debuted his
radical Hayabusa-bodied Pro Stocker early in 2000. The project was the first serious
attempt at streamlining a Pro Stock motorcycle. His final event win came at the 2000 Matco
Tools SuperNationals, in October at Houston Raceway Park. In the midst of chemotherapy
treatments, Schultz returned to the seat of his Suzuki and scored an emotional, final
round victory over Geno Scali who was riding for ex-teammate Cope.
Schultz is survived by his wife, Meredith, son, Brian, and daughter, Kim.
|
|