Big Daddy Rat dies, aged 74

The man behind some of the most famous custom bike shows of Daytona Bike Week, Karl " Big Daddy Rat " Smith, died at the age of 74 on Monday. He is thought to have suffered a heart attack.

He had been in poor health for the past two years but had continued to stage his custom bike shows in Daytona Beach during Bike Week and Biketoberfest. He had also staged shows throughout Europe and at America’s other giant bike gathering, Sturgis.

Visitors to Main Street will also know him for his Rat’s Hole store.

Big Daddy Rat’s Motorcycle Show will go on ahead as planned on Saturday.

Smith was due to receive a lifetime achievement award during Bike Week this year. That ceremony will now be used, instead, as a memorial to the man.