Terry Vance

Terry Vance: From Drag Racer to Industry Legend

Terry Vance, honored as #35 on the NHRA’s list of the 50 greatest drag racers of all time, has demonstrated that retirement is just another pit stop in a race well run. After hanging up his helmet in 1988, Vance accelerated into a new chapter of his career, marked by an unparalleled knack for business and a fervent commitment to giving back to the motorcycle industry. The Sturgis Motorcycle Museum proudly welcomes him into the Hall of Fame for his remarkable contributions to the world of motorcycling.

Terry's journey began in the 1960s, fueled by an early love for two wheels. It all started when his father ingeniously grafted a 2-stroke engine from a lawn edger into an old minibike chassis. From that moment on, Terry was hooked. He started racing at Southern California drag strips as soon as he obtained his license, quickly capturing the attention of drag racing legend Russ Collins. In 1972, Collins signed Terry to his first professional contract and offered him a position at R.C. Engineering, laying the foundation for a future filled with speed.

While working at R.C. Engineering, Terry met fellow racer Byron Hines. The two forged a partnership that would become legendary in the world of motorcycle racing, racking up an impressive 14 national championships. Their shared passion for the quarter mile and vision for the future drove them to establish a company that would become a cornerstone of the motorcycle aftermarket: Vance & Hines.

Founded in 1979, Vance & Hines started as a small operation with just a handful of employees, focusing on cylinder heads, camshafts, and engine work for fellow racers. The turning point came in 1982 when they introduced their first exhaust system, which catapulted the business from four employees to over 400 in no time. Terry's transition from a kid on a minibike to one of the most celebrated motorcycle drag racers of all time was complete, as he morphed into a road race team owner and a manufacturer of high-performance motorcycle parts.

Even after claiming he had retired—twice—once in 1988 and again in 2001 after selling Vance & Hines to MAG, Terry Vance shows no signs of slowing down. He continues to lead the Harley-Davidson Screamin’ Eagle/Vance & Hines NHRA Pro Stock championship team and has taken on operational duties for Harley-Davidson’s Factory 2017 American Flat Track Series team.

“I haven’t worked since I was 17 years old. I get paid to do what I love every day…you can’t call that work!” Terry declares, embodying the spirit of passion that has driven him throughout his life.

Terry Vance's impact on the motorcycle industry extends far beyond his accolades on the drag strip. His dedication to quality and performance through Vance & Hines has redefined the aftermarket landscape for motorcyclists worldwide. As he continues to inspire future generations of riders and racers, the legacy of Terry Vance will undoubtedly roar on, like the engines of the motorcycles he has dedicated his life to.