The most visible change was, he painted it green and white, with OSSA really big on the tank.
One of his action shots was used on the brochure for the new DMR.Įd took it home, and like any other racer, made some adjustments to make to his own. Ed hammed it up and they got some good shots. While there, they had someone photograph Ed in his new Ossa leathers on the DMR at the track on site. The initial plan was to produce 99 of these bikes, but not before some prototypes were built and given to some fast racers to help promote this campaign.Ī deal was made and Ed was soon on his way to Schenectady, NY to pick up his DMR. Flat track was becoming very popular in the states, so the idea of a competitive, national-caliber replica needed to be available to racers of all levels.
Dick, along with Ossa and John Taylor had put together an Ossa short tracker that was pretty hot right out of the box. Ed then told me how Dick Mann had chosen him as one of the racers to pilot his new creation, the Ossa DMR. Glad I was sitting down, as I wanted to hear this story, firsthand. Of course I did! He continued, "That racer, just happened to be ME!” “Them leathers were worn by the factory-sponsored Ossa racer when he won Daytona in 1971 on a brand new DMR.
Of course I had to ask, “What’s up with them?” His smile got bigger and he said, “Pull up a chair and let me tell you something.” One thing caught my eye in particular: a pair of white and green leathers with "Ossa" on the front and the Ossa “clover like” trademark up and down the sleeves and legs. “Come on in and let’s get us a motorcycle straightened out!” he said.Īfter we unloaded, he gave us the tour there were pictures, old gear, pure racing history hanging everywhere in that building that, at one time or another, also housed a couple franchised marques, and built and maintained countless motorcycles over the years. Upon arrival at Road and Track motorcycles, a stout man with the walk of a long time racer greeted us with a big smile, a smooth southern drawl and a handshake that could break an axe handle. I guarantee, you will leave with a well-sorted bike and a new best friend.”Īs usual, Woody was spot on. Woody continued, "He’s a racer that is there to help other racers. I asked Woody for advice on where to go and he replied, “Considering the first race is in Neeses, SC, my dear friend Ed Salley has a shop close by and he will be happy to help us however he can." I asked the usual questions, where’s he located, and what would his compensation would be for his help? Woody gave me his address in Orangeburg, SC and assured me, that I would be well taken care of. Unfortunately, several inches of snow in Pennsylvania left me with no place to run it in and shake it down. On one of my many trips to Daytona for the vintage races, circa 2000, I had just put my Boss framed, H-D MX-250 together with a new motor, courtesy of Woody Kyle. And if I can’t have it, I want it to be saved and shared with everyone. Whether it’s a program from a race gear, bike, whatever. So anytime I come across something, the desire to get my hands on it is always there. The history of the sport means a lot to me, as I have been around it as long as I can remember. Most of you may know that vintage flat track racing is my passion collecting, restoring, watching, racing, etc. Hold on to your helmets, folks, this one is a good one! Usually, the main reason why it’s being restored is so that special and unique story can live on for many years to come. In some way or another, every restoration project has a story to tell.
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