In our November/December issue, we incorrectly stated that the J&P Cycles’ streamliner “J&P Express” did not set any records at the Bub International Land Speed Trials when, in fact, it did establish a new national AMA speed record of 179.940 mph in the 1,350cc pushrod gas class. Our apologies to the J&P team for overlooking
their accomplishments.



ill Bagnall, 80, former Editor and Publisher of Motorcyclist Magazine, co-founder of Motorcycle Dealernews Magazine, AMA President and long-time driving force of the Los Angeles-based Trailblazers organization, passed away November 22nd. After serving in World War II, he purchased his first motorcycle and by the late-1940s was mixing his two hobbies: motorcycles and photography. He became Editor of Motorcyclist in 1953.
     In 1965, Bagnall and Larry Hester formed a partnership and launched Motorcycle Dealernews Magazine (now Dealernews), as well as a series of motorcycle trade shows. The two partners continued together until 1970 when he sold his part of the business to Hester. Along the way, Bagnall and his wife Shirlee had purchased Motorcyclist Magazine and, in 1970, agreed to be acquired by Petersen Publishing. Bagnall continued as Publisher for a few more years until finally retiring in the early-1970s.
     In addition to his magazine work, Bagnall had become a member of the AMA Board of Directors when he was at Motorcyclist and served three terms as AMA President. With his long background in the motorcycle sport and business, it was natural that Bill took an interest in the Trailblazers organization, a group that continues today, as it has for over sixty years, with the sole purpose of holding an annual gettogether banquet. Bill was its long-time President until retiring from his post a few years back, although he maintained a President Emeritus
status. He was also inducted into the Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 1999.
     Bagnall is survived by a daughter, Tracy Bagnall Lloyd, who lives in the San Francisco Bay area. A memorial to celebrate his life and times will be held Sunday, January 28th at Joe’s Garage in Tustin, CA starting at 11:00 a.m. Attendees are asked to RSVP at: cameraexpo@aol.com and write “Bill Bagnall” on the Subject line.

Bill Bagnall (far right) enjoys a moment at a Trailblazers banquet a few years back with some of the racing fraternity that was in attendance that year. Top row from left: Dick Mann, Ernie Aragon, Don Emde, “On Any Sunday” producer Bruce Brown, Chuck Palmgren, Jody Nicholas and Keith Mashburn. Bottom row: Jim Odom, Skip Van Leeuwen, Kenny Roberts, Walt Fulton III, Gene Romero, Barry Briggs and John Hateley.

rag Specialties has announced the addition of Greg Matter to the sales force as he becomes the newest member of the Western Region. Greg comes with a degree in Business Management Systems from the Milwaukee School of Engineering. His most recent employment came from a multi-Harley Davidson dealership with stores located in the Midwest and California where he acted as General Manager. Others in his family have been actively involved in the motorcycle industry too. His father is a Senior Quality Engineer at Buell, while his brother is a General Manager for a highly respected Harley Davidson dealership.
     James McGlynn will be relocating to Tennessee from Pompano Beach, FL to become a Southeast Drag Specialties road rep. James served his country in Beirut, Lebanon from May to November 1983 as a USMC
Scout/Sniper. During his tour, James lost 241 Marine brothers in a truck bomb explosion. He was one of 35
survivors. After an honorable discharge, since one of James’ fallen Marine brothers had inspired him to get a
Harley FXRS-SP, he got one in 1986. Once hooked, James took his love for motorcycles and graduated from
MMI in Orlando, FL. James then directed his attention to Harley Davidson and became a PHD Certified
Technician at Harley Davidson of Charlotte, NC. In 1999, James opened Raw Power Customs in Pompano Beach, FL. and has been building ever since. James’ bikes have graced the covers of top magazines such as: V-Twin, HOT BIKE and American Chopper.