BFO! promotor, Chris Beattie has confirmed that the inaugural Bike Fest Oz! 2023 will be dedicated to the memory and legacy of one very special identity on the Australian car and bike scene, who sadly passed away early in 2022.
“I’m sure most two- and four-wheeled enthusiasts know the name Chic Henry,” he said. “Chic invented and ran the amazing Summernats car festival in Canberra for many years and he was a real icon and innovator as far as car shows went. He was also a very dear friend and mentor back when I first started Heavy Duty Magazine and helped us a lot in the early days with advice and support.
“We ended up doing a lot of stuff together, including promoting and running major bike and car shows and other stuff, and Chic even came with us when we ran our giant 100th Anniversary Homecoming Tour to America in 2003 to celebrate Harley-Davidson’s incredible centenary in Milwaukee.
“We had a lot of laughs together on that particular adventure, including a very memorable cab ride in San Francisco in which our lady driver decided to put on an impromptu Steve McQueen Bullitt re-enactment, getting quite a bit of air through some of the hillier parts of San Fran. In fact, I recall Chic laughing like a real hoon as he found himself airborne and hard up against the cab’s roof lining! An amazing night and an amazing man!
“And he also drag-raced his own Harley at the giant Sturgis Rally on the way to Milwaukee. Chic only knew one way to drive and ride, pedal to the metal and fun and laughter all the way.”
Chris said BFO! 2023 will feature a Chic Henry tribute display and other activities to honour one of Australia’s most amazing characters.
“Chic was loved far and wide, and he was actually quite well-known and respected in America, too.
“I think Chic would approve of some of the activities we’ll be running to honour the life of an amazing bloke and true mate.”
