Flat tracker Castro joins AMA HoF

From the American Motorcyclist Association

PICKERINGTON, OH -- The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) has announced the fourth member of the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Class of 2010: dirt-track racer Don Castro. Castro -- an extraordinary racer who competed handlebar-to-handlebar with some of the greatest motorcycle racers of all time in the 1970s -- will be among the legends of motorcycling honored at the 2010 induction ceremony at the Red Rock Resort in Las Vegas this Nov. 19.

"Many consider the early 1970s one of the greatest periods for dirt-track racing in the history of the sport," said AMA Director of Operations Jack Penton, a Hall of Famer himself. "Don battled famed racers Gary Scott, Kenny Roberts, Mert Lawwill, Chuck Palmgren, Gene Romero, Dave Aldana and others, and he excelled. We're delighted that he has earned a spot alongside the other great racers in dirt-track history in the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame."

Castro joined the professional ranks as an Expert in 1970, riding dirt-trackers and roadracers for Triumph. He finished his rookie season fifth in the standings. For 1973 he was picked up by Yamaha and accomplished what many consider to be his greatest victory: winning the San Jose half-mile against the likes of Scott, Lawwill, Palmgren, Roberts and other extremely talented racers. Again, he finished the season fifth. Castro went on to win another national the next year: the 250cc road race at Daytona, defeating teammate and race favourite Roberts. Castro retired from the sport in 1976.

Castro, who now operates Racer's Edge, a motorcycle and all-terrain vehicle service centre in Tres Pinos, CA, was humbled and honoured when he learned he had been inducted into the Hall of Fame.

"It's just a shock," Castro said. "It makes your mind think of all kinds of things. It brings back a lot of memories. I'm shocked, and don't feel I deserve it."

Castro joins previously announced members of the AMA Hall of Fame Class of 2010: championship team owner Mitch Payton, AMA 250cc roadrace champion David Emde and off-road rights activist Clark Collins. More inductees will be announced soon.