Mert Lawwill, a trailblazing American dirt-track and road racing icon, was born on September 25, 1940, in the bustling metropolis of Boise, Idaho, a city renowned for its natural beauty and rich cultural heritage.
As a young enthusiast, Lawwill's passion for racing was ignited in his early years, initially as an amateur, where he honed his skills on the local TT track in Boise, and subsequently, he ventured out to participate in scramble races across the United States Northwest, a region steeped in a rich history of racing and motorsports.
His early foray into the world of racing laid the foundation for a lifelong dedication to the sport, as he continued to push the boundaries of speed and skill, eventually establishing himself as a formidable force in the world of dirt-track and road racing.
As the years went by, Lawwill's proficiency and aptitude in his craft continued to evolve, ultimately leading him to make the bold decision to transition to a professional racing career in 1963, a move that was precipitated by his relocation to the state of California. It was within this new environment that he was able to secure a contract with the esteemed Harley-Davidson in 1964, a partnership that would endure throughout the entirety of his illustrious racing career.
Mert Lawwill's remarkable accomplishments experienced a surge in momentum, as he went on to secure the prestigious 1969 A.M.A. Grand National Championship, cementing his position as a dominant force in the world of motorcycle racing. In the same year, his exceptional skills and charisma earned him the esteemed title of AMA's Most Popular Rider of the Year, a testament to his widespread appeal and enduring popularity among fans and enthusiasts alike.
As his fame and reputation continued to soar, Lawwill's talents extended beyond the racing track, as he landed a coveted co-starring role in the groundbreaking 1971 motorcycle film, On Any Sunday. This iconic cinematic achievement brought him into the spotlight alongside two legendary figures: the incomparable actor Steve McQueen, known for his rugged on-screen presence and versatility, and the pioneering off-road enthusiast Malcolm Smith, renowned for his fearless exploits and innovative approaches to motorcycle racing.
Lawrence Lawwill's impressive technical skills were on full display in the film, showcasing his remarkable abilities behind the handlebars. However, the movie also underscored a series of unfortunate occurrences, aptly referred to as "DNFs" or "did not finishes", which served as a poignant reminder of the challenges he faced during his racing career.
Despite these setbacks, Lawwill's remarkable consistency and endurance ultimately yielded an astonishing 161 career AMA Grand National finishes over the course of his 15-year racing career, a testament to his unwavering dedication and perseverance.
As a result of an inner-ear disorder that significantly impacted his balance, Lawwill was forced to retire from professional racing in 1977, bringing an end to his illustrious career.
As he continues to pursue his passion for motorsports, Lawwill now devotes a significant portion of his time to the design and development of both high-performance motorcycles and cutting-edge mountain bikes.
Not content to simply focus on his own endeavors, Lawwill has also turned his attention to creating a groundbreaking prosthetic device, one that has the potential to revolutionize the way arm amputees experience the thrill of riding a motorcycle.
This remarkable achievement is a testament to Lawwill's unwavering dedication to the racing community, as well as his boundless creative energy and innovative spirit.
Throughout his career, Lawwill has consistently demonstrated a willingness to push the boundaries of what is possible, and his latest project is no exception. By developing a prosthetic device that enables arm amputees to ride a motorcycle, Lawwill is not only furthering the advancement of motorsports technology, but also helping to create new opportunities for individuals who might have previously been excluded from the sport.
As a result, Lawwill's work has far-reaching implications, not only for the world of motorsports, but also for the wider community of individuals who are seeking to overcome physical challenges and achieve their goals.
Notable and distinguished, Lawwill's extraordinary accomplishments in the realm of motorsports have garnered widespread recognition and acclaim, ultimately resulting in his prestigious induction into the esteemed AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in the year 1998.
