One of the things I enjoyed so much about the WERA National Endurance Series when it was at its peak in the 1980s was the fact that many young up-and-coming racers from different parts of the country would have a chance to go head to head for the first time. This photo illustrates that mix of racers perfectly. Team Hammer’s John Ulrich (standing) talks to (l to r) Pete Carroll, Donnie Rowe and Fritz Kling before a WERA National Endurance race in Sept. of 1986. Carroll was a fast-rising Southern California racer who raced for Team Hammer, Rowe was one of the leading club racers in the Southeast and Kling was a young Grattan Raceway specialist who was just starting to branch out and race nationally, this weekend for the Human Race Team along with Rowe.
One of the things I enjoyed so much about the WERA National Endurance Series when it was at its peak in the 1980s was the fact that many young up-and-coming racers from different parts of the country would have a chance to go head to head for the first time. This photo illustrates that mix of racers perfectly. Team Hammer’s John Ulrich (standing) talks to (l to r) Pete Carroll, Donnie Rowe and Fritz Kling before a WERA National Endurance race in Sept. of 1986. (Larry Lawrence photo)
Rider Files 
A bunch of fast guys hanging out listening and hoping the guy with the hat will let them ride his bike….
Typical pit scene where ever JU was racing.
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Right you are Pat. Ulrich the kingmaker if you will. Or at least potential factory rider maker.
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Pete owns Hang Time Motorcycles in California. Called him to say hi after seeing this photo. I remember riding around in the old Cycle World van with him and Ski in SoCal late in the fall of 1985. It was cut in half length wise and widened about 3 feet. With out a doubt the coolest van I had ever been in! Great photo of Fritz (RIP) too, Larry.
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Fritz was fearless, fast and flawless on the track. He was ALWAYS wide open and made it look easy. Off the track he was fun to be around, always had a smile on his face, and was friendly toward everybody. Even now posting this message brings a smile to my face and a tear to my eye. RIP friend.
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