Ride in peace Harry Leary

Harry Leary, a BMX racing legend and Hall of Fame member passed away on Saturday, September 7th, 2024 from heat exhaustion in the Arizona desert. He was 65-years-old.

Harry’s impact on BMX racing is immeasurable. Starting his career in 1974, he raced nearly every year since, bringing style, speed, and determination to the track. He truned pro in 1977 at the age of 18. He raced veteran pro in the 20-inch class up until his mid 40s when he reclassified as an amateur in 2007. His  talent and commitment earned him a spot in the BMX Hall of Fame as a second-year inductee in 1986, and his legacy will continue to inspire BMX riders for generations to come. In 2023 his passionate antics on the track at the USA BMX Grand Nationals sparked coutroversy as only Leary could and justified his early nickname “Scary Harry Leary.”

Nothing says ’80s BMX like a Harry Leary berm blast.

Credited as the inventor of the “Leary” (widely known as a lookback) the name never really stuck in popular bike vocabulary. But kicking out the back end while crossing up the front end would never be the same after Leary did it on the cover of BMX Action in July 1984.

Beyond his skills on the track, Harry represented top brands like JMC Racing and his iconic run with Diamondback throughout the ’80s sparked kids’ imaginations worldwide. He worked with Western States Imports, Balance, and Marzocchi, and even founded his own brand, Dirtwerx, in the late ’90s. As a track operator in Ontario, CA, and Kingman, AZ, Harry’s influence extended far beyond racing.

At this time, no public service is planned.

Leary’s full race kit in 2018.

Harry Leary’s legacy will live on through the tracks he raced and the passion he brought to BMX.

Ride in peace, Harry.

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