Mann of His Time

With a generous endowments of determined grit and natural talent, Dick Mann established himself as one of the greatest professional motorcycle racers in history. Inducted into the Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 1998, Mann's versatility and skill were already legendary. His astonishing list of accomplishments include holding a top ten position in the American Motorcyclist Association Grand National Championship for 16 years, becoming the first man in history to win every category of AMA Grand National competition, serving as America's team captain at the 1971 Trans-Atlantic Match Race, twice being AMA Grand National Champion, and winning the Daytona 200 twice.
Extending well beyond his performance on the bike, Mann's achievements include pioneering racetrack safety, and influencing major political changes within the American Motorcyclist Association. During a period of significant transition in the sport, Mann played an important role in bringing about many positive changes. He also encouraged the expansion of motocross, and became an inspiring leader in the vintage motorcycle racing movement.
Award-winning author and lifelong motorcyclist Ed Youngblood draws on his years of experience in the motorcycle industry, an exhaustive literature review, and numerous interviews with Mann's friends, colleagues, and competitors to tell this remarkable story. He describes Mann's positive effect on the industry and calls him a national treasure within the motorcycling community. This richly detailed history and biography of one of the indisputable superstars of the sport is a definitive classic for all motorcycle

Ed Youngblood provides a gripping portrait of American motorcycle racer Dick Mann, a true legend of the sport. Thoroughly researched and based on numerous interviews, this richly detailed history covers Mann's life and career, chronicles the growth of the racing industry, and illustrates how Mann helped shape racetrack safety and industry policy.

"I count the moments that I've been able to spend in the presence of Dick Mann among the greatest experiences in my lifetime as a motorcycle enthusiast. Heck, my high school football number was even 64! So I never hesitate to unashamedly pimp Mann's autobiography, Mann of His Time by Ed Youngblood, which is my all-time favorite motorcycle read. If you haen't read this indepth look at a man who is truly one of the cornerstones of our sport, then you are missing out. This guy has done it all, ranking him in the company of other immortals such as Kenny Roberts and Malcolm Smith, and Youngblood's book captures it all in brilliant narrative and period-era photos. If you're like me, you'll find yourself returning to read this one about once or twice a year, making Mann of His Time a timeless gift." Motorcycle Consumer News, Nov. 2009