In
his retirement, DICK McAFEE no.88 and I became email buddies through
which he would reply with hand written letters back to me via email.
He favored this to a keyboard and would ask his wife Ramona to scan and email them to me. Before he passed on, he shared with me
many stories of the "San Jose Flat Track Gang" that are
legendary. This is one of those letters that describes his hero on a Triumph, a racer who was my dads close friend. I really
miss those precious times opening up a new surprise letter from Dick.
He is missed. I hope you enjoy some insightful words from one of flat-tracks great men of the sport, and a darn great racer as well!
March, 2005
Eric,
Tell your dad Cancilla was my inspiration when I started riding in '48. At that time he was the best Triumph rider in district 36, and he was one of only 3 or 4 Triumph riders there was. I was impressed with that little 500 cc Speed Twin competing and winning against 1000 cc 74 OHV Harley's!!! He was and still is my Triumph hero.
In these days due to competition committee members dominated by Harley dealers, that's what Phillie had to deal with in TT racing.
Of course in flat-track we Triumph riders had to compete with 650 cc Harley's which although the Triumphs could hold their own on short tracks, but could not on a regular basis compete with them on 1/2 and miles. Later on in Hugh's time as Triumph mechanics became more knowledgeable how to build them, Hugh could not only compete, but beat the Harley's at times.
Dick McAfee #88
Image courtesy McAfee collection 2005
