Humans Take Over

• Larry Lawrence

Ben Martinez flicks the Human Race Team Yamaha into a turn at Grattan in 1988. That year the Human Race Team upset the dominant Team Suzuki Endurance to win the WERA National Endurance Championship. If memory serves Martinez was joined by riders Kurt Hall, Andy Fenwick and Tim Morrissey. There may have been others who joined them in 24 hour races. Dave Zupan was the team owner/tuner.

I remember Hall once telling me the big Yamaha FZR1000 the team raced was set up to be very comfortable for the rider on the long stints. Almost streetbike like. That allowed the riders to settle in for long segments between pit stops and the power of the bike allowed them to do most of their passing on the straights.

Ben Martinez flicks the Human Race Team Yamaha into a turn at Grattan in 1988. (Larry Lawrence photo)

Ben Martinez flicks the Human Race Team Yamaha into a turn at Grattan in 1988. (Larry Lawrence photo)

6 thoughts on “Humans Take Over”

  1. Larry;

    I was a member of the Hardcore Endurance team in 1988. Our number was 52, the same as Ray Yoder. We went to the Grand National Final for the six-hour endurance race at Road America and were knocked out after a few (4 to 8) laps by a bent valve cover that spewed oil down the front of the motor into the fairing. This was before the requirement that a fairing be able to hold all of the oil in the motor without spilling.

    In spite of missing a race and getting knocked out of the GNF endurance race, we finished fourth for the season in Heavyweight Superbike.

    Any possibility that you have more pictures from that race?

    Thanks!

    Mark (Mad Doctor)

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  2. Larry,

    I am Ben Martinez’ daughter. Same inquiry as Mark – any more photos of this race?

    Thanks,

    Kaila Martinez

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  4. Hey Larry,

    We actually had 2 bikes, the FZ1000 and a FZR750R which I brought down from Canada. The 1000 we used a longer tracks and the 750 on the tighter circuts like Grattan. It is more than likely this is the 750 in this photo.

    The 1000 was like a big comfy couch as Kurt described with loads of power, but the 750 was far more agile and nearly as fast since it carried a bit more corner speed. Certantly faster at smaller tracks. 24hr duties were performed by the 1000, which won the Nelson Ledges and held the lead for 15hrs at Willow until it overheated from a clogged radiator.

    You are right on the riders, Tim would joins us at 24hr events or shorter events if one the 3 regulars were not able to attend.

    My daughter found this site and its great seeing this stuff, brings back fun memories.

    Hope you are doing well, if you have any other photos let me know please,

    Ben Martinez
    Human Race Team 1987-1988

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  5. Ben!

    I’m glad your daughter found us. It’s great to hear from you.

    Thanks for shedding more light on the set up you guys ran with HRT.

    I’m sure I have more photos. This winter I plan to launch a new section on the site that will have my old photos so hold tight.

    Take care
    Larry

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