Rider Files

Jason Fletcher leads a group during a Harley-Davidson 883 Twin Sports National at Road America in June of 1993. Fletcher was a hard-working and talented AMA Grand National racer whose racing career came to an end due to injury. Jason and multi-time AMA Grand National Champion Kenny Coolbeth were from the same town in Connecticut and the two are still buddies. Jason has fully recovered from his injuries and is doing well today running a construction business. Here Fletcher is leading fellow flat tracker Matt Wait (50), James Whitaker (22), Bob Meister (18) and several other unidentified riders.

Jason Fletcher leading fellow flat tracker Matt Wait (50), James Whitaker (22), Bob Meister (18) and several other unidentified riders in the Harley-Davidson 883 Twin Sport race at Road America in June of 1993. (Larry Lawrence photo)

Stephane Mertens leads the pack in the Canadian World Superbike round at Mosport in June of 1990. Mertens was one of the leading World Superbike riders of the era. The Belgium won 11 World Superbike races during his seven full-time seasons in the championship. He finished runner-up to Fred Merkel in the 1989 series and was third in 1990. Mertens finished sixth and third in the two Mosport races. In this photo Mertens leads Canadian wildcard riders Michel Mercier and Pascal Picotte, Baldassarre Monti (8) and Raymond Roche (3) early in the race. Roche came through to win both rounds. Here’s a video of a spectacular crash by Mertens in 1992.

Stephane Mertens leads Canadian wildcard riders Michel Mercier and Pascal Picotte, Baldassarre Monti (8) and Raymond Roche (3) early in one of the World Superbike rounds at Mosport in June of 1990. Roche came through to win both of the Canadian rounds. (Larry Lawrence photo)