Will Davis
2002, Competition
North Carolina native Will Davis' racing career began in 1984. After
32 career victories (including becoming a five-time champion of the
Motorcycle Aspault Racing Series) Will was consistently a star
contender on the AMA Grand National Circuit, ranked seventh on the
all-time AMA Grand National wins list. Though he finished in the top
five in the Grand National seven times, his personal goal of the
National Championship itself was not to be; Will was fatally injured
in a pile-up on the first lap of the Grand National on August 25,
2001 in Sedalia, Missouri. He is survived by his wife, Rhonda, and
son, Cole.
Will may not have achieved the motorcycle racing championship he
sought, but for his dedicated involvement in humanitarian efforts off
the track, he will forever be ranked a world class champion as a
human being. Will made over 1000 personal visits with terminally ill
children across the country on behalf of Racers for Kids, offering
hope, inspiration and laughter.
Last December, Will received the AMA Professional Sportsman of the
Year Award and had a reputation of being one of the "best-loved
riders on the dirt-track circuit." Fans and young riders who idolized
him found Will not only approachable and friendly, but always eager
to talk racing with them.
Will Davis' legacy of sportsmanship, humanity and kindness will live on.
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