On 24 October 2010, multi-time world record holder in drag racing, well-known in the performance and custom motorcycle world, and a ‘rider’s rider,’ Mac Danny “Nick” Nichols died at his home in Texas after a long battle with illness. Nichols was a fixture on the current International Motorcycle Shows circuit, traveling to the shows all around the US for the last several years. He worked alongside Don Graves, Larry Coleman and many other personalities around The Factory/Marketplace exhibits. There, in his work as a product specialist, he would assist riders in selecting the proper riding gear and motorcycle accessories. Nichols was renowned for his incredible stories and his cracking voice, and he was a good friend to many in the motorcycle industry.
Born in Mississippi on 13 March 1939, Nichols started his career working on diesel engines. He was a motorcycle enthusiast from the very beginning, though, and quickly earned the nickname ‘Mr. Motorcycle.’ His memberships list is quite large – he was an AMA member, a big supporter and member of the Trailblazers, a US Air Force veteran, a Mason and a member of South Oaks Baptist Church in Arlington, Texas. He was working on a project bike for a run on the Bonneville Salt Flats before he succumbed to his condition.
Nick Nichols is survived by his wife, Gwen Nichols of Arlington; and his children, Jacqueline Mikolaczyk of Grayling, MI, Jeffrey Nichols of Arlington, Nicole Patrick of Arlington, Trey Patrick and wife, Cati, of Snyder, Colin Patrick and wife, Jenny, of Dallas; brother, Tim Nichols and wife, Katherine, of Mantachie, MS; grandchildren, Amanda Meyers of Silver Springs, FL, Katherine Mikolaczyk of Grayling, MI, William Dotson of San Angelo, Abigail Patrick and Owen Patrick of Dallas; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Nichols’ family has requested that memorial gifts be given to the Hospice Gift of Love (306 E. Randol Mill Road, Suite 700, Arlington, TX 76011, 817.461.2614) and/or the Colon Cancer Alliance (1200 G St. NW, Suite 800, Washington DC 20005).
