Following in the footsteps of his famous father, Ed “Iron Man” Kretz Sr., Eddie had a very successful racing career, including winning the 1955 Peoria TT National, plus top off-road finishes at Catalina and Big Bear, as well as being the Pacific Coast TT Champion three times.
He went on to work with his father for many years at their Ed Kretz and Son dealership in Monterey Park, as well as serving on the Trailblazers Board of Directors alongside his wife Elaine until they relocated to Colorado.
The Dick Hammer Award recognizes individuals who achieved greatness as a result of their drive, desire and determination. It was created in 2000 with its first honoree being the late-Dick Hammer, who was at the time was enduring a long battle with cancer. In the years to follow many legendary motorcyclists have been added, including 2012 award winner Sammy Tanner.
The Trailblazers Board of Directors is proud to bestow its top award on someone who has contributed so much to the motorcycle sport and to the Trailblazers. The 69 th annual banquet will be held on Saturday, April 6, 2013 at the Carson Center in Carson, CA. Tickets will go on sale January 1st online at www.trailblazersmc.com
TRAILBLAZERS ANNOUNCE HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 2013
After months of meetings and deliberations, the Trailblazers Board of Directors has made its final decision on 8 new inductees to its Hall of Fame who will be honored at the 2013 banquet on April 6 th. The new inductees are (alphabetically):
• Larry Bergquist (Posthumous award): “The Desert Fox,” who won overall 32 of the 106 District 37 desert races he competed in during the 1960s and ‘70s.
• Jim Connolly: Pioneer off-road and motocross racer who also shared his expertise testing products and reporting for motorcycle publications.
• Lori Conway: Leading female off-road racer with numerous victories, as well as having a long and successful career in the motorcycle industry.
• Larry Huffman: Aggressive and exciting race announcer who helped build fan attendance in Speedway, Supercross and other racing events. Also successful in television and radio productions.
• Walt Mahony (Posthumous award): Original owner of Ascot Park, best known for his photography of racing at Ascot and other west coast races.
• Stu Morley (Posthumous award): Part of the original Ascot BSA Wrecking Crew. Also competed in Speedway racing during its revival in the 1960s.
• Buddy Stubbs: Has had a lifetime in motorcycling, including a successful racing career, work as a movie stuntman and owner of motorcycle dealerships in Arizona.
• Tom White: Former Class C Pro racer. Went on to build a successful motorcycle exhaust and accessory manufacturing business and today operates a motocross museum.
Stay tuned here between now and the banquet as we will be providing more details about the life and times of each of our new inductees.
The 69th annual Trailblazers banquet will be held at our same location, the Carson Center in Carson, CA on Saturday, April 6, 2013. Tickets will go on sale January 1st.
