The man behind the scenes is sometimes overlooked. The man behind four time National Champion Carrol Resweber, the likeable George Roeder and road racer Jack McNary, was Ralph Berndt. Ralph had a colorful life.

Ralph worked at the Harley Davidson plant in Milwaukee, in the frame department. At night, he perfected the Harley KR engine. Ralph made his own cams (by the hundred), developed port and head configuration with his manmade flow bench and reworked frame geometry. He allied his talents with a novice rider from Texas, Carrol Resweber. Their combined effort earned Carrol four national titles. Carrol was ultimately injured at the Jerseyville 1 mile, ending his career. Ralph then tuned for George Roeder and accomplished many victories.

Ralph also helped develop a more modern frame (The Lowboy) before retiring from the racing game. In 1994, relatives of Ralph (three daughters) sold the remains of Ralph’s racing stable to the Wheels Through Times Museum. The stable consisted of seven motorcycles all which were dismantled. With considerable research, the parts were assembled and the racing machines of their earlier years were reborn. It may be noted, all the bikes retain their original paint jobs. A testimate to the pride in each victory they achieved.

Thanks for saving the stuff, Ralph!