Dave Duarte 1941 – 2023
Hi-Point West
Back in the day Hi-Point West was grand central station for west coast motorcycle racers. They came for sponsorship, product deals or just some friendly advice from general manager Dave Duarte. Dave always had a smile, a pat on the back or an introduction he would make for a rider. Before Alpine Stars they were called HI-Point boots and everybody wore them. Dave had trouble keeping them in stock. Red Dot tires, Hi-Point clothing was the gear of choice for many riders. Dave knew everyone, Hannah, Schultz, Kenny Roberts, Ricky Graham, Brad Lackey, Magoo, Danny Turner, Marty Smith, McKenna, Coupe, Dick Burlson, Carl Cranke and all the Penton clan. Not bad for a kid that grew up on a fruit farm in Loomis, CA. He loved to go to all the industry trade shows and share stories with everyone. Motocross, Supercross, ISDE, Dirt Track, Dave loved them all. He was a fixture at the ISDT for many years. He rode as a support rider for Team USA.
So the farm boy discovers motorcycle racing and is hooked…it’s an old story shared by many. This is the sixties and off-road riding is exploding. Dave is enjoying his new found passion and winning races but life gets in the way. Marriage, five kids, divorce and a stint in the merchant marines adds perspective. Dave was one of the founding members of the Dirt Digger North M/C in Northern CA. He went to work in the motorcycle industry selling accessories and somewhere along the line he met John Penton. Penton West or Hi-Point as it evolved into became Dave’s new home as general manager at the Rancho Cordova, CA location. His energy, winning smile, ideas and passion for the sport made a great impact on the early days of off-road riding and contributed to the sport’s rapid growth.
He will be missed. RIP Dave
Memories
Bruce Young
“With a heavy heart I would like to say "Goodbye" to my dear friend, our friendship started over 55 years ago when I joined the Dirt Digger North Motorcycle Club in 1969.
Dave was an original charter member and I was amazed at his racing abilities. A few years later Dave was the manager of Hi Point West in Sacramento, California he hired me to assist in running the business while he was away on his many international trips and many runs to the home office of Penton Motorcycles/ Hi-Point. It was great times traveling with him to many dealers shows, supercross's as well as many other fun racing events. I had a wonderful time over the 9 years I worked at Hi Point, traveling to these events, he knew everybody, and everyone knew him. We met with many famous riders who wore Hi Point boots and used our other products. Bob Hannah, Kenny Roberts, Marty Smith, and Broc Glover where just a few we worked with for many years. Along with lots of local riders as well and the ISDT team riders as well, Carl Cranke, Jack Penton, Tom Penton just to name a few. I would be remiss if I did not mention that Dave liked to party and party, we did. What fun and great times with wonderful memories to last a lifetime.
Now he is with his Lord, and I hope resting easy. The last 12 years where very challenging to him.
What I am going to miss the most is his voice over the phone, about 25 years ago I moved from California to Idaho, and we talked over the phone, sometimes two or, three times a month. He will be very much missed!!!!”
John Volk
“We lost a great human yesterday. Dave was a great influence on my life as a kid giving me an opportunity to work at High Point Racing in the late 70’s. One of many who helped me be the person I am today. You will be missed. God speed my friend!!!!”
Eric McKenna
“The recent passing of Dave Duarte brought back a few memories. One that I have that will always stand out, is how while Dave was at Hi-Point Racing he took care of his riders. I was one of those riders in the mid 1980's when I went to France to race for another company, French of course and would be required to wear the French company's gear. Dave okayed that while I was there since I was riding for Hi-Point West.
When I got there and used the new equipment, I found I could tolerate almost everything even though it was inferior equipment to the Hi-Point Products I had been using for several years. However, The French boots made by that company were so inferior I felt I would be better off riding in my tennis shoes! It was as if my feet would wrap around the foot peg like a chicken with those boots. I was panicked and called back to see if I could get a pair of Hi-Point boots sent to me while in another country. Dave did not hesitate and made sure I got a new pair of boots within a week! He knew I would be susceptible to injury if he did not make that happen. I Never forgot, Thank You Dave!”
Larry Hartnett
“Dave helped a lot of racers, top professional and amateurs as well…what I remember most are the great Christmas parties we had at Hi-Point…pitching quarters, telling stories…good times.”
Dave Coupe
"Dave was such a great person. He was the first to teach me about Sponsorships and building relationships in the industry. Dave and Hi-Point were the first people to help me with my racing career. He was always fun to talk to whenever I would run into him at events and of course, there was always stories to share! He taught me a lot about being appreciative of your sponsors and not just looking for free products and handouts. I will miss you Dave."
Wednesday, November 29, 2023 at 2:05PM 
