Cycle News Staff | March 15, 2022
Dick Lechien, the founder of Maxima Racing Oils and father of AMA Motocross Champion and AMA Hall of Famer Ronnie Lechien, passed away peacefully in his sleep on March 10, 2022. He was 85 years old. Lechien is survived by his wife Pat, son Ronnie and daughter Lorrie.
Dick Lechien, the father of AMA National MX Champion Ron Lechien and Maxima Racing Oils co-founder, passed away at the age of 85.
Lechien was into drag racing and hot rods before he got involved with the motorcycle business. He owned a Honda/Kawasaki dealership in San Diego, California, from 1968 to 1979. Lechien co-founded Maxima in 1979 after witnessing several problems with the castor-based two-stroke oils that were available at the time. That expanded into other lubrication motorcycle, bicycle and performance automotive products. Maxima continues to thrive as a leading brand today. CN
