Jim Pomeroy (motocross)
Jim Pomeroy (November 16, 1952 - August 6, 2006) was an American professional motocross racer.
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Professional racing career
Born in Sunnyside, Washington, Pomeroy became the first American rider to win a FIM world championship motocross race when he rode a Bultaco Pursang to victory in the 1973 250cc Spanish motocross Grand Prix.[1] At the time, European riders still dominated the sport of motocross and Americans weren't considered as talented. The news of his victory created a huge wave of excitement in America where motocross was undergoing an explosive growth in popularity. His victory signaled that American motocross riders were ready to compete with the best in the world. He retired from competitive motocross in 1980.
In 1987, Pomeroy was a passenger in a vehicle that was involved in a crash that left him with permanent damage to his back. Still, his involvement with the sport remained constant as he competed in vintage events conducted motocross schools throughout the Northwest. His extremely outgoing nature and tremendous sense of humor made Jim a most welcome speaker at motocross events worldwide. Pomeroy was inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 1999.[1] He raced with AHRMA till his death after mid-Ohio in 2006.
On August 6, 2006 Pomeroy was killed when his Jeep rolled in a single vehicle accident near Yakima, Washington.[2]
Career Highlights[1]
- The first American to win an FIM World Championship MX Event (Spain 1973)
- The first rider to win his debut World GP MX race (Spain 1973)
- The first American to lead the World MX Championship (Spain 1973)
- The first rider to win a World MX GP on a Spanish MX bike (Bultaco)
- The first winner of an indoor Supercross race (Houston, 1974)
- The first American to lead the Trans-AMA Championship (1975)
- The first American to win a moto at the U.S. 500cc GP race (Carlsbad 1977)
- The first non-world champion to win the Trophies des-Nations event (1974)
Motocross Grand Prix Results
- 1973 250cc Motocross World Championship - 7th (Bultaco)
- 1974 250cc Motocross World Championship - 14th (Bultaco)
- 1975 250cc Motocross World Championship - 7th (Bultaco)
- 1976 250cc Motocross World Championship - 4th (Bultaco)
- 1977 250cc Motocross U.S. Championship - 3rd (Honda)
- 1978 250cc Motocross U.S. Championship - 5th (Honda)
