Marty Moates, founder of No Fear and ex-motocross racer, dies at 49
3 Comments Published December 17th, 2006 in NASCAR News
Marty Moates, who scored a historic victory in the 1980 U.S. Grand Prix of Motocross at Carlsbad Raceway, has died. He was 49.
Moates died Dec. 7 from self-inflicted gunshot wounds in La Costa, the San Diego County Medical Examiner’s Office and a spokesman for Moates’ clothing line, Eric Johnson, both confirmed Wednesday.
Friends were surprised by Moates’ death, but said he had been in a great deal of physical pain from old motorcycle-related injuries and stomach ulcers.
Moates, a San Diego native who went on to became a founder of Carlsbad-based sportswear firm No Fear, was 23 when he rode his privately owned Yahama to victory in the U.S. Grand Prix.
Moates is survived by his wife, Heather, and a son, Dakota.
The family asked that instead of flowers, donations be sent in Moates’ memory to Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital.
GOD SPEED MR NO FEAR
Ironic. Right to the end he had No Fear. God bless him.
I’m still here and racing vintage bikes. Marty should be here too. The Righteous Brothers did a song called “If there’s a rock and roll heaven”, well, if there’s a motocross track in heaven, Marty is giving lessons and kicking butt. Can’t say much more than my memories hurt some because I won’t have a chance to bump into Marty at one of the races. Whenever the gate drops, I will give a thought to Marty and what he did for our sport and our spirit.
Pat Stevenson
CMC #8m Pro 1974