During the build phase of Jet’s trail blazing BSA A10 ‘Anaheim’, extensive research from the BSA Owners Club revealed a fascinating and unique provenance. The motor fitted is a rare 650cc A10 Super Rocket from a machine originally imported by the legendary American racer and BSA importer, Hap Alzina of Oakland, California on 28th February 1958.

Before becoming the principal importer of BSA’s into the U.S., Hap Alzina was a prominent figure in the world of American motorcycle racing, particularly in the 1930s and 1940s. His involvement with BSA in the early days helped shape both his career and the development of the racing scene during that era.

Known for his skill on the track and his deep technical knowledge, Alzina played a significant role in not only popularising BSA motorcycles in the competitive racing world, but also became influential in future BSA design back in the U.K. factory.

Early Years in Racing

Alzina’s love for racing began early in his life, and by the time he was in his twenties, he had already made a name for himself in various American racing circles. He was known for his endurance, technical ability, and ability to push both himself and his motorcycle to the limit.

BSA's Entry into American Racing

In the late 1920s and early 1930s, BSA was looking to expand its presence in the United States, where the motorcycle market was thriving. BSA's reputation for building reliable and powerful bikes was already well-established in Europe, but it was the American market that offered a new frontier for growth.

Alzina’s involvement with BSA motorcycles began during this time when he became one of the first American riders to seriously campaign a BSA bike in competitive events. BSA motorcycles, with their powerful engines and solid engineering, quickly became popular among racers, and Alzina was instrumental in showcasing their capabilities.

Racing Success

Alzina's most notable contributions came on the dirt tracks, where his racing skills truly shone. He competedin a variety of events, including the AMA Grand National Championship series, and was known for riding the BSA 500cc and 750cc models hard, which were perfectly suited for the rough, high-speed races.

One of his major triumphs came in 1935, when he won the Daytona Beach Race, one of the most prestigious races at the time. Riding a BSA 500cc model, he was able to outpace some of the top riders of the era, cementing his reputation and proving that BSA motorcycles could compete at the highest level. His success helped to establish BSA as a serious competitor in American motorcycle racing, challenging the dominance of other manufacturers like Indian and Harley-Davidson.

Technical Expertise

Alzina was not just a talented rider; he was also a skilled mechanic with a deep understanding of motorcycle engineering. This technical expertise made him an ideal ambassador for BSA. In addition to his racing accomplishments, he helped fine-tune BSA’s motorcycles for better performance on American tracks. His feedback from the racing circuit led to a number of improvements in the design of BSA's competition bikes, making them more competitive and appealing to other racers.

He was known for his meticulous attention to detail when it came to bike preparation, ensuring that his machine was always in top condition. This made him a popular figure among fellow racers who often sought his advice on tuning their own machines.

Alzina's Legacy

While Hap Alzina's direct involvement in racing faded as the years passed, his contributions to BSA’s success in America were long-lasting. He helped elevate the reputation of British motorcycles in the U.S., proving that European brands could stand up to American giants. Alzina’s career also highlighted the evolution of American racing, as he bridged the gap between the early days of amateur racing and the professional motorcycle sport that would develop in the years following.

Today, Hap Alzina is remembered as one of the key figures in the history of American motorcycle racing. His success on BSA motorcycles helped build a foundation for the company’s presence in the United States and he went on to become their largest importer and dealer.

US Sales Growth

Alzina took on the responsibility for the distribution, marketing, and service networks that supported BSA’s growth. His efforts helped introduce a variety of BSA models, from smaller commuter bikes to high-performance machines, to American riders. Under his stewardship, BSA gained a strong foothold in the competitive U.S. market, where British brands were seen as stylish, reliable, and technologically advanced alternatives to American-made motorcycles.

Alzina’s work was not limited to just sales; he also became highly respected in guiding the BSA factory as to what the U.S. market wanted in terms of styling and performance. Because of his racing heritage, his opinion was taken very seriously.

This and his ability to navigate the complexities of the U.S. market, along with his passion for motorcycling, helped foster a loyal customer base for BSA during its peak years in the 1950s and 1960s.

The rise of Japanese motorcycles and the eventual decline of the British motorcycle industry in the 1970s led to BSA's retreat from the American market. However, Hap Alzina's legacy as a key figure in the success of BSA in the U.S. remains an important chapter in the history of motorcycling in America and his principles live long in the memories of Jet’s designers and engineers.

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