Motorcycle Racing Royalty

Joe Petrali was an amazing sportsman in the world of motorcycle racing and record-setting in the early years from 1918 to 1937.  

He was a team member, designer, competitor, and always the man to beat on a motorcycle.  He was a trend-setter, a national champion, and many consider him the GOAT of motorcycle competition.  Joe rode on factory teams for Indian, Excelsior, and Harley-Davidson on both the track and the hill climb.  He set the motorcycle American land-speed record on Daytona Beach in 1937.  

Joe Petrali was the flight engineer and chief mechanic for Howard Hughes.  Mr. Hughes relied heavily on Joe's skills and discretion.  On November 2nd, 1947, in Long Beach Harbor, Howard Hughes flew his great sea plane, the "Spruce Goose", into history with Joe Petrali, being one of the few remaining crew on board as this huge plane left the water's surface.

Joe also headed up the pit crew for Sam Hanks' winning Indy car at the Indianapolis 500 in 1957.  

Joe Petrali held AMA lifetime membership card No. 1, was the chief steward timekeeper at the Bonneville Salt Flats Raceway, and was a master of economy runs.  

Joe's legacy and what he brought to the racing world is still in use today, and he is remembered as a valuable contributor and innovator to the industry of racing.