E. J. Potter (April 24, 1941 – April 30, 2012), also known as the Michigan Madman,[1][2] was an American dragstrip exhibition proponent. Writing his obituary in 2012, Paul Vitello of the New York Times described him as a "legend".[1]
E. J. Potter | |
|---|---|
| Born | April 24, 1941 Ithaca, Michigan, U.S. |
| Died | April 30, 2012 (aged 71) Ithaca, Michigan, U.S. |
| Occupation | Stunt performer |
| Known for | Motorcycle stunts |
Life and career
editBorn in Ithaca, Michigan, Elon Jack Potter grew up on a farm repairing tractor engines,[1] which led to building motorcycles. In high school, he wondered if he could build a bike with a V8 engine.[2] The bike he built, named "Bloody Mary",[2] was tested at a local strip and reached 130 mph (210 km/h).[1]
He later built a three-wheeled motorcycle with a United States military surplus rocket engine.[1] "The Widowmaker" set three world land speed records.[2] Potter's other creations include putting a jet engine in a Motorized tricycle and putting WWII airplane engines into tractors for tractor pull competitions.[3]
Beginning soon after his high school graduation, Potter toured the drag racing circuit for 13 years with his creations.[1]
Potter died from complications of Alzheimer's disease in Ithaca, Michigan, on April 30, 2012, at the age of 71.[1]
Legacy
editIn 2017, Potter's 1971 Widowmaker 7 went up for auction in Las Vegas.[4][5] Potter's motorcycles were featured on an episode of American Pickers in 2019.[6]
References
edit- ^ a b c d e f g Vitello, Paul (May 12, 2012). "E. J. Potter, 'Michigan Madman' of Motorcycle Racing, Dies at 71". The New York Times. Retrieved October 12, 2019.
- ^ a b c d Peek, Jeff (May 22, 2019). "Before Knievel was Evel, E.J. Potter was The Michigan Madman". Hagerty Insurance Agency. Retrieved October 12, 2019.
- ^ Kimball, Steve (June 2000). "Michigan Madman". Cycle World. 39 (1): 48–53.
- ^ Ernst, Kurt (January 24, 2017). ""The world's fastest motorcycle," E.J. Potter's 1971 Widowmaker 7, heads to auction in Las Vegas". Hemmings Motor News. Retrieved October 12, 2019.
- ^ "1971 EJ Potter Chevrolet V8 "Widowmaker 7" Dragbike". Bonhams. January 26, 2017. Retrieved October 12, 2019.
- ^ Siacon, Aleanna (May 20, 2019). "American Pickers explores 'Michigan Madman' collection in new episode Monday". Detroit Free Press. Retrieved October 12, 2019.