2023 People's Champ Runner Up: Al Hackel

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Nov 30, 2023

Name: Al Hackel
Instagram: @alhackel
Location: Bloomington, Illinois USA
Bike Year: 2023
Bike Motor: Hackel-Wright

Al Hackel's entry for our 2023 People's Champ competition has to be one of the most ambitious motorcycles in the history of this event. Starting with a single cylinder and head from a WWII-era Wright R975-46 radial helicopter engine, he built out from there. Being a welder and machinist by trade, Al created the frame and fork from scratch. Amazingly, the cases were carved out of billet as were the Flash Gordon-inspired valve covers. Don't overlook the awesome tail light, shift knob and velocity stacks from Maritimer Glassworks. Ultimately Al's bike wasn't rideable in time to be considered for the Champ title but thankfully he did haul it to Cook's Corner for our annual party and award presentation the night before Born Free where it definitely blew minds. Nice work, Al!