Manta Update!

In the last few months we found out a bit more information regarding the Manta Twin Trac racer at our shop...

In the winter of 1974-1975, Speedway bike racers Rick Woods and Sumner McKnight raced two identical Mercury-powered Manta snowmobiles, modded up to compete in the USSA 440X category. McKnight's ride, s/n #2055, was later purchased our own Rick Dresang in 1980, and again in 2018.

Woods passed away in 2012. He was the 1970 and 1972 National Champion for Speedway competition, and was known largely as the first star of the sport. His younger brother Gene, also a Speedway rider, went on to race in Winston West and is still involved in the roots of the sport today.

McKnight was the first American to race Speedway bikes abroad against the British, before returning home and eventually finding his footing on four wheels, competing in Nascar Winston West from 1976-1989, and also managing six Nascar Winston Cup starts during that time frame, all at Riverside International Raceway.

[February, 1975 SnoTrack Magazine Photo]