1986 Magoo Invitational Benefit Event - Roger De Coster & Marty Smith (RIP) - Tom Stover Photo 1986
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On This Day - There seem to be an intense competitiveness at every level - The past MX Champions / MX Legends and also the current MX Champions and Pros at that time (now Motocross legends of their era) were battling each other as if it was the last race of a Championship season and every position and point mattered.
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Brad Lackey Leading Roger De Coster - 1986 Magoo Invitational benefit event - Tom Stover Photo |
I saw the disappointment and frustration on a few MX legends faces that day
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| Bob Hannah - 1986 Magoo Invitational benefit event - Tom Stover Photo |
I understood
their competitive spirit - no matter what kind of challenge, game or competition
it is, - there's a driving force to win; that us mortals could only dream about
that made them Champions, but this wasn't an AMA Motocross National or World MX
Championship
This was The Danny "Magoo" Chandler Invitational Benefit Event
and Family, Friends, ex Competitors, and Thousands of People were there in Support of "Magoo" – Icons of the Motocross World came from all parts of the country and globe – Motocross World Champions – Multi time Motocross World Champions – MX National Champions Fellow Motocross Competitors – Motocross legends from the past / friends
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| 1986 Magoo Invitational benefit event - Tom Stover Photo |
And it meant a great deal to them to be there for Danny; it meant a lot for everyone and especially to Danny Chandler
Danny’s Family and Close friends were in abundance and many Local Motocrosser’s - Juniors to Pros – Veterans to Old Timers - Even the Iconic legend himself Dick “Bugsy” Mann” (RIP) and so many other Icons of Motocross were there in attendance that day to show their support
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| Dick "Bugsy" Mann with my twin Brother Todd - 1986 Magoo Invitational benefit event - Tom Stover Photo |
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| Dick "Bugsy" Mann - 1986 Magoo Invitational benefit event - Cycle News / Kit Palmer photo |
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| Dick "Bugsy" Mann - 1986 Magoo Invitational benefit event - Tom Stover Photo |
The Race action was nothing short of spectacular
The Motocross Legends having dusted off the cobwebs and the young guns always ready to Rock & Roll; made for an exciting day of racing.
Seeing Jim Holley lead the pack coming out of the first turn ahead of Jeff Ward, Ron Lechein and other very fast top Motocross riders of that time was a “DID YOU SEE THAT!” moment as they roared on by.
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| Jim Holley #12 - 1986 Magoo Invitational benefit event - Tom Stover Photo |
I witnessed some very intense seemingly revived rivalry on the track from the "Past Champions" competitors.
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| Billy Grossi ahead of Marty Smith (RIP) - Tom Stover Photo |
#PB Unknown - #MS Marty Smith - Cycle News / Kit Palmer Photo
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A frustrated Bob Hannah with a malfunctioning clutch, blasted by as another rider behind him gets completely sideways coming out of a corner.
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| Bob Hannah - Tom Stover Photo |
I got a front row view of Marty Smith (RIP) laying it down practically at my feet where I was standing!
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| Marty Smith (RIP) - Tom Stover Photo |
The intensity during every Moto was full of hard charging, Dirt Roosting, Dust Flying Action!
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| Darrell Schultz on the Gas! - Tom Stover Photo |
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| Tim Hart (RIP) - Tom Stover Photo |
And of course, seeing “The Man” Roger De Coster roosting out of a corner and then meeting him in the pits later was an added highlight for sure!
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| Roger De Coster Roosting away as Marvin Woods (RIP) looks away - Tom Stover Photo |
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| Roger De Coster - Tom Stover Photo |
Another Motocross World Champion George Jobe` (RIP) was there and raced, as well as the MX legend himself Jim Pomeroy (RIP) with his brother Ron Pomeroy – To Include another icon of the golden era of Motocross - Rich Thorwaldson even
One of the best battles of the day was between Billy Grossi and Marty Smith! Both moto’s were intense and exciting to watch and it had all the fans on their feet, cheering and waving them both on!
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By the end of the day, after the dust settled – after the failed clutches, bent frames, injuries mended, broken & dislocated bones set in a sling,
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| Ron Pomeroy with Dislocated shoulder and I believe Broken wrist? - Unknown Photo Credit |
There were smiles and high fives all around and one winner for each class taking home 1st place trophies and bragging rights for sure
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| Magoo Invitational Benefit Event 1986 - Tom Stover Photo |
I will never forget Ricky Johnson proudly trotting by me with his 1st place trophy in hand and was very happy to stop and allow me to take his picture when I asked him for a Photo Op
What still amazes me the most was how the thousands of Fans, Motocross family / friends /community / Fellow Competitors, all gathering around “Magoo” to show their support and provide donations for a Wheel Chair Accessible Van – Looking back, it was much more than that –
I can still remember seeing every one with this sense of compassion –Top Motocross Pros in the nation and the world; - Champions, Legends, and Icons in the Sport of Motocross - Roger “The Man” De Coster – Brad Lackey – George Jobe - Jim Pomeroy – Darrell Schultz – Billy Grossi – Jimmy Weinert – Jeff Ward - Broc Glover and so many others, surrounding Danny, and giving him their undivided attention, and at the same time, rubbing shoulders with all of us Danny “Magoo” Fans that day - Something I will never forget
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| Magoo Invitational Benefit Event 1986 - Cycle News Photo |
How do you
even fathom the words to describe it all?
I think
Billy Grossi said it best when he told me about his “Past Champions” class Win
Billy Grossi: "I wanted to be there and win it
for Danny"
(Billy rented a Race bike so he could race, and in the last moto, the rear wheel was practically disintegrating, Billy kept charging for the win because it was what he had to do to cross the finish line in first place and get the overall. Billy rode his heart out that day…)
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| Billy Grossi - 1986 - Cycle News Photo |
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| Billy Grossi - 1986 - Cycle News Photo |
Reminiscent of how “Magoo” raced back in the golden years of Motocross –
Danny’s accomplishments were not only spectacular at times, but also amazing and history making; as long as the wheels stayed upright and he didn’t take out other competitors in the process. (If you raced with and or watched Danny - you know) Danny’s race mode was to go 110%.
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| Magoo 1977 Hangtown Photo |
A crowd favorite at every track, in every state, in every country - Danny "Magoo" Chandler - Had the Heart of a Champion and proved it to us all - every time he raced.
After the racing was over that day at the 1986 Danny “Magoo” Chandler Invitational benefit event - There were happy faces all around – under the big tent. Even Bob Hannah was seen High Fiving and smiling as we all celebrated a day that all of us who were there to Support Danny Magoo Chandler, will remember and Cherish forever.
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| Brad Lackey above the trophy & Magoo - Tom Stover Photo |
Thank You All for being There!
A “Sincere Heart felt Thank You” to all the Motocross Legends and Icons, Motocross Community, Sponsors, friends, competitors, and teammates.
Thank you to all of his closest friends - sharing personal experiences and adding to his legacy that will live on forever!
Sincere Thank You to all the Danny “Magoo” Fans around the World
Special Thanks to Doriano Zacchilli and Jeff Frank & all the thousands of members at the Danny “Magoo” Chandler Facebook page - Keeping his Memory alive
BRAD LACKEY
"THANK YOU! - FOR ALL YOU DID FOR DANNY"
Googled AI
- Role in the 1986 Event: The 1986 Magoo Invitational was a two-day, star-studded event held at Prairie City SVRS to raise funds for Danny Chandler's medical expenses. Brad Lackey was not only a lead organizer but also participated in the racing, specifically in the "Past Champions" or "Legends" class.
- Supporting the Cause: Beyond the initial 1986 event, Lackey took a long-term, active role in supporting Chandler, including leading projects to raise money for a specialized van to assist in Chandler's mobility.
- Significance: Lackey's efforts were crucial in bringing together motocross legends like Marty Smith, Broc Glover, and Roger DeCoster to support their peer.
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| Cycle News / Kit Palmer Photo Photo |
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Brad Lackey & Magoo 1986 - Cycle News / Kit Palmer Photo
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Magoo 1986 - Cycle News Photo |
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| Magoo Invitational Benefit Event 1986 - Cycle News Photo |
And especially - Thank you! - Danny “Magoo” Chandler for the memories, The Inspiration, The Spectacular abilities - no one had ever done or seen before
Miraculously winning The 250cc Support Class 1978 Trans AMA
at Sears Point –
All the 250 & 500 Class MX National wins -
1981 Trans USA Season Support Class Championship!
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Magoo at the 1981 Trans USA / Prairie City OHV - Tom Stover Photo
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The "Where did He come from!" Pass for the 1982 SuperBikers Win!
And Especially, The History making 1982 Motocross and Trophee des Nations sweep, becoming the only rider in history to win all four moto’s (two 500cc and two 250cc) in a single year for Team USA, that not only shocked the world! And made us Northern California Locals “PROUD” to know you and say – “That’s our Magoo!”, but also “All” His fans around The World
You Stood out from all the Rest
The Impact you made on the Sport of Motocross and in all our lives are forever etched into our hearts
That “Magoo” grin
There will never be another Danny “Magoo” Chandler – And you will never be forgotten - Rest in Peace
(RIP to all the Motocross legends who are no longer with us)
Extra Magoo Invitational Benefit Event Photos
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| Rick "TOO HIP" Johnson - Mitch Peyton - Tom Stover Photo |
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| Johnny O'Mara - Tom Stover Photo |
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| Vet or Old Timers Race -Tom Stover Photo |
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| Brad Lackey & Roger De Coster - Tom Stover Photo |
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| AJ Whiting Suzuki Team Rider - Tom Stover Photo |
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| David Bailey - Tom Stover Photo |
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| Original Photo - Roger De Coster ahead of Marty Smith - Tom Stover Photo |
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Bob Hannah - Cycle News / Kit Palmer Photo
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| Jim Holley - Cycle News / Kit Palmer Photo |
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| Jim Holley - Cycle News / Kit Palmer Photo |
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| Jimmy Weinert - Cycle News / Kit Palmer Photo |
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| Jeff Ward - Cycle News / Kit Palmer Photo |
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| Ron Lechien - Cycle News / Kit Palmer Photo |
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| Donnie Hansen - Cycle News / Kit Palmer Photo |
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| Roger De Coster - Cycle News / Kit Palmer Photo |
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| Brad Lackey - Cycle News / Kit Palmer Photo |
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| Roger De Coster - Cycle News / Kit Palmer Photo |
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| Ron Lechien - Cycle News / Kit Palmer Photo |
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Jim Pomeroy (RIP) - Cycle News / Kit Palmer Photo
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Billy Grossi - Cycle News / Kit Palmer Photo
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Billy Grossi - Cycle News / Kit Palmer Photo
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| Brad Lackey - Cycle News / Kit Palmer Photo |
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| Jeff Ward - Cycle News / Kit Palmer Photo |
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| Ron Lechien - Cycle News / Kit Palmer Photo |
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| Roger De Coster - Cycle News / Kit Palmer Photo |
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| Marty Smith (RIP) - Cycle News / Kit Palmer Photo |
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Roger De Coster - Cycle News / Kit Palmer Photo
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Jeff Ward - Cycle News / Kit Palmer Photo
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| Brad Lackey - Cycle News / Kit Palmer Photo |
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| Roger De Coster - Cycle News / Kit Palmer Photo |
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| I recognize a few riders - Billy Grossi - Erik Kehoe? - Rich Eierstedt (RIP) - Jim Holley - Ron Lechien and I believe Broc Glover bottom left ? - Cycle News / Kit Palmer Photo |
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| Brad Lackey ahead of Roger De Coster - Cycle News / Kit Palmer Photo |
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Brad Lackey - Cycle News / Kit Palmer Photo
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