The American Motorcyclist Association has announced America’s first world motocross champ Brad Lackey will be honored as Grand Marshal of the 2025 Permco Vintage Motorcycle Days presented by Turn 14 Distribution. Lackey won the 1972 AMA National Motocross Championship and became the first American to win the 500cc World MX Championship, in 1982. These achievements will be the honored at VMD — AMA’s premier event —July 25-27 at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio.
“I’ve been to VMD a few times, and it’s always been a lot of fun,” says Lackey. “But this year, with the AMA celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Suzuki RM series of motocrossers, which formed the basis of the RN500 works motocrosser I won the 1982 500cc World Championship on, it’s going to be extra special — especially having my ’82 championship bike on display. I’m honored to be the Grand Marshal for this year’s VMD celebration, and I’m excited to hang out with all the vintage enthusiasts.”
In 1972, Lackey became the AMA 500cc National Motocross Champion in its first season as an independent series. That season, Lackey won five of the eight races in the series. Following that championship-winning effort, Lackey sought to make his mark on the international racing scene — making the jump to European GP competition. In 1977 he won his first GP, taking the British round of the 500cc series. From that point forward, he was a constant threat in the international title chase.
In 1978, Lackey finished second in the world championships, falling just short of MX legend Heikki Mikkola in the overall standings. Just four years later, and now with Suzuki, he completed his decade-long goal of claiming the 500cc World Championship. Lackey retired on top, ending his racing career following his world title. He walked away from the sport as one of the greatest competitors of all time.
“Brad was an instrumental piece in laying the foundation for modern motocross, making his mark in America and abroad on the road to numerous championships,” notes AMA President and CEO Rob Dingman. “We look forward to welcoming him as Grand Marshal for this year’s AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days celebration, as well as celebrating his accomplishments throughout the weekend!”
At VMD, Lackey will be on hand to speak with enthusiasts, sign autographs, participate in the Lap for History on the road race circuit at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, do some laps on the motocross track, and much more. Save the date: Permco AMA VMD — featuring North America’s largest motorcycle swap meet, bike shows, AMA Hall of Fame exhibits, vendor displays and racing in a variety of disciplines — is coming up soon! Click here for details:
