Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail:

There is so much joy when I think of Dave. When I first met him in the early eighties he was riding a 250 tuned by Bob Endicott, winning back to back Nationals at Laguna and enjoying life to the fullest. It didn’t matter what he was on, he was always competitive and he loved nothing better than a good race. About 12 years ago Dave came to work with the dP Safety School. Dave became a friend and riding buddy, a wonderful teacher who was able to infect others with his love for riding and mastering the art of high-speed competition. I remember one day he was so proud that he’d helped a student get to the point where he (Dave) couldn’t keep up! The student went on to win a couple of AFM titles.

Dave also introduced me to his wonderful family, I’d competed against Don in the early seventies and had enjoyed watching Dave win races and titles, after I’d quit racing and returned to college. It’s been wonderful riding with Nancy, and Chris, meeting Floyd and Flo, and watching Brian grow up. A couple of days before Daves’ accident some friends and I were riding on Hwy 36 in Northern California and my thoughts were of Dave and the first time I’d ridden this strech of road. When Dave rode with our School Sept 1, we’d made plans to get together for some road riding. He’ll always be riding with my memories. He made so many friends by sharing his love for riding, and life.
Godspeed Dave.
Dennis Pegelow
dP Safety School


FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail:

I would like to thank all of the friends and fans of Dave’s that have reached out to our family at this very difficult time. It brings us great comfort to hear all of the favorite experiences that they shared with Dave.

To keep this on the lighter side, I would also like to share one of my most unforgettable times with my brother. In 1992 Dave was working at Laguna Seca Raceway for Russell Racing. As a sideline he began working for Dennis Pegelow at DP Safety School as Head Instructor. A few years later, I was able to go up to Monterey to spectate at one of the DP track days. It was very impressive seeing how this whole thing worked. I couldn’t believe that a regular motorcycle rider was permitted to ride around the race track at Laguna Seca! How cool was that! After a few sessions, Dave came up to me and offered me a ride around the track. I jumped at this opportunity, not realizing at the time what he had in store for me.

When Dave wheelied up the front of the pit lane with me trying to stay on the back, I knew I was in for the ride of my life! As we entered the infield I thought, this is good, he will have to slow down now. Not a chance! As we worked our was through the corkscrew and back down through turns to the front straight away Dave accelerated even faster.

It was like turning on a light. This is what it feels like to go really fast! I had never had been on a Motorcycle at these speeds before! How great it was to feel what it feels like to be a Champion Motorcycle Road Racer!

The cornerworkers that day really had a great show as well, commenting on Dave’s smooth style, even with this chick on the back!

After a few more laps we came into the pits, where there were a bunch of guys that had big grins on their faces. Someone said, “That was your E-ticket ride”!

I am grateful for this fond and very fast memory. Thanks Dave!

Godspeed! I know he will have trouble keeping up with you!

Nancy Emde

TrailBoss Tours
Cardiff-By-The-Sea, California