Thursday 28 April 2011

Freight Train

Dave Aldana full steam ahead. Classic shot from stalwart Dan Mahony. Anybody know why he wasn't flying his usual #13? BP

UPDATE: From Roger, whose fantastic shots from the 70s and 80s are in SB7. Thanks Roger.
Dave Aldana's first national number was 13, which he ran from 1972-74. The next year he went to #10 and ran it through 1979. Interestingly, at least stateside, the number 13 is considered to be bad luck, and nobody rode with it in 1971, the year the AMA awarded national numbers based on the 1970 final point standings. Rick Hocking rode it after Aldana and he was a good racer, and a top competitor at vintage events up until his passing earlier this year. The next guy to run it was Randy Goss, from 1978 though the 1980 season, when he earned the #1 of the Grand National Champion. Bad luck indeed!....Roger

UPDATE 2: Thanks Roger, Yes #13 is also considered unlucky in the UK, but it doesn't stop our very own GI racing with it and having it emblazoned on his regular road helmet.

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