FLASHBACK: MARTY SMITH

Marty Smith

Gone, but not forgotten By Mitch Boehm

As I write this, it’s been a year since three-time AMA National Champion and Hall of Famer Marty Smith passed away along with wife Nancy in a freak dune buggy accident in the California desert — and it’s still hard for the industry and fans that loved them to comprehend.

You simply would not find a nicer guy and gal, and of course Marty was brilliant on his factory Hondas throughout much of the 1970s, where he won plenty and set an example for young motocrossers everywhere to emulate.

Since we’re featuring epic photos and photographers in this issue, it’s fitting we chose this legendary image of Marty at the 1975 125cc USGP at Mid-Ohio Moto Park, shot by longtime Cycle News and Dirt Rider editor and photographer Charlie Morey. I attended several of those USGP and Trans-AMA events at the Lexington track back in the ’70s and I have to tell you, they were simply epic for a young teen motocrosser like myself. World-class motocross with a touch of

Woodstock Festival thrown in.

Godspeed, Marty and Nancy.

This and other stunning motocross photos by Charlie Morey can be purchased at https://bit.ly/3gn57ZX.

TRACTION FOR ALL