DAYTONA BEACH, FL – In March 1976, the “unassuming” image of BMW was shattered forever when a pair of flamboyant R90S superbikes thundered across the finish line at Daytona International Speedway, securing a historic 1-2 finish in the inaugural AMA Superbike race. On March 5–7, 2026, the world of motorcycling will gather at the Daytona International Speedway during the MotoAmerica weekend to celebrate the 50th anniversary of that monumental achievement.
For the first time in half a century, all three original Butler & Smith BMW R90S factory race machines will be reunited on the high banks of Daytona. These machines, famously nicknamed “The Ultimate Stone Axes” by Cycle World for their surprising dominance over more modern multi-cylinder rivals, represent the pinnacle of 1970s engineering and audacity.
- The Machines and The Icons
The celebration will feature the meticulously preserved motorcycles ridden by the legends of the 1976 season:
• The #83 Machine: Ridden by Steve McLaughlin, the man who claimed the first-ever Superbike win at Daytona in a photo finish.
• The #163 Machine: Ridden by Reg Pridmore, who finished second that day and went on to become the first-ever AMA Superbike Champion.
• The #24 Machine: Ridden by the late Gary Fisher, whose riding on a previous BMW prototype helped prove the BMW’s racing possibilities.
In a rare gathering of racing royalty, both Steve McLaughlin and Reg Pridmore will be in attendance to share memories of the drafting battle that defined an era. Joining them is Udo Gietl, the visionary lead builder and “mad scientist” behind the Butler & Smith program. Gietl’s engineering marvels—including titanium rods, hollow lifters, and a custom mono-shock rear suspension hidden behind the “stock” aesthetic—transformed the 60-hp R90S into a 100-hp racing titan. Representing the legacy of the late Gary Fisher, his daughter Heidi will also be on hand to honor her father’s contribution to the team’s success.
- Engineering a Miracle
The story of these bikes is one of extreme ingenuity. To achieve 150 mph on the banking, Gietl and fabricator Todd Schuster utilized aerospace materials and “borrowed” parts, such as McCullough chainsaw reed valves and Chrysler Hemi oil separators, to solve the unique challenges of the Boxer engine. “In 1976, we didn’t see anyone as a threat,” Gietl recalls. The results proved him right.
- A Community Celebration
This golden anniversary is made possible through the support of the motorcycling community, including key sponsors OrangeCat Racing of Chicago and Tytlers Cycle of Wisconsin.
Fans will have the opportunity to see these iconic machines up close throughout the MotoAmerica weekend. The festivities will culminate in a Celebrity Dinner on March 7, where Gietl, McLaughlin, Pridmore and more will recount the “metal chips and midnight oil” that fueled their journey to the top of the podium.
- Registration and Accommodations
Registration for this landmark event is now open through the BMW MOA at: https://bmwmoaf.regfox.com/50th-anniversary-daytona-event
On-site camping is available. For booking details, please contact Rob McIsaac at [email protected].
Join us in Daytona to celebrate 50 years of speed, innovation, and the spirit of the Boxer.
