Everett Brashear
Everett Brashear: The Flat Track Legend Who Defied the Odds
When people talk about the golden era of flat track racing, there’s one name that stands tall among the legends of the sport: Everett Brashear. Born on January 17, 1927, in Beaumont, Texas, Everett’s journey from a novice enthusiast to a revered AMA National Champion was marked by skill, perseverance, and resilience.
From War Service to the Race Track
Like many riders of his generation, Everett’s introduction to motorcycles came after completing his service in the military. He started riding in the late 1940s, purchasing his first motorcycle, an Indian Scout, for basic transportation and the occasional street race. But it wasn’t long before he began to realize that his real passion was not just riding motorcycles—but racing them.
His competitive journey began in 1948, racing in the Bayou areas of Southeast Texas, Louisiana, and Alabama. Everett quickly caught everyone’s attention, excelling in the local circuits and climbing the ranks. In 1949, he topped the Novice division, only to repeat his success in 1950 as the #1 Amateur rider. By 1951, his trajectory was clear: Everett earned his AMA Pro Expert license, making him eligible to compete in the National Championship series.
Breaking Through at the Sturgis Rally
The first few years of pro racing were a learning curve for Brashear, but everything began to click in 1952. That summer, at the iconic Sturgis Rally, Brashear made history by winning his first AMA National Championship race. It wasn’t just a win for Everett—it was the first-ever AMA National held at Sturgis, and he was riding the all-new Harley-Davidson KR model. Brashear’s victory gave Harley’s latest racer its maiden win, instantly making him a favored rider for the Milwaukee-based factory team.
A Rising Star of the 1950s
After his breakthrough win at Sturgis, Everett Brashear’s star continued to rise. By 1953, he was on a roll, scoring four more National wins and solidifying his place among the sport’s elite riders. He had become a household name in the flat track community, known for his fearless riding style and his uncanny ability to find speed on any track surface.
But 1954 tested his mettle like never before. That year, Everett suffered a devastating crash in Alabama, leaving him in a coma for a week. For many riders, such a severe injury would have marked the end of their careers. Not for Brashear. In a remarkable show of determination, he fought his way back to the top, returning to the circuit and winning the grueling 100-mile Langhorne National—one of the most prestigious dirt track races in the country.
A Career of “What Ifs” and Triumphs
Everett’s career is filled with tales of triumph, but also some frustrating “what ifs.” One such story is from 1955, a year when the AMA changed its championship rules. For years, the winner of the Springfield Mile—the sport’s premier race—would automatically be crowned the Grand National Champion. But in 1955, the AMA switched to a points-based system. Ironically, Brashear won Springfield that year but fell short of clinching the Grand National Championship due to the new scoring structure. Had the AMA kept its old rules for just one more season, Everett would have added the coveted #1 plate to his racing résumé.
Despite this near miss, Brashear’s accomplishments were extraordinary. He racked up 15 AMA National Championship race wins during his career, dominating at legendary venues like Springfield, IL, Langhorne, PA, and Columbus, OH. His victories were not just testaments to his skill but to his grit and determination to overcome every obstacle thrown his way.
From the Race Track to the Motorcycle Industry
After hanging up his steel shoe in the early 1960s, Everett Brashear didn’t step away from the sport he loved. Instead, he transitioned to a new role within the motorcycle industry, becoming a respected figure in sales and product development. His deep knowledge of the sport and his firsthand racing experience made him a perfect fit for numerous companies over the years, including Triumph, Yamaha, Kawasaki, and Husqvarna, as well as several aftermarket parts manufacturers.
For nearly five decades, Brashear worked behind the scenes, helping to shape the products and brands that countless riders would come to rely on. He brought the same passion and professionalism to his industry roles as he had on the race track, becoming a beloved figure within the motorcycle business community.
A Well-Deserved Place in the Hall of Fame
Today, Everett Brashear’s contributions to the sport are celebrated in multiple Halls of Fame. He is an inductee of both the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) Hall of Fame and the prestigious Trailblazers Hall of Fame, recognizing not only his racing success but also his lifetime dedication to motorcycling.
Though Everett passed away in 2020, his legacy continues to inspire new generations of flat track riders. His story is not just one of speed and skill, but of overcoming adversity, persevering in the face of setbacks, and always striving to be the best—values that define not only a champion on the track, but a champion in life.
Remembering a Legend
As we look back on the career of Everett Brashear, it’s impossible not to be awed by his tenacity and resilience. Whether it was coming back from a career-threatening injury, adjusting to new rules, or adapting to the ever-changing landscape of professional racing, Brashear faced every challenge head-on. He raced in an era when motorcycles were unpredictable, safety equipment was rudimentary, and the margin for error was razor-thin. And yet, he consistently rose to the top, earning his place among the greatest flat track racers in history.
For those who knew him, Everett was more than just a talented rider—he was a pioneer, a mentor, and a tireless advocate for the sport. His legacy lives on not just in the record books, but in the memories of those who witnessed his remarkable career and in the racers who continue to follow the trail he blazed.