Local SoCal MX Legend Passes
| October 17, 2023
1970s SoCal motocross legend “Davey” Williams lost his battle with metastatic melanoma on Saturday, October 15, 2023. The Riverside, California, native died in his sleep at his home in Laughlin, Nevada, said his daughter, Ruby Russell.
Written by Steve Bauer
Williams began racing in 1971 on bikes prepared by his older brother, Rocky, who was deaf. Naturally gifted, he soon began racking up wins on his Penton in the ultra-competitive 125 Pro class at tracks such as Corona Raceway and Saddleback Park. It was not long before the aftermarket powerhouse, DG Performance Specialties, signed Davey to join Bob Hannah and Broc Glover on their race team and hired Rocky to wrench for Hannah.
Williams raced a couple of AMA Nationals in 1975, scoring top 10 finishes, but factory Yamaha hired only Hannah for 1976, leaving both Williams’ brothers behind. Rocky felt betrayed that Hannah had not taken him along to Yamaha (a customary practice at that time) but moved on to build a storied career alongside factory racer Gaylon Mosier at Maico and Kawasaki. Rocky passed away in 2020.
Not much into training, Davey seemed satisfied to stay in SoCal, where every Sunday was like a National. He forged a career as a journeyman pro into the 1980s, winning countless CMC races while also raising a family. Williams was a stylish, aggressive rider who relished competition and loved to talk smack. With the advent of social media, he was able to reconnect with the moto community and could usually be found at reunions and vintage events.
Williams did not get the recognition he deserved, considering the number of races he won and the level of competition he beat. He won the 125 Pro class at the Mammoth Mountain Motocross in 1975.
R.I.P. Davey, you will be missed.