Sammy Tanner

May 23, 1939 – September 21, 2023

A massive stroke has claimed one of America’s most loved 2-wheel warriors with the passing of the “The Flying Flea” Sammy Tanner.

The seven Grand National Champion, Sammy Tanner was born in Houston, Texas, on May 23, 1939. A race fan since early childhood Sammy bought his first motorcycle and started racing it at age 14. Only 5 feet tall and 100 pounds Sammy was a fierce competitor. His weapon of choice was a 500 cc Triumph.

As a teenager, Sammy competed in the dirt track races on the Midwest county fair circuit. One night an announcer told the crowd that Tanner was a rock 'n' roll star from Texas. It was a huge hit that had many of his fans asking about his singing and where they could buy his record. Sammy was no dummy so he quickly wrote a song and cut a record based on his nickname “' The Flying Flea”. Fans loved the song and Sammy would sell autographed copies of his record at the race track.

Sammy Tanner qualified as an AMA Expert In 1958 and began competing for the title of Grand National Champion. That first year, he finished sixth in the circuit. In both 1958 and 1959, he was the top points earner in AMA half-mile races.

When Ascot Park opened its half-mile track in 1959, JC Agajanian received a long-distance collect call from Sammy asking to be put on the program. Rumor is Aggie paid his expenses to drive from Daytona Florida to his California facility. A smart move as Tanner won on opening night and followed it up by winning five of the next, six events held at the Ascot ½ mile. Called “The King of Ascot” Sammy became the local hero after he broke the long-held eight-mile race record by six seconds and won the first AMA Grand National race held there.

From 1959 to 1966 Tanner competed regularly at the Ascot Park weekly races and won four Grand National Championships on the ½ mile track. Very popular his white racing leathers had a guitar emblazoned on the back, and yes, Sammy still sold copies of his record to the fans after the races. The ultimate souvenir an autographed copy of his record is still a highly valued collector’s item.

Over his career Tanner campaigned Triumph and BSA motorcycles and won a total of seven AMA nationals, including the prestigious Springfield Mile. An astonishing lifelong record Sammy had won 408 regulation AMA races and 67 Trophy Dashes when he retired from competition in 1972.

Sammy Tanner was inducted into the AMA and Trailblazers, Hall of Fame and still does personal appearances at various tracks and reunions. A hardcore fan Sammy was a regular at the City of Industry Speedway motorcycle races. On any given day you could find him working at his company, Sammy Tanner Distributing, supplying Arai Helmet to the racers and public.
Rest in Peace Sammy Tanner, all will miss the “' The Flying Flea.”

With deep respect, Howie Zechner

Adventures and stories abound. Happy Birthday to my Flying Flea friend, Sammy Tanner.

Seven Grand National Champion, Sammy Tanner was born in Houston, Texas, on May 23, 1939.

A race fan since early childhood Sammy bought his first motorcycle and started racing it at age 14. Only 5 feet tall and 100 pounds Sammy was a fierce competitor. His weapon of choice was a 500 cc Triumph. As a teenager, Sammy competed in the dirt track races on the Midwest county fair circuit. One night an announcer told the crowd that Tanner was a rock 'n' roll star from Texas. It was a huge hit that had many of his fans asking about his singing and where they could buy his record. Sammy was no dummy so he quickly wrote a song and cut a record based on his nickname “' The Flying Flea” Fans loved the song and Sammy would sell autographed copies of his record at the race track.

Sammy Tanner qualified as an AMA Expert In 1958 and began competing for the title of Grand National Champion. That first year, he finished sixth in the circuit. In both 1958 and 1959, he was the top points earner in AMA half-mile races.

When Ascot Park opened its half-mile track in 1959, JC Agajanian received a long-distance collect call from Sammy asking to be put on the program. Rumor is Aggie paid his expenses to drive from Daytona Florida to his California facility. A smart move as Tanner won on opening night and followed it up by winning five of the next, six events held at the Ascot ½ mile.

Called “The King of Ascot” Sammy became the local hero after he broke the long-held eight-mile race record by six seconds and won the first AMA Grand National race held there.

From 1959 to 1966 Tanner competed regularly at the Ascot Park weekly races and won four Grand National Championships on the ½ mile track. Very popular his white racing leathers had a guitar emblazoned on the back, and yes, Sammy still sold copies of his record to the fans after the races. The ultimate souvenir an autographed copy of his record is still a highly valued collector’s item.

Over his career Tanner campaigned Triumph and BSA motorcycles and won a total of seven AMA nationals, including the prestigious Springfield Mile. An astonishing lifelong record Sammy had won 408 regulation AMA races and 67 Trophy Dashes when he retired from competition in 1972.

Sammy Tanner has been inducted into the AMA and Trailblazers, Hall of Fame and still does personal appearances at various tracks and reunions. On any given day you can find him working at his company, Sammy Tanner Distributing, supplying Arai Helmet to the racers and public.

Howie Zechner