Expert #29
1975 Daytona Beach, Florida
In 1975, Randy mounted national plate #29 and at the age of 19 was moving quickly to gain credits in the racing world. The first national of the year at Houston Astrodome, Randy finished 3rd in the short track. That spring, he traveled to Great Britain, where he was a reserve rider on the American Team competing in the Trans-Atlantic Match Races. During the race at Mallory Park, Steve Baker fell. Steve was not hurt, but the bike was damaged so Randy was in. He helped contribute points and the American Team won the Trophy for the first time in 5 years. After England it was off to Imola, Italy where Randy couldn’t finish due to engine failure two laps from the final flag. He was in 10th place at the time. Back in the states, Randy finished 2nd in the Dallas National short track behind Kenny Roberts. He was one of 5 riders that spring to receive that special frame for the infamous Yamaha TZ750.
L-R Phil McDonald, Steve McLaughlin, Dave Aldana, Gene Romero, Kenny Roberts, Steve Baker, Randy Cleek, Don Castro, Pat Hennen.
Randy riding in Match Races 1975
Randy (left) and Kenny Roberts (right)– Match Races England 1975.
Traci Cleek (Peoria, Ill 1976)
1976 proved to be a promising year. Short track was his love, but road racing was quickly becoming his future. He finished 8th in the Daytona 200 in March and one week later, traveled to Venezuela. In April he returned to Europe, this time racing in France, Italy and England on the John Player Transatlantic USA team. In May, Randy married his home town sweetheart Traci Simmons. The newlyweds traveled to Colorado and then to San Jose, CA where he came in 12th. He then placed 6th at Louisville Mile, and 2nd in both Pontiac Nationals, in June. He placed 2nd at the Loudon RR, 3rd at Monterey RR, and 4th at Ontario RR. Randy won the AMA Road Racing Championship title and finished 5th in overall AMA Point standings for 1976.
Houston Astrodome 1977
Randy had four goals for 1977, to win the Grand National Championship, to retain the Road Racing National Championship, to return to Europe, and to secure a factory ride on his dirt bike. Randy, now under new sponsorship on his road racer, rode for Bart Clark, Joe Speed & Larry Worrell (BS&W). He finished 8th at Daytona & Charlotte road races. He once again traveled to Imola, Italy as a member of the American team. This year proved to be tragic. After riding the first 200 mile race and returning to his hotel Randy, Bel Ray sponsor Kurt Kiefer and Italian translator Giuseppi “Joe” Geraci lost their lives in a tragic auto accident. Although Randy never won a National event, he was well known and respected as a talented and consistent rider in all 5 events associated with winning the Grand National Championship in the 1970’s. His professional career only spanned 5 yrs until his untimely death. Randy’s last interview printed in Motorcycle Weekly, March 14, 1977, he stated “Last year was my third (as an expert), but it was really my first full year of competing on the circuit.” He finished second in three events and was third in two others. Randy left his mark on the racing world. He is remembered as much for his personality as his racing success. He projected a clean cut, All-American image that endeared him to the fans and helped expand and deepen the popularity of the sport. The fact that his loss is still felt so deeply by so many people stands as a testament to the impact this remarkable young man had on the racing community. His TZ700 road racer, refurbished by Merrill Vanderslice, is located at the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum, Birmingham, Alabama.
Imola, Italy 1977
