Pre GT
Tommy Brackens (CA, 1983-85?)
Kurt Chrisco (CA, 1983?)
Kenny Mingus (CA, 1975-78)
Mike Rice (WA, 1979-80?)
Mark Rink (CA)
Doug Tedesco (PA, 1979-82
Jamie Tedesco (PA, 1979-82)
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With GT
Erick Bartoldous (CA)
Danny Nelson (CA)
If you know of any that are missing or details like the state they are from (or were) and the years they raced for Powerlite feel free to leave a comment. Thanks in advance for contributing.
Mitch Tramm has uncovered a hidden treasure. The actual 1979 race bike of Powerlite Factory Pro , Mike Rice! Mike hailed (may still) from Washington which had one of the early biggest and fastest Pro scenes. Only California and probably Texas, Florida and New Jersey had as many pros in 1979. Mitch has begun restoring Mike Rice’s bike. The bike and Mike were captured in a 2 page color photo spread by “Bicycle Motocross Action” (all pictures used courtesy Bob Osborn and can not be used or reproduced without his expressed written permission).
Obviously at the 79 ABA Tacoma, Washington National Mike made a name for himself. He also must have gotten the hook up from Bob Haro as you can see he is running his ABA issued Pro Plate in the photo. But in the restoration his 79 Haro plate also survived all these years. Note the ultra rare Powerlite stem. This build is a special one for sure.
Note that Powerlite may have made 3 size forks. Not sure if all three went into full production. I myself have never seen the “Pro” version of the forks. Forward loading axle slot and blogna cut (like SE) fork ends. Sweet. Are the JR smaller 20 inch or are they actually 16 inch forks? Anyone have the answers chime in please!
Lots of famous and talented riders raced the red, white and black of Powerlite. Perhaps none faster then “The Human Dragster” himself, Tommy Brackens. Hailing from Southern California, Tommy became famous riding for Jag. He also did stints with GT. He eventually started Brackens Racing and made some great bikes and sponsored some great riders like Eric Carter. Tommy also opened up his own sneaker store in Fullerton, CA selling “Awesome” shoes. Awesome was created after a split in the Van Doren family.
Mark 4 was a line of soft goods by Powerlite. This ad shows the numberplates and the visors.
November 1985
This ad appeared in an early 1981 issue of “Bicycle Motocross Action”. I include it because it is a good shot of the bike. The model could be a 1980 since it appeared in a very early 81 issue of the magazine.
The below advertisement talks about the “new” SR frame. This appeared in the August 1977 issue of Bicycle Motocross Action. That would indicate the bike came out in 1977. The ad also says the bike was tested for three years? Meaning they built the first prototype in 1975.
June 1977
August 1977
This stem appears to be identical to the DG stem except the decals. It is unclear what colors this stem came in. The Everything Bicycles ad this was in shows the stem in polished aluminum.
1978 Powerlite Stem
This ad features the best known Powerlite racer, Tommy Brackens.
February 1983
