The Last American in 350cc Grand Prix (1981)

• Larry Lawrence
Here’s an incredibly rare photo from the files of photographer extraordinaire Rich Chenet. It’s Rich Schlachter racing in the 350cc Grand Prix aboard a Solitude Yamaha at Assen in 1981. The ride was arranged through Kenny Roberts according to Schlachter’s sponsor Bob MacLean. MacLean said, “Rich rode (350cc) World Champion Jon Ekerold’s back-up bike and although it wasn’t really set up for his style, I think he really did well before being forced to retire when the shift lever broke.” A bit of trivia, the ride by Schlachter at Assen (the last round of the class in ’81) marked the final time an American raced in the 350cc GP class. The championship ended after ’82, a season in which no Americans raced, so Schlachter ended up with that rather obscure honor. (Rich Chenet photo)
#richschlachter #motogp #350ccgp #lastamerican #solitudeyamaha #350ccgrandprix #dutchtt

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