I first saw Don Castro as an AMA professional Novice in 1968. He showed some skill riding a 250 Kawasaki twin, and also later aboard a TD-1 Yamaha, but, up against the drednaught Yamaha factory rider Keith Mashburn, Donnie got little 'Cycle News' ink.

As an Amateur-class rider in 1969, Don posted several podium finishes and a few wins aboard the Triumph of Northern California dealer George E. Hall. Those performances got him a Triumph Factory ride in 1970, but he was always the guy with the new 750 kit that blew up, or the guy on the wobbly roadrace-framed Trident, or the guy who tried out the new tire, and never really got to show what he could do.

In 1973, after a year or so riding high-dollar, but troubled equipment, Don got a break with a spot on the Yamaha factory team. In July of that year, Donnie won his only AMA National, the San Jose Half-Mile, just down the road from his hometown of Gilroy. It was by far the high point of his career, if not of his life.

After Yamaha cut back to just Kenny Roberts, Don began to suffer from ill health, and he retired from Professional competition.

The last I heard, he still lives in Northern California, but has never fully recovered from the effects of his illness.

Click here to view Don Castro's photos.