On May 23rd the motorcycle faithful gathered for a party not to be missed. Hosted by Southern California Motorcycles in Brea, CA, competitors, fans, sponsors and promoters from every motorcycle discipline joined together to pay their respects to a living legend. May 23, 2014 marked the 75th birthday of Sammy Tanner.
The entire Triumph section of Southern California Motorcycles was transformed into party central. One room had tables and chairs from one
end to the other. In another room a large rollaway door was open and two barbeques were running at full speed. Pictures, posters, even Sammy’s old leathers were on display. A huge card hung in the center and a sharpie encouraged all to sign and leave short comments. The next room had a full bar jammed wall to wall with people telling tales and living today and yesterday.
“Look how many came tonight!” said Sammy. “I can’t believe they have followed my career all these years. And to think I was hesitant about coming out here from Texas.” Tanner was referring to his younger days living, racing and winning in Texas. Soon after that, offers to compete on the west coast came but never worked out. Then a 1959 call to JC Agajanian changed the whole deal. Sammy was in Daytona and thought he could sell himself to the Ascot promoter for big bucks. “I’ll come for
$300,” Sammy offered. “Well how did you do at Daytona?” JC asked. “I fell,” Sammy replied. Long story short, they reached a deal. Sammy would be “The Flying Flea” and receive $200 for two weeks and $50 for week three. The rest, as they say, is history.
To pay their respects, former racers and guest speakers were called to the microphone to talk of yesterday’s glory or tomorrow’s deeds. The party then sang happy birthday and Sammy cut a his huge 75th birthday cake.
