Unemployment line to two-time World Champion – is there any wonder why Fred Merkel became one of the favorite racers of his era? (Larry Lawrence photo)
Fred Merkel was dealt a bad hand. After winning three-straight AMA Superbike Championships and tallying the most AMA Superbike wins in series history, he was given a pink slip by American Honda.
Most riders would have been devastated by losing their plum factory ride and fade away into obscurity, but not Merkel.
In one of the greatest reinventions in road racing history he picked up, moved to Italy to race in the European championships, then after the World Superbike Championship was launched in 1988 he became two-time World Superbike Champion. Talk about making lemonade from lemons.
Unemployment line to two-time World Champion – is there any wonder why Fred Merkel became one of the favorite racers of his era? You can read more about Merkel’s career here.
Rider Files 
In the early-mid 70’s Fred rode Honda XR 75’s at the San Jose Indoors and Lodi etc. You could see his “Champion” caliber abilities growing every week. Randy Mamola was the same way. It was a pleasure to watch them grow into who they are today. The most Champions in RR, MX, Dirt track history are those from District 36!!
Steve
50L
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