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SiX-time champion Dave Schultz succumbs to cancer

Six-time NHRA Winston Pro Stock Motorcycle champion Dave Schultz, the winningest two-wheel competitor in NHRA history, died late Saturday, Feb. 10, following a six-month battle with colon cancer. He was 52. Schultz, a 45-time NHRA national event ...

Six-time NHRA Winston Pro Stock Motorcycle champion Dave Schultz, the winningest two-wheel competitor in NHRA history, died late Saturday, Feb. 10, following a six-month battle with colon cancer. He was 52.

Schultz, a 45-time NHRA national event winner, claimed Pro Stock Motorcycle championships in 1987, '88, '91, '93, '94 and '96. He ranks seventh in overall NHRA national event victories and holds the record for consecutive victories (8, set in '94) by an NHRA professional competitor. He was the first Pro Stock Motorcycle rider in NHRA history to run quicker than 7.60 seconds and faster than 180 mph. He posted 14 consecutive NHRA Winston top 10 points finishes during his career.

"The NHRA family is truly saddened to learn of Dave Schultz' untimely passing," said NHRA President Tom Compton. "Dave was one of the sport's greatest ambassadors and exemplified what an NHRA Winston champion should be through his actions on and off the racetrack. He will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family at this very difficult time." Schultz was diagnosed with the disease in early August and underwent surgery at University Hospital in Indianapolis on Aug. 25. While he received chemotherapy treatments, he named John Smith as his replacement rider for the Sunoco Suzuki for several races, including the prestigious U.S. Nationals.

Schultz made a valiant one race return to NHRA competition at the Matco Tools SuperNationals last October at Houston Raceway Park, claiming an emotional victory despite his weakened physical state due to recent chemotherapy sessions. Smith returned to the bike for the season-ending event in Pomona, Calif.

Schultz is survived by his wife Meredith and two children, Brian and Kim.

The memorial and funeral service schedule is as follows:
* Wed., Feb. 14 -- Memorial (6-9 p.m.), Conkle Funeral Home, Indianapolis * Fri., Feb. 16 -- Memorial (6-9 p.m.), Harvey Englehardt Funeral Home, Fort Myers, Fla. * Sat., Feb. 17 -- Funeral and burial, Fort Myers, Fla. * Sat., Feb. 24 -- Memorial service (2 p.m.), Indianapolis Motor Speedway Pavilion

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