125cc U.S. Grand Prix

July 11, 1976. Lexington, OH

by Davey Coombs
PHOTO FROM THE DICK MILLER ARCHIVES

The 1976 season was a remarkable one for Bob Hannah. A relative unknown from the high desert in California, he was signed by the Yamaha factory team to challenge the mighty Marty Smith of Team Honda in the 125 Nationals. Hannah served warning that he was coming for Smith by winning the ’76 Florida Winter-AMA Series, earning himself the nickname “Hurricane” from Cycle News writer/photographer Jim Gianatsis.