Bill Sharpless
Nationality: Canadian
Years with can-am: 1973
Key Races: 1973 ISDT dnf
Summary: Bill Sharpless was the owner of Sonic Motorcycles in Toronto, a well-known can-am dealer, but this was secondary to his considerable success as a racer in scrambles, enduro, trial, road racing, dirt track and ice racing. He won a number of Canadian championships in these disciplines throughout the 1950s and 1960s. He retired from competition in 1974 due to arthritis. He is also the father of Blair Sharpless.
Billy Uhl
Nationality: American
Years with can-am: 1974
Key Races: 1974 ISDT gold
Summary: Billy is the youngest ever winner of an ISDT gold medal, achieving that in 1969 at the age of 19. Along with enduro, Billy raced in motocross, trials, dirt track and oval racing, including riding in the 1974 ISDYT earning a gold medal on his can-am.
Blair Sharpless
Nationality: Canadian
Years with can-am: 1980-1986
Key Races: 17 Canadian National Championships, 18 Ontario Provincial Championships, 10 International Six Day Enduro(ISDE)Medals: 1980 Brioude France 350cc bronze, 1984 Holland Bronze Medal, 1985 Italy Silver Medal, 1986 Poland Silver Medal & Ontario Cup, 1987 France: Silver Medal & Ontario Cup, 1989 Germany Gold Medal & Ontario Cup, 1990 Sweden Silver Medal & Ontario Cup, 1993 Holland Silver Medal & Ontario Cup
Summary: Blair is one of Canada’s most successful enduro riders and competed for can-am in races across Canada and USA, along with numerous ISDE events.
Bob Barker
Nationality: American
Years with can-am: 1974 to 1978 (as an employee)
Key Races: AMA Speed Record APS-AG-125cc 128.5mph and APS-A 125cc 136.5mph
Summary: Bobs history with can-am started in 1973 when he used a bike at Bonneville to set a land speed record on 125cc at 138 mph (a record that stood for 35 plus years). Bon went on to work at can-am leading the design team for the 500cc two stroke street bike and later in 1978 he was named the can-am MX race-team manager.
. In 1978 Bob was the Can-Am MX race-team manager and he convinced can-am to let him establish a motocross testing centre Gainesville, Florida, because of its warm weather and close proximity to Gatorback motocross track. Bob oversaw the Can-Am test riders and the development of parts until the end of the Can-Am motorcycle program.
Bob Fisher
Nationality: Canadian
Years with can-am: 1972-1976 (as an employee)
Key Races: 1973 ISDT gold, 1974 ISDT dnf, 1975 ISDT bronze, 1976 ISDT bronze, 1977 ISDT bronze. Bob is also credited with wining several motocross victories in 1972 aboard early prototype can-ams.
Summary: Bob was not an official rider with can-am but worked as the engineering manager within the Research and Development group at can-am. Looking at his success, he was certainly a capable rider.
Buck Murphy
Nationality: American
Years with can-am: 1975 - 1977
Key Races: 1975 Supercross Stadium Series third
Summary: Buck raced both motocross and enduro for can-am, but was often beset by injury
Craig Howe
Nationality:
Years with can-am:
Key Races: 1979 ISDT dnf
Summary:
Craig Kennedy
Nationality:
Years with can-am:
Key Races: 1980 ISDT bronze
Summary:
Craig Woods
Nationality:
Years with can-am:
Key Races: 1979 ISDT bronze, 1980 ISDT bronze
Summary:
Dewayne Jones
Nationality: American
Years with can-am: 1974
Key Races: 1974 Hangtown Motocross Classic
Summary: Dewayne and Gary Jones were signed at the same time, but injury meant Dewayne had very few rides with can-am.
Eddie Cole
Nationality: American
Years with can-am:
Key Races: April 1978 Hangtown Motocross Classic 250MX
Summary:
Eric Neilson
Nationality:
Years with can-am:
Key Races: 1973 ISDT silver
Summary:
Frank Sutton
Nationality:
Years with can-am: 1979 ISDT dnf
Key Races: Summary:
Gary Edmond
Nationality: American
Years with can-am: 1975-1976
Key Races: 1975 ISDT bronze, 1976 ISDT bronze
Summary: He was a New England Grand Champion Enduro Racer. He also raced motorcycles in four International Six Day Trials in Europe winning two gold medals and a bronze
Gary Jones
Nationality: American
Years with can-am: 1974 to early 1975
Key Races: 1974 250cc National Motocross Championships 1st
Summary: Gary competed in the AMA Motocross Championships from 1971 to 1976, winning it in 1974 for can-am. He then successfully defended his national championship in 1973 and 1974, winning three consecutive 250cc motocross national championships while competing on three different brands of motorcycles, a feat which has never been repeated. in AMA motocross history Although Jones didn't win a race overall, he rode consistently to secure his third consecutive 250cc national championship for a third manufacturer. When he suffered a severe leg injury at the season opening Daytona supercross in 1975, upon which can-am bought out his contract.
Gary Semics
Nationality: American
Years with can-am:
Key Races:
13 SUPERCROSS Anaheim 250SX November 11, 1978
7 MOTOCROSS Sunshine Speedway 500MX August 27, 1978
10 MOTOCROSS Metrolina Speedway Park 500MX August 20, 1978
10 MOTOCROSS Agency Motocross 500MX August 13, 1978
10 MOTOCROSS Pine Top Motorcycle Park 500MX August 6, 1978
5 MOTOCROSS Atlanta International Raceway 500MX July 16, 1978
10 MOTOCROSS High Point Raceway 500MX July 9, 1978
4 SUPERCROSS Los Angeles 250SX June 24, 1978
6 MOTOCROSS Cycle World USA 500MX June 18, 1978
11 MOTOCROSS Sears Point International Raceway 500MX June 11, 1978
9 MOTOCROSS Lake Whitney Cycle Ranch 500MX May 28, 1978
20 SUPERCROSS New Orleans 250SX May 20, 1978
13 SUPERCROSS Pontiac 2 250SX April 2, 1978
13 SUPERCROSS Pontiac 1 250SX April 1, 1978
8 SUPERCROSS Houston 2 250SX March 18, 1978
17 SUPERCROSS Houston 1 250SX March 17, 1978
17 SUPERCROSS Daytona 250SX March 11, 1978
9 SUPERCROSS Atlanta 250SX March 4, 1978
Summary: Known for his race schools after his professional riding career ended, Gary raced won the 500cc Supercross Championship in 1974 on a Husqvarna. Gary raced for can-am in 1979, with his best result as 4th in the Los Angeles Supercross.
Geoff Ballard
Nationality: Australian
Years with can-am: 1984-1987
Key Races:
Summary: Geoff's best known as an enduro rider with 12 ISDE Gold Medals and three US national off-road titles, Geoff joined can-am in 1984, basing himself in the USA where he won 3 off-road championships.
Glen Evans
Nationality: Canadian
Years with can-am:
Key Races: 1980 ISDT bronze
Summary:
Grant Bond
Nationality: Canadian
Years with can-am:
Key Races:
Summary:
Jeff Smith
Nationality: British
Years with can-am: 1972 to 1987 (last raced in 1978)
Key Races: 1973 ISDT bronze, 1975 ISDT gold, 1976 ISDT gold, 1977 ISDT gold, 1978 ISDT bronze, numerous motocross and enduro victories for can-am.
Summary: Jeff is a former twice world scrambles champion winning FIM 500cc Motocross World Championships in 1964 and 1965, including two British Trials Championships, multiple British Experts Trial wins, four individual race wins in the Motocross des Nations, one Scottish Six Days Trial win and eight ISDT Gold Medals.
For most people, Jeff Smith needs no introduction. As one of the driving forces behind can-am, Jeff provided the world champion race expertise and European perspective to Gary Robinson, the lead engineer designing the first bikes. Jeff can also claim setting can-am on their winning streak with a silver medal in the 1973 ISDT on a 175 TnT
Before joining can-am, Jeff had developed impeccable pedigree of race experience and victories. This includes 500cc World Motocross Championship in 1964 and 1965 on a BSA. In addition Jeff was a six time member of the winning British Motocross des Nations team and earned 8 gold medals in the ISDE in 11 competitions.
On retiring from active completion, except for ISDT’s, Jeff joined can-am in 1970 to work with Gary Robinson in the development of the can-am. He worked with can-am for nearly its entire existence, including when the assembly of the bikes transferred to Armstrong in the UK.
His attitude to racing is best summarised in his infamous quote “My wife said to me 20 years ago, ‘It’s time for you to stop racing’.” “I said ‘OK, I’ll just ride from now on’. “So I just ride these days”.
Jerry Harris
Nationality:
Years with can-am:
Key Races: 1975 ISDT bronze, 1976 ISDT bronze
Summary:
Jim Holley
Nationality: American
Years with can-am:
Key Races:
18 MOTOCROSS Moto-X 338 250MX May 17, 1981
20 SUPERCROSS Pontiac 2 250SX April 26, 1981
15 MOTOCROSS Lake Whitney Cycle Ranch 250MX April 12, 1981
41 SUPERCROSS Daytona 250SX March 7, 1981
Summary: After starting his professional racing career with Honda, Jim switched to can-am for the 1981 and 1982 seasons, racing in both motocross and supercross
Jim ONeal
Nationality: American
Years with can-am: 1975 – 1977(?)
Key Races:
Summary: Jim O’Neal was a Californian motocross racer in the 1970s and 1980s, before setting up O’Neal Racing. Makers of racing products. In 1975 Jim raced for his good friend Andy Kolbe on an early Can-Am 250. The bike was a handful, but Jim did Kolbe Racing good with years of strong performances on the Canadian machine.
Jimmy Ellis
Nationality: American
Years with can-am: 1974-1978
Key Races: 1974 250cc National Motocross Championships 3rd, 1975 Supercross Stadium Series Dallas, Houston, Daytona and Superbowl first, 1976 Supercross Stadium Series Dallas and Superbowl first
16 MOTOCROSS Unadilla Motocross 500MX July 31, 1977
22 MOTOCROSS Cycle World USA 500MX July 23, 1977
15 MOTOCROSS Lake Whitney Cycle Ranch 500MX July 17, 1977
3 SUPERCROSS New Orleans 250SX June 4, 1977
3 MOTOCROSS High Point Raceway 250MX May 29, 1977
6 MOTOCROSS RedBud Track 'n Trail 250MX May 22, 1977
11 MOTOCROSS Lake Sugar Tree MX Park 250MX May 15, 1977
16 MOTOCROSS Moto-X 338 250MX May 1, 1977
1 MOTOCROSS Hillside Park 250MX April 17, 1977
10 MOTOCROSS Hangtown Motocross Classic 250MX April 10, 1977
3 SUPERCROSS Pontiac 2 250SX April 3, 1977
6 SUPERCROSS Pontiac 1 250SX April 2, 1977
1 SUPERCROSS Houston 2 250SX March 19, 1977
2 SUPERCROSS Daytona 250SX March 12, 1977
3 SUPERCROSS Atlanta 250SX March 5, 1977
22 SUPERCROSS Anaheim 250SX December 4, 1976
1 SUPERCROSS Los Angeles 250SX July 24, 1976
5 MOTOCROSS Midland Motocross Park 125MX June 20, 1976
11 MOTOCROSS Moto-X 338 250MX June 6, 1976
3 MOTOCROSS Appalachian Highlands Motorsport Park 250MX May 16, 1976
11 MOTOCROSS Towaligo River Park 250MX May 2, 1976
6 MOTOCROSS Rio Bravo MX Park 250MX April 25, 1976
13 MOTOCROSS Fastrack Motocross Park 250MX April 11, 1976
1 MOTOCROSS Hangtown Motocross Classic 250MX April 4, 1976
10 SUPERCROSS Pontiac 250SX March 27, 1976
1 SUPERCROSS Irving 250SX March 19, 1976
10 SUPERCROSS Houston 250SX March 12, 1976
3 SUPERCROSS Daytona 250SX March 6, 1976
1 SUPERCROSS Los Angeles 250SX July 19, 1975
2 MOTOCROSS Midland Motocross Park 125MX June 29, 1975
2 MOTOCROSS Omaha Moto Park 250MX June 1, 1975
10 MOTOCROSS Appalachia Lake Park 250MX May 4, 1975
3 MOTOCROSS Hangtown Motocross Classic 250MX April 6, 1975
1 SUPERCROSS Houston 250SX March 14, 1975
1 SUPERCROSS Daytona 250SX March 8, 1975
1 SUPERCROSS Irving 250SX February 28, 1975
2 MOTOCROSS Motocross West 250MX September 2, 1974
1 MOTOCROSS Highland Hills 250MX August 25, 1974
11 MOTOCROSS Moto-Masters Park 250MX August 18, 1974
1 MOTOCROSS Delta Motorsport Park 250MX August 11, 1974
13 MOTOCROSS Mid-Ohio MX Park 125MX July 21, 1974
1 MOTOCROSS Baldwin Motocross Park 125MX July 6, 1974
12 MOTOCROSS Manning Cycle Park 125MX June 30, 1974
Summary: Jimmy Ellis is one of the best-known racers for can-am. He signed with the factory in 1974 to ride the U.S. National motocross series and helped cinch 1-2-3 sweep, with Gary Jones and Marty Tripes. Jimmy raced for can-am with a number of podium finishes until he switched to Honda in 1978.
Jimmy Weinert
Nationality: American
Years with can-am:
Key Victories:
Summary: Jimmy competed in the AMA Motocross Championships from 1972 to 1980, winning 22 AMA Nationals and three AMA national championships during his racing career. Weinert's extensive career ended in 1980 on a Kolbe-sponsored can-am.
9 MOTOCROSS Lakewood Sports Cycle Park 500MX June 15, 1980
9 MOTOCROSS RedBud Track 'n Trail 500MX June 1, 1980
13 MOTOCROSS High Point Raceway 500MX May 25, 1980
John Krajcovic
Nationality:
Years with can-am:
Key Races: 1980 ISDT bronze
Summary:
John Martin
Nationality: American
Years with can-am: 1979-1987
Key Races: 1985 National Hare Scrambles championship
Summary: John was the poster boy for can-am during the 1980’s, often appearing with Geoff Ballard in sales brochures. John won one title in 1985, a National Hare Scrambles championship though he came close several times in the National Enduro chase.
Juan Benavidez
Nationality: Mexican/American
Years with can-am: 1980-1981
Key Races:
Summary: Mexican/American rider Juan Benavidez was Can-Am’s last factory-sponsored motocross rider, receiving support during the 1981 season before the company suspended its motocross-racing pursuits.
Kippy Pierce
Nationality: American
Years with can-am: 1979
Key Races: 1979 AMA Winter Series title
18 SUPERCROSS New Orleans 250SX June 2, 1979
9 MOTOCROSS Atlanta International Raceway 250MX May 27, 1979
15 MOTOCROSS Omaha Moto Park 250MX April 22, 1979
20 MOTOCROSS Canyon Raceway 250MX April 8, 1979
17 MOTOCROSS Saddleback 250MX April 1, 1979
21 MOTOCROSS Hangtown Motocross Classic 250MX March 25, 1979
Summary:
Lars Larson
Nationality:
Years with can-am:
Key Races:
Summary: Lars Larson helped introduce motocross to America and has never stopped racing The Swedish Grand Prix star is a legend. Lars was the first European Grand Prix racer to immigrate to the USA to race full-time (1968). Lars raced the original Inter-Am series, was the first Husqvarna factory rider in America, was an owner of the original THOR (Torsten Hallman Off Road) and has earned several ISDE Gold medals. An AMA Hall of Fame inductee, Lars splits his time between Sweden (summer) and the USA (winter).
Lee Robison
Nationality: American
Years with can-am: 1972
Key Races: 1972 Canadian National Junior Championship
Summary: Lee holds the distinct record of being the first ever can-am champion, winning the 1972 Canadian National JChampionship, novice division on a prototype 125 can-am.
Marty Tripes
Nationality: American
Years with can-am: 1974-1975
Key Races: 1974 250cc National Motocross Championships 2nd
Summary:
Mike Claffey
Nationality:
Years with can-am:
Key Races: 1974 ISDT dnf
Summary:
Mike Runyard
Nationality: American
Years with can-am: 1975 - 1976
Key Races: 1975 Supercross Stadium Series second
Summary: After being let go by Suzuki in December of 1974, it is reported that Mike called and begged for a ride from Can-Am and got a factory ride with them starting at Daytona in March of 1975. With can-am, he finished sixth in the 250 Nationals, upon which can-am wanted him to race in the Canadian Motocross Series, where he finished second in 1975 and won the Canadian National title in 1976. .
Rich Eierstedt
Nationality: American
Years with can-am: 1978 to 1979
Key Races: third at the 1978 AMA Atlanta 250SX event
Summary: During his career, Rich rode for Honda, Bultaco, Harley-Davidson and can-am, he won two 500cc Supercrosses (Houston and Pontiac in 1976), finished third in the 1975 AMA Supercross Championship and had top ten finishes in the AMA Nationals in 1976 (Honda), 1977 (Bultaco) and 1978 (Can-Am). Rich walked away from his can-am ride midway through second half of the 1979 season, due to a problem with alcoholism.
Ron Wheatley
Nationality:
Years with can-am:
Key Races: 1979 ISDT dnf
Summary:
Ronny Mathews
Nationality: Canadian
Years with can-am:
Key Races: 1973 ISDT dnf, 1977 ISDT dnf, 1980 ISDT silver
Summary:
Ross Lennox
Nationality: American
Years with can-am:
Key Races: 1979 ISDT trophy
Summary:
Ross Pederson
Nationality: Canadian
Years with can-am: 1979
Key Races:
Summary: Ross Pederson was the best Canadian motocross racer of all time. The numbers are astounding: 38 CMA national championships, 13 No. 1 plates and three times winner of the CMA's prestigious White Memorial Trophy He totally dominated Canadian motocross, supercross, and arenacross for more than a dozen years. Between 1980 and 1993 he won an unprecedented 42 National Championships, including all eight of the Supercross Championships held in Canada. Pederson left the sport in style, winning his final Supercross at Montreal’s Olympic Stadium in 1993 By 1979 he was competing in Canada’s National Championship as a Senior.
Skip Olson
Nationality:
Years with can-am:
Key Races: 1976 AMA Enduro national championship second
Summary: Enduro rider Skip Olson finished second to Dick Burleson in the 1976 AMA Enduro national championship
Terry Brigham
Nationality: American
Years with can-am:
Key Races: 1974 Bonneville AMA speed records 125cc, 175cc and 250c
Summary: Terry was part of the team that set 3 production records with can-am ( 125-175-250 ) in 1974 and the following year took a water-cooled 175cc and set 4 more records with it.
Tiger Wingert
Nationality:
Years with can-am:
Key Races: 1979 ISDT dnf
Summary:
Tony DiStefano
Nationality: American
Years with can-am: 1979
Key Races:
Summary: Tony raced throughout 1979 in AMA 250 SX and MX events for can-am, with his best result at Red Bud Track and Trail finishing 8th
Walter Cukavak
Nationality:
Years with can-am:
Key Races: 1979 ISDT dnf
Summary: