Joe Leonard who, like John Surtees, won major championships on two and four wheels, passed away last Thursday at the age of 84 following an extended illness. Leonard, a San Diego native who moved to San Jose, California, as a 16-year-old to chase his racing dream, established himself as one of America’s foremost motorcycle racers by winning AMA Grand National Championships in 1953, 1954, 1956 and 1957, and finishing 2nd in 1955, 1958 and 1959. Realizing, however, that the fun of racing motorcycles had faded since he’d won “everything,” Leonard quit the bikes in 1961 to pursue rides with four wheels.
After first racing modified stock cars on the West Coast, he joined the USAC Stock Car circuit with the help of friend and fellow former bike racer Paul Goldsmith. He became Goldsmith’s teammate in Ray Nichels-run Dodges for the 1964 season, won the race at DuQuoin and finished 5th in the points to earn Rookie of the Year honors.
No Subscription? You’re missing out
Get immediate ad-free access to all our premium content.
Get Started
