An abandoned Chicagoland storage locker turned up an amazing trove of racing photographs from the 1970s and ’80s. Early this year, a buyer who wishes to remain anonymous found 53 large- and small-format photographs of a racer named Mike who enjoyed flat track racing, owned a red van, and liked road racing as well. And he took a trip to Daytona at some point. Maybe he owned or worked at a radio/electronics shop called “Radiotronics”?
Mike was a fun guy. He had cool racing duds from Lancer Leathers, liked wheelies on pitbikes and looked good on his Yamaha two-stroke tracker and road race bike. He loved van life. And he was impressed by famous racer Don Vesco, making sure to snap a pic of his van.
The buyer notes that items found in the storage unit indicate Mike having lived in Alabama, with family or friends possibly located in Chicago’s north suburbs. His race number was 117 and 217. Could it be AMA-sanctioned racing? Some road racing photos seem to be from the pits in Daytona, though it’s unclear whether he raced or was just spectating.
His road racer was a red Yamaha TD2 or TD3 with No. 373. It was a popular race setup in the ’70s, with a trick swing-arm and competition frame. You could buy a race-prepped bike straight from the dealer for around $1,500 in 1971 dollars, or about $11,500 in 2024. His flat track bike is unclear, though one looks like a Yamaha 250cc single, while the other might be a Yamaha Champion Tracker Frame bike with a 350cc engine.
They’re an awesome glimpse into a past motorcycle life. Before smartphones, photography was hard work. He made sure his fun was on film. Time has given the pictures a tint and hue that Instagram filters can’t replicate. Maybe one of you can shed light on this minor mystery? Comment away.