YAMAHA Days

Rex liked Yamaha's a whole lot during his motocross career beginning in 1978. Stock YZ's, works OW's, it didn't matter for they did him very well in all levels of competition he faced. Performing the holeshot that shocked the motocross world on an old CZ in 1975 was and still is a treasured event to true believers, but what about the biggest win in the Rockets career? Yep, Rex won the 1980 Daytona Supercross over Marty Smith. Maybe you didn't know this but it is true. Of the OW works bike Rex is quoted as saying,

"That bike felt like butter on the track, it was like cheating it was so good!"

Below are some clippings and photos I scanned from Rex's personal collections I hope you enjoy as much as I did producing them. Click them for a larger image.

Staten (16) setting up for what became a very good day for the Rocket!

         

        

                  

Rex's 1980 season works OW40 machine!

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                               Staten (R) doing the YZ Twist!

           

You sure you want to make this guy mad?

Rex is genuinely a real nice guy in street clothes despite his grueling tough as nails gladiator presence on the track. Will take the shirt off his back to help someone in need. He has a BIG heart and I know this because I have seen it. Once he mounts up and pulls the goggles down though, the hammer drops on whoever was in his way. He is quoted as saying, "When I'm racing, everybody is my enemy." I think I would take his word for it...

This '79 YZ400 was a rocket ship Rex really loved. He took 5th place in the 500cc AMA Nationals in 1979. He also placed 8th in 1977 - 2nd in 1978 as a privateer with Bassett support. Rex recently told me he was clocked at 119.00 mph on this YZ! Incredible.

Doing a YZ125 test for Modern Cycle in between battles.

Rex airing and twisting up the little YZ125 to the max!

             

         

Rex took the 1981 4-Stroke Championship on a Pro-Tech 640 Yamaha shown below

        

    

                   Pro-Tech 640 beast!

The OW40 undergoing grueling Staten action!

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