Rennie Scaysbrook | August 18, 2021
Yvon Duhamel has passed away. The Canadian legend and AMA Hall of Fame member was 81.
Duhamel’s name is synonymous with North American racing success. His primary recognition was as a road racer, where he raced throughout the United States and Canada, also racing with distinction on the Grand Prix circuits of Europe in the 250cc class and in the F750 World Championship.
Canadian legend Yvon Duhamel (left) seen here with son Miguel, has passed away aged 81.
Duhamel was also known as an extremely competent motocross, ice, snowmobile, flat track, and drag racer.
A man inexorably tied to Kawasaki, Duhamel gave the company its first AMA National road race victory at Talladega Speedway in 1971, going on to win five Nationals for Team Green for the next two years.
Duhamel also competed in green at the Bol d’Or and Le Mans 24 Hour endurance races for several seasons, running with sons Mario and Miguel on a Honda RC30 at the Bol’ in 1988—the first father-sons team to participate in the 24-hour race. Both Mario and Miguel would later become professional racers themselves, with Miguel becoming one of the most successful AMA racers of all time.
Duhamel was inducted into the AMA Hall of Fame in 1999 and the Canadian Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 2007.
Duhamel on the famous #17 Kawasaki was one of the best riders of his generation.
