The Amazing Victor McLaglen Motor Corps Motorcycle Stunt and Drill Team
World champion motorcycle stunt and drill team shows off in style.
Champion Act
With over eighty years of practice, the Victor McLaglen Motor Corps [VMMC] is a tough act to follow. To this day, the world champion motorcycle stunt and drill team continue to thrill crowds across the United States, with proceeds going to numerous charities. In addition to being the oldest team in the world, they have also claimed several Guinness Book World Records for some of their elaborate stunts.
Photos courtesy of VMMC.
Trophy Holder
Formed by actor Victor McLaglen in 1935, the team performed the following year in Los Angeles, California where they won the World Championship Trophy competing against the famed Mexico City Police motorcycle team — an award they still hold today. The trophy is on display at California Harley-Davidson in Harbor City, California, for those wanting a closer look.
Take the Plunge
The VMMC had an odd, but rather auspicious beginning. Back in 1935, stuntman Nick DeRush was well-known for his motorcycle antics. On the weekends, DeRush would thrill crowds and make a little extra money by riding his Harley-Davidson off the end of the Santa Monica pier — into the ocean. He would then drag his bike out, rinse and repeat the stunt for the next weekend.
Equestrian Challenge
One of Victor McLaglen's passions was a Light Horse Drill Team that he sponsored. The reportedly spectacular horse team often led parades and performed stunts at exhibitions. Between takes on a movie, DeRush and McLaglen got to talking about the horse team. DeRush challenged McLaglen and claimed that he and his motorcycle-riding friends could do the same, if not better, drill stunts, than the horse team.
Sponsored Outfit
DeRush put together a motorcycle team in short order and set out to practice their routine. The impressed McLaglen decided to sponsor the team and quickly outfitted them with leather jackets and caps while instructing his business manager to start booking shows. DeRush became the first team leader, and leadership has only changed hands three times in the team's existence.
Leader Ride
DeRush held the reins until 1942 when the team disbanded due to the onset of war. After WW2, the VMMC resumed with Herb Harker at the helm. After thirty-two years in command, Harker stepped down and Harry Fisher took over. His rare talent was the 'Roman Ride' — piloting two bikes at the same time. Mark Frymoyer, the current Assistant Drill Leader, took over after Fisher's death in 2014.
Record Setting
The VMMC's Big Twin lineup ranges from a 1951 FLH to a 1993 Ultra Classic. Along with Fisher's Guinness 1980 record of the most people on a moving motorcycle, Mark Frymoyer rode his Harley-Davidson backward 14.43 miles, setting another Guinness record in 2005. In the same year, Scott Griffin set yet another record for riding standing on his seat for six miles.
Documentary Endorsement
The team has been the subject of thousands of news and media articles, a film documentary, and the focus of a book endorsed by Willie G. Davidson. The VMMC documentary is entitled An American Treasure by Mickey Jones — late actor, musician, and an honorary member of the VMMC. Available on DVD, the film contains historic photos and footage, as well as in-depth interviews with key members of the VMMC.
Author Ruth Fisher
In 2014, the history of the VMMC was captured by Ruth Fisher in a book called, The Amazing Victor McLaglen Motor Corps: The History of the Oldest Motorcycle Stunt and Drill Team in the World. Ruth Fisher was the team's announcer and public relations manager for more than twenty years, and wife to the late Harry Fisher — the VMMC Drill Leader from 1978 to 2014.
Talented Daredevils
Willie G. Davidson wrote in Fisher's book, “The riding talent of this team was exciting to watch, their stunts amazing!” A modest endorsement for a team that have set records, and who also routinely ride upside down, backward, sideways, and crash through burning firewalls at shows. If the daredevil in you is calling, there are a few open slots on the team's roster.
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