Blue Ridge Motorcycling Magazine

Daytona 50th Anniversary Update … Speed Thrills for 2026

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The summer of 1976 was a historic one for BMW and their performance efforts. American executive Bob Lutz was instrumental in the creation of the company’s Motorsports Division in 1972, which was a prelude to enhancing the company’s performance profile on the street and on the track. Lutz was also instrumental in driving the company to shake off the conservative and stodgy reputation the Motorrad (motorcycle) Division had acquired in the era following the Second World War.

For 1976, a dedicated team sponsored by Butler & Smith, the US importer of BMW motorcycles, set out to do what appeared to be impossible … win the newly established AMA Superbike Championship series.

The three R90S racers, built by former NASA engineer Udo Gietl, did just that. In March of ’76, Steve McLaughlin (#83) and Reg Pridmore (#163) finished 1-2 at the first race, held at Daytona International Speedway. In a “Shot Heard Round the World” accomplishment, they were joined by Gary Fisher (#24) to lock up the top three spots at season’s end.

Fifty years later, we will be Getting the Band Back Together. All three of the original race bikes have been restored. Reg Pridmore and Steve McLaughlin will be joined by Gary’s daughter at the track to celebrate an unforgettable season. This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime event, combining both the people and machines from an iconic era.

This is a quick update, with less than two months to go before the Big Event. Setup will begin on the 5th, with the event running from March 5-8 on the grounds of the historic track at Daytona.

  • All three of the R90S bikes are being prepared for the trip to Daytona. Gary Fisher’s is in San Jose with the owner being tested at Thunder Hill. Steve McLaughlin’s is being removed from the display wall at the Zentrum in Munich and will be shipped to the USA. Reg Pridmore’s is at Don Krumholz’s shop in New Hampshire being prepped … with one of the key discoveries being a bent pushrod. Don is working on getting this sorted now.
  • Udo and Eric Gietl plan to bring the prototype for the R90S racers. We also have learned that there’s a second of these prototype bikes, owned by a collector in New England, which will be along for the event.
  • The Celebrity Dinner planning is underway where we will honor riders and team members from the era. There is a cap on the seating for this, so registration sooner rather than later would be a good idea.
  • We have a special offer for transportation services to Daytona with MotoShippers (www.motoshippers.com), who have done great work for many motorcycle owners in the past. Our main contact, Tim Weig, has shared an updated graphic and information sheet on the offer. Tim has asked that they be contacted no later than January 25, 2026, to reserve space. He can be reached at 505-917-3349 or timweig17@gmail.com.
  • Max’s BMW in New England and Tytler’s Cycles and Racing in Wisconsin are going to be at the event and have become sponsors. Michael Kiley, the owner of Tytler’s, is bringing the M1000RR racing bikes that won the 2025 Superbike championship, which will be a great bookend to the 1976 R90S racing machines. Orange Cat Racing from Chicago, who will be representing BMW in the 2026 season is also expected to be with us at Daytona.
  • Cameron Beaubier, the 2025 MotoAmerica Superbike champion, will be joining us at the Celebrity Dinner on Saturday night, joining the BMW racers from the 1976 era. This includes Steve McLaughlin, Reg Pridmore, John Long, Harry Klinzmannn, Ron Pierce, Thad Wolff, and others. Heidi Fisher will be with us representing her father, Gary. And of course, Udo Gietl will be there.
  • Todd Trumbore is going into production with the commemorative pins for the event! These are the exact same size as the emblems on the seat cowls on the R90S / R100RS and similar Beemers of that era. Todd is also working with Eric Gietl on t-shirts for this historic moment.

Questions about the event can be sent to Rob McIsaac at triangle.bmwcca.activities@gmail.com.

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