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This vintage poster commemorates a major racing sweep by
Harley-Davidson at the National Tourist Trophy (TT) Championships in Peoria, Illinois, on September 9, 1956. The event was a significant showcase for the brand, which at that time had won 35 out of 39 National TT Championships since 1933.
The poster highlights two legendary racers and their record-breaking performances:
Joe Leonard (80" National TT Champion)
Victory: Won the 80 cubic inch National TT Championship.
Record: Set a new time trial record of 30.31 seconds and finished the race in 7 minutes, 16.80 seconds.
Legacy: Known as "Smokin' Joe," Leonard was a powerhouse for Harley-Davidson, winning the first-ever series-determined AMA Grand National Championship in 1954 and repeating the feat in 1956 and 1957. He later became a successful IndyCar driver.
Brad Andres (45" National TT Champion)
Victory: Won the 45 cubic inch National TT Championship.
Performance: Finished with a time of 7 minutes, 19.70 seconds.
Legacy: Andres was a rising star who became the youngest ever AMA Grand National Champion in 1955 at age 18. He is also famous for winning the Daytona 200 three times (1955, 1959, and 1960).
Historical Significance
The Peoria TT is one of the most prestigious events in American flat track racing history. This 1956 sweep reinforced Harley-Davidson's dominance during an era when they were nearly unbeatable on the TT tracks. |
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