Russian Ice Speedway rider, Anatoly Vasilievich Gladyshev, dies after getting tangled with another rider while making a pass on an inner lane during a race in Moscow. Anatoly was thrown from his bike directly into the path of oncoming riders. He is killed instantly.
A master mechanic, the 37 year-old Gladyshev was offered the position of mechanic for the Russian national team if he retired, but twisting a wrench couldn't compare to twisting the throttle. So, he continued competing, mostly as a sub replacing injured teammates.
After Anatoly Gladyshev's death an annual race was held in his honor in Irkutsk (Siberia).
A two-time World Champion, Gladyshev won a Gold Medal in 1979 (the first Team World Championship) with team Inzell and again in 1981 as a member of Assen.
Also on this day in 1980, Bon Scott dies in South London.
Today in motorcycle history proudly supports the National Association for Bikers with a Disability (NABD). www.nabd.org.uk
