The American motorcycle racing community is mourning the loss of one of its most versatile and influential figures. Mike Kidd, a 1981 AMA Grand National Champion and AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame member, has passed away at 72. According to information released by Motorcycle.com and AMA Pro Racing, his death follows closely on the heels of the recent passing of fellow flat track icon Mert Lawwill, marking a period of profound loss for the sport.
Born in Fort Worth, Texas, in 1953, Kidd’s competitive spirit was evident from a young age. While he initially found success in four-wheeled racing, he transitioned to motorcycles by age 13. His professional career began in 1972, where he immediately proved his mettle by finishing second in his debut at the Houston Astrodome, trailing only the legendary Kenny Roberts. By 1974, he was riding for the Triumph factory team, securing his first AMA Grand National win at the Charity Newsies Half-Mile in Ohio.
Kidd’s career was defined by resilience. After years of navigating the inherent volatility of professional racing, he reached the sport’s pinnacle in 1981. Riding for the Lawwill/Roberts team, he secured the Grand National Championship in a dramatic season finale at the Ascot Half-Mile, narrowly defeating Gary Scott by just five points. Following this championship, he played a crucial role in Honda’s development of dirt track machinery, influencing the brand’s success in the seasons that followed.
Beyond his achievements as a rider, Kidd was a transformative figure in racing administration. After retiring from professional competition in 1983, he was named AMA Promoter of the Year in 1984. He founded the AMA Arenacross Series in 1985, a move that helped define the modern era of indoor motorcycle racing. His career in leadership included roles as a vice president with Clear Channel Motor Sports, as well as various executive positions within AMA Pro Racing, where he focused on sales, sponsorship, and broadcast development.
Inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 1998, Kidd is remembered not only for his 12 national victories but for his multifaceted contributions as an advocate, promoter, and innovator. His work helped ensure the longevity of flat track racing in America, leaving behind a legacy that continues to influence the sport today.
