Episode 283 Roy Dains: “Tales from the Trail: The Unlikely Champion”

ATV-TALK A Motorsport Podcast

Starting out on motorcycles and three-wheelers for fun, Roy Dains found his passion reignited when the '85 quad racer hit the scene, spurred on by the encouragement of his friend Bill Loots. It was the spring of '86 when Roy made his debut at the GNCC, marking the beginning of an unforgettable journey in his racing career.

Roy's racing career kicked off unexpectedly, as he had never envisioned himself as a racer. However, a fortuitous win in the B class altered his trajectory. This almost didn't materialize due to an unusual parade lap, which caught Roy off guard, nearly causing him to miss the start. Facing obstacles like a tree obstructing his line and grappling with the demands of a two-hour event, Roy embarked on the race with little preparation for himself or his machine.

By the end of the '86 season, Roy Dains had secured victory in the B class. Encouraged by promoter Dave Combs, Roy transitioned to the A class, where he quickly made an impact. Despite concerns about jeopardizing the title race, Roy bravely seized the hole shot. However, a mid-race collision with Tom Tokay resulted in a flat tire. Despite this setback, Roy showcased his resilience by finishing third on the day.

Black Water stands as one of the most iconic races in history, and Roy emerged victorious, clinching two overall wins from '86 to '93. Remarkably, he only missed one race due to work commitments out of town. Despite riding for Suzuki, Roy's triumphs at Black Water were achieved aboard a TRX 250R.

From 1986 to 1989, Roy Dains was a formidable competitor, often considered one of the top contenders on the circuit. He even had a brief stint riding with Factory Suzuki. Despite never securing a championship title, Roy's prowess shone brightly as he claimed victory at the prestigious Black Water race twice.

Reflecting on the inception of GNCC, the tales, and the diverse landscapes traversed, let's journey together through the memories and adventures of the sport. Share this experience with your family and friends, and don't forget to subscribe and follow for more captivating stories wherever and whenever possible. Thank you for joining us on this exhilarating ride.