dont know about the Vet's recollections. But there is a slim Bridgestone/Can Am connection. Tony Murphy raced a GTR on the West Coast and I think some AMA races. He and the 50 plus horse power GTR set an AMA record at Bonneville. I recollect that a fellow named Barker helped with developing Murphy's GTR. Barker later worked for Can Am. Also a California frame builder, I think Sonic weld supplied the frame for Murphy's GTR. I think one of Sonic welds top employee's/designers worked on the early Can Am frames. Murphy's GTR is pictured on one of the BS web sites. I think Murphy is selling Rotax parts these days.