Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. supports 2012 AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony as dinner sponsor

PICKERINGTON, OH – October 19, 2012 – (Motor Sports Newswire) – Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. has joined the growing list of companies honoring the 2012 inductees of the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame on Nov. 16 at the Red Rock Casino, Resort & Spa in Las Vegas, Nev. Kawasaki is the dinner sponsor for the induction ceremony.

The gala event will officially welcome the class of 2012: off-road racing champion Ty Davis, who won Kawasaki’s first AMA National Enduro Championship; the late Rod Bush, KTM North America president and industry visionary; roadracing world championship tuner Nobby Clark; 1975 AMA Supercross Champion Jimmy Ellis; pioneering female motocrosser Sue Fish; world-class bike restorer Brian Slark; and the late iconic race flagger Al Wilcox.

“Each year, the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame welcomes a new class of stars to its ranks, and 2012 is no different,” said Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. Marketing Director Chris Brull. “We’re excited to be a part of the effort to recognize the 2012 class, and we’re looking forward to an amazing night in Las Vegas this November.”

In addition, two existing members of the Hall of Fame will be honored as Hall of Fame Legends and will receive their official rings: 1998 inductees Malcolm Smith, a pioneer in off-road motorcycling, and Mert Lawwill, the 1969 AMA Grand National Champion. Both Smith and Lawwill starred in the timeless motorcycling documentary “On Any Sunday,” directed by Hall of Famer Bruce Brown.

“Kawasaki’s history with American motorcycling goes back decades, and its racers, team managers and tuners represent some of the best-known personalities in the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame,” said Jeffrey V. Heininger, chairman of the American Motorcycle Heritage Foundation, which oversees the Hall of Fame. “We’re honored that Kawasaki, one of motorcycling’s most highly respected companies, has become directly involved with this year’s induction ceremony.”

The 2012 AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, presented by KTM, is part of AMA Legends Weekend. The event also includes one of the country’s leading motorcycle shows and the finale of one of the most thrilling AMA-sanctioned national racing series. On Saturday, Nov. 17, the Red Rock will host the 2012 AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Dave Mungenast Memorial Concours d’Elegance, featuring many of the country’s most impressive original and restored classic motorcycles. That evening, at the nearby Orleans Arena, fans can catch the last round of the 2012 GEICO AMA EnduroCross National Championship Series.

Tickets for the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, presented by KTM, and the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Dave Mungenast Memorial Concours d’Elegance are available online or by calling (800) 342-5464.

The induction ceremony and bike show will be held at the Las Vegas Red Rock Resort, a world-class spa, hotel and casino, featuring a range of entertainment, dining and family-friendly attractions. The facility’s expansive ballrooms provide a stunning backdrop for the AMA Legends Weekend. Room reservations are available now at a special group rate by calling (866) 767-7773 and referencing group code RCIAME or AMERICAN MOTORCYCLIST. Online room reservations are available at www.redrocklasvegas.com.

For tickets to the final round of the GEICO AMA EnduroCross Championship Series at the Orleans Arena, see www.endurocross.com.

About the American Motorcycle Heritage Foundation
Founded in 1990 by the American Motorcycle Heritage Foundation, the goal of the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum is to tell the stories and preserve the history of motorcycling. Located on the campus of the American Motorcyclist Association in Pickerington, Ohio, the Museum’s three major exhibition halls feature the machines and memorabilia of those who have contributed notably to the sport. The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to motorcycling, including those known for their contributions to road riding, off-road riding and all categories of racing, as well as those who have excelled in business, history, design and engineering. More information can be found at www.motorcyclemuseum.org.

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KTM signs on as presenting sponsor of AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony

PICKERINGTON, OH – October 4, 2012 – (Motor Sports Newswire) – The American Motorcyclist Association is pleased to welcome KTM North America as the presenting sponsor for the 2012 AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, presented by KTM, on Friday, Nov. 16, at the Red Rock Casino, Resort & Spa in Las Vegas, Nev.

“With the late Rod Bush, who led KTM North America through its formative years in the United States, being inducted as a member of the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Class of 2012, we’re proud that KTM orange will be front and center at this year’s induction ceremony,” said Jeffrey V. Heininger, chairman of the American Motorcycle Heritage Foundation, which oversees the Hall of Fame.

The 2012 AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, presented by KTM, will officially welcome seven inductees to the Hall of Fame. Joining the Hall of Fame in addition to Bush, the longtime KTM North America president and industry visionary, are world championship roadracing tuner Nobby Clark, off-road racing champion Ty Davis, 1975 AMA Supercross Champion Jimmy Ellis, pioneering female motocrosser Sue Fish, world-class bike restorer Brian Slark, and the late Al Wilcox, an iconic race flagger.

“So much of the success KTM has seen in North America is built on the foundation that Rod Bush worked so hard to create,” said current KTM North America President Jon-Erik Burleson. “As a mentor and friend of mine, his leadership and success were, and continue to be, great inspiration to continue to push forward. The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame represents the pinnacle of those who have achieved so much for our sport and industry. I am deeply happy for his family and his legacy for him to be honored with such prestigious recognition.”

Two existing members of the Hall of Fame will be honored as Legends at the event: 1998 inductees Malcolm Smith, a pioneer in off-road motorcycling, and Mert Lawwill, the 1969 AMA Grand National Champion. Both Smith and Lawwill starred in the iconic motorcycling documentary “On Any Sunday.”

The AMA Legends Weekend also includes one of the country’s leading motorcycle shows and the finale of one of the most thrilling AMA-sanctioned national racing series. On Saturday, Nov. 17, the Red Rock will host the 2012 AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Dave Mungenast Memorial Concours d’Elegance, featuring many of the country’s most impressive original and restored classic motorcycles. That evening, at the nearby Orleans Arena, fans can catch the last round of the 2012 GEICO AMA EnduroCross National Championship Series.

Tickets for the AMA Legends Weekend are available online at http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?oeidk=a07e5r7zy8ea4316694&llr=vw9ldxbab or by calling (800) 342-5464.

The AMA Legends Weekend will be held at the Las Vegas Red Rock Resort, a world-class spa, hotel and casino, featuring a range of entertainment, dining and family-friendly attractions. The facility’s expansive ballrooms provide a stunning backdrop for the AMA Legends Weekend. Room reservations are available now at a special group rate by calling (866) 767-7773 and referencing group code RCIAME or AMERICAN MOTORCYCLIST. Online room reservations are available at www.redrocklasvegas.com.

The deadline for receiving the group rate at the Red Rock is Oct. 19.

For tickets to the final round of the GEICO AMA EnduroCross Championship Series at the Orleans Arena, see www.endurocross.com.

For more information about KTM and the 2013 lineup, see www.ktmusa.com.

About the American Motorcycle Heritage Foundation
Founded in 1990 by the American Motorcycle Heritage Foundation, the goal of the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum is to tell the stories and preserve the history of motorcycling. Located on the campus of the American Motorcyclist Association in Pickerington, Ohio, the Museum’s three major exhibition halls feature the machines and memorabilia of those who have contributed notably to the sport. The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to motorcycling, including those known for their contributions to road riding, off-road riding and all categories of racing, as well as those who have excelled in business, history, design and engineering. More information can be found at www.motorcyclemuseum.org.

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Zero Motorcycles sponsors AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame rings for class of 2012

PICKERINGTON, OH – September 19, 2012 – (Motor Sports Newswire) – American-made electric motorcycle manufacturer Zero Motorcycles is the official ring sponsor for the 2012 AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame induction ceremony.

The prestigious Motorcycle Hall of Fame ring is a symbol of the significant contributions made by an inductee to the sport, business and lifestyle of motorcycling. The gold ring, which is created exclusively for the Hall of Fame, bears the institution’s logo, the “Glory Days” design and the name of the inductee. The rings will be presented to the 2012 inductees and Hall of Fame Legends during the gala event at the Red Rock Casino, Resort & Spa on Friday, Nov. 16, in Las Vegas, Nev.

Receiving the rings will be roadracing world championship tuner Nobby Clark; off-road racing champion Ty Davis; 1975 AMA Supercross Champion Jimmy Ellis; pioneering female motocrosser Sue Fish; world-class bike restorer Brian Slark; and representatives for the late-Rod Bush, KTM North America president and industry visionary, as well as the late-Al Wilcox, iconic race flagger.

“It is refreshing to see Zero Motorcycles, a pioneering company that is taking electric motorcycle technology to new levels, honor motorcycling’s storied history and pay tribute to pioneers of yesteryear,” said Jeff Heininger, chairman of the American Motorcycle Heritage Foundation, which raises money for the Hall of Fame. “The Hall of Fame rings are an important piece of the induction ceremony and, for many inductees, the ring is an enduring symbol of their lifetime achievements. Zero Motorcycles’ support is helping make all that possible.”

Two existing members of the Hall of Fame will be honored as Hall of Fame Legends and will also receive rings: 1998 inductees Malcolm Smith, a pioneer in off-road motorcycling, and Mert Lawwill, the 1969 AMA Grand National Champion. Both Smith and Lawwill starred in the classic motorcycling documentary “On Any Sunday.”

Scot Harden, who is vice president of global marketing for Zero Motorcycles and also a member of the Hall of Fame, said that Zero Motorcycles is proud to be a part of the Hall of Fame induction ceremony.

“On behalf of the entire staff of Zero Motorcycles, it is a proud honor indeed to support the Hall of Fame as official ring sponsor of the 2012 induction ceremony,” Harden said. “The men and women selected reflect the highest level of achievement and accomplishment possible in our sport. I can’t think of a better way for a company like Zero Motorcycles, one that is clearly focused on the future of motorcycling, to pay tribute to, and acknowledge, the legends who built this sport by sponsoring the ring ceremony.”

The AMA Legends Weekend also includes one of the country’s leading motorcycle shows and the finale of one of the most thrilling AMA-sanctioned national racing series. On Saturday, Nov. 17, the Red Rock will host the 2012 AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Dave Mungenast Memorial Concours d’Elegance, featuring many of the country’s most impressive original and restored classic motorcycles. That evening, at the nearby Orleans Arena, fans can catch the last round of the 2012 GEICO AMA EnduroCross National Championship Series.

Tickets for the AMA Legends Weekend are available online at http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?oeidk=a07e5r7zy8ea4316694&llr=vw9ldxbab or by calling (800) 342-5464.

The AMA Legends Weekend will be held at the Las Vegas Red Rock Resort, a world-class spa, hotel and casino, featuring a range of entertainment, dining and family-friendly attractions. The facility’s expansive ballrooms provide a stunning backdrop for the AMA Legends Weekend. Room reservations are available now at a special group rate by calling (866) 767-7773 and referencing group code RCIAME or AMERICAN MOTORCYCLIST. Online room reservations are available at www.redrocklasvegas.com.

For tickets to the final round of the GEICO AMA EnduroCross Championship Series at the Orleans Arena, see www.endurocross.com.

About the American Motorcycle Heritage Foundation
Founded in 1990 by the American Motorcycle Heritage Foundation, the goal of the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum is to tell the stories and preserve the history of motorcycling. Located on the campus of the American Motorcyclist Association in Pickerington, Ohio, the Museum’s three major exhibition halls feature the machines and memorabilia of those who have contributed notably to the sport. The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to motorcycling, including those known for their contributions to road riding, off-road riding and all categories of racing, as well as those who have excelled in business, history, design and engineering. More information can be found at www.motorcyclemuseum.org.

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Beloved motorcycle race starter Al Wilcox to be inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame

PICKERINGTON, OH – August 5, 2012 – (Motor Sports Newswire) -  The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame is pleased to announce the fifth member of the induction class of 2012. The late Al Wilcox, a former motorcycle racer who went on to be a race starter for decades, will be inducted into the Hall of Fame as part of the 2012 AMA Legends Weekend at the Red Rock Resort in Las Vegas, Nev., Nov. 16-17.

“Al Wilcox was a fixture at motorcycle races as a starter for more than five decades and a true ambassador for the sport,” said Jeffrey V. Heininger, chairman of board of the American Motorcycle Heritage Foundation, which oversees the Hall of Fame. “He was well respected, well liked and dedicated his life to racing. He is certainly missed.”

Born in Trenton, N.J., in 1919, Wilcox began riding motorcycles in 1936 and, following military service during World War II, began racing in 1947. His race career spanned 19 years — from 1947 to 1966 — and he held national No. 49. In addition to being a successful speedway racer for four years, Wilcox also finished well in TT, dirt-track and hare scrambles races over the course of his long career.

Wilcox began flagging races in 1959, increasing his duties after ending his racing career in 1966. He went on to flag the famed Daytona 200 motorcycle race for many years with AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame flagger Duke Pennell, and also performed flagging duties for WERA roadraces for decades.

Wilcox became known as “Airborne Al” because of his unique flagging style that involved jumping up in the air at the end of a race during his 50-plus years of flagging.

Wilcox also was a race promoter from 1965 through 1974. He died Feb. 3, 2011, at age 92.

“I think it’s great! I really do,” said Joyce Markulec, Wicox’ daughter. “I just wish my dad was alive to see it. He would be on cloud 49. It was his true love, besides my mother. He had 70 years of involvement with motorcycles, riding, racing and flagging. My father was a true legend, not only with the motorcycling community but with his family as well. Rest in peace, dad.”

Wilcox is the fifth member of the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame class of 2012. He joins the late Rod Bush, KTM North America president and industry visionary; pioneering female motocrosser Sue Fish; 1975 AMA Supercross Champion Jimmy Ellis; and world-class bike restorer Brian Slark. The rest of the 2012 class will be announced shortly.

The class of 2012 will officially be inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame on Nov. 16 as part of the AMA Legends Weekend. The weekend also includes the 2012 AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Dave Mungenast Memorial Concours d’Elegance on Saturday, Nov. 17, featuring many of the country’s most impressive original and restored classic motorcycles.

In addition to the current class, the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame induction ceremony shines the spotlight on two previously inducted members of the Hall of Fame, reminding the motorcycling community of the amazing careers of these Motorcycle Hall of Fame Legends. For 2012, the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Legends will be 1998 inductees Malcolm Smith, a pioneer in off-road motorcycling and a star in the motorcycle documentary “On Any Sunday,” and Mert Lawwill, the 1969 AMA Grand National Champion whose title defense was the central theme of the timeless film.

Tickets for the AMA Legends Weekend are now available through this online registration form: http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?oeidk=a07e5r7zy8ea4316694&llr=vw9ldxbab or by calling (800) 342-5464.

The AMA Legends Weekend will be held at the Las Vegas Red Rock Resort, a world-class spa, hotel and casino, featuring a range of entertainment, dining and family-friendly attractions. The facility’s expansive ballrooms provide a stunning backdrop for the AMA Legends Weekend. Room reservations are available now at a special group rate by calling (866) 767-7773 and referencing group code RCIAME or AMERICAN MOTORCYCLIST. Online room reservations are available at www.redrocklasvegas.com.

More information about the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame can be found at www.motorcyclemuseum.org.

About the American Motorcycle Heritage Foundation
Founded in 1990 by the American Motorcycle Heritage Foundation, the goal of the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum is to tell the stories and preserve the history of motorcycling. Located on the campus of the American Motorcyclist Association in Pickerington, Ohio, the Museum’s three major exhibition halls feature the machines and memorabilia of those who have contributed notably to the sport. The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to motorcycling, including those known for their contributions to road riding, off-road riding and all categories of racing, as well as those who have excelled in business, history, design and engineering. More information can be found at www.motorcyclemuseum.org.

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World-class bike restorer and motocross pioneer Brian Slark to be inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame

World-class bike restorer and motocross pioneer Brian Slark to be inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame

PICKERINGTON, OH – July 31, 2012 – (Motor Sports Newswire) – The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame is pleased to announce the fourth member of the induction class of 2012. Bike restorer extraordinaire and motocross pioneer Brian Slark will be inducted into the Hall of Fame as part of the 2012 AMA Legends Weekend at the Red Rock Resort in Las Vegas, Nev., Nov. 16-17.

“Brian Slark is a true renaissance man in the world of motorcycling,” said Jeffrey V. Heininger, chairman of the board of the American Motorcycle Heritage Foundation, which raises funds for the Hall of Fame. “Not only did he help create motocross in America, but he also created works of art while working at some well-known motorcycle museums. His expertise is second to none.”

Born in London, England, on Feb. 2, 1938, Slark was a moving force in the creation of a vibrant motocross-racing community in the United States during the 1960s. He helped organize motocross tracks, and promoted the sport by teaching famous people — including then-teen heartthrob Bobby Darin — to ride motorcycles. He also imported and built Rickman Metisse and Cheney motocrossers.

Slark later assisted the late Dave Mungenast — who is also a member of the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame — in the creation of a motorcycle museum in St. Louis. He then helped create the world-class Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum in Leeds, Ala. Slark also played a key role in setting up the bikes for the immensely popular “The Art of the Motorcycle” exhibit at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York City in 1998, which later traveled to the Field Museum in Chicago and then Bilboa, Spain.

“As my wife said, for once I was absolutely speechless,” Slark said, reacting to the news that he would be inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame. “[Working with motorcycles is] something I’ve been doing nearly 60-plus years and I love it. I never ranked myself in the league of other people in the industry. I’ve just done what I love to do.”

Slark said he is particularly humbled and honored that he is being inducted to the Hall of Fame where his longtime friend Mungenast is honored.

“Dave was an incredibly multi-talented person,” Slark said. “He did so much for kids and everybody. He was a mentor. He was a wonderful guy and a good friend. To be in the same league as Dave is an incredible compliment. I can’t express how I feel.”

Slark’s motorcycling career spans more than 60 years. It began in 1957 when he started work at Associated Motorcycles (AJS and Matchless) in London, England, testing and evaluating bikes. He soon moved to the factory race shop.

In 1964 he spent a year in California riding desert events and helping organize motocross tracks. His experience prompted him to move to California the following year.

In 1969, Slark managed the service and competition departments for Norton and AJS at the west coast factory facility. Later, he became marketing communications manager for Norton-Villiers and advised designers on models for the North American market.

Slark decided to strike out on his own in 1976, and he opened a British bike shop in Southern California. Two years later he became the volunteer technical editor for the International Norton Owners Association-a role he still holds today.

In 1986, Slark sold his bike shop and moved to St. Louis. Ten years later, he joined the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum as technical director and helped elevate the museum to its present position of the largest collection of motorcycles in the world. He remains in that post today.

Slark is the fourth member of the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame class of 2012 to be announced. He joins the late Rod Bush, KTM North America president and industry visionary; pioneering female motocrosser Sue Fish; and Jimmy Ellis, 1975 AMA Supercross champion. The remaining 2012 inductees will be announced in random order in the coming weeks.

The class of 2012 will officially be inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame on Nov. 16 as part of the AMA Legends Weekend. The weekend also includes the 2012 AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Dave Mungenast Memorial Concours d’Elegance on Saturday, Nov. 17, featuring many of the country’s most impressive original and restored classic motorcycles.

In addition to the current class, the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame induction ceremony shines the spotlight on two previously inducted members of the Hall of Fame, reminding the motorcycling community of the amazing careers of these Motorcycle Hall of Fame Legends. For 2012, the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Legends will be 1998 inductees Malcolm Smith, a pioneer in off-road motorcycling and a star in the motorcycle documentary “On Any Sunday,” and Mert Lawwill, the 1969 AMA Grand National Champion whose title defense was the central theme of the timeless film.

Tickets for the AMA Legends Weekend are now available through this online registration form: http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?oeidk=a07e5r7zy8ea4316694&llr=vw9ldxbab or by calling (800) 342-5464.

The AMA Legends Weekend will be held at the Las Vegas Red Rock Resort, a world-class spa, hotel and casino, featuring a range of entertainment, dining and family-friendly attractions. The facility’s expansive ballrooms provide a stunning backdrop for the AMA Legends Weekend. Room reservations are available now at a special group rate by calling (866) 767-7773 and referencing group code RCIAME or AMERICAN MOTORCYCLIST. Online room reservations are available at www.redrocklasvegas.com.

More information about the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame can be found at www.motorcyclemuseum.org.

About the American Motorcycle Heritage Foundation
Founded in 1990 by the American Motorcycle Heritage Foundation, the goal of the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum is to tell the stories and preserve the history of motorcycling. Located on the campus of the American Motorcyclist Association in Pickerington, Ohio, the Museum’s three major exhibition halls feature the machines and memorabilia of those who have contributed notably to the sport. The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to motorcycling, including those known for their contributions to road riding, off-road riding and all categories of racing, as well as those who have excelled in business, history, design and engineering. More information can be found at www.motorcyclemuseum.org.

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Industry leader, visionary Rod Bush to be inducted into AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame

PICKERINGTON, OH – May 25, 2012 – (Motor Sports Newswire) -  The American Motorcyclist Association Motorcycle Hall of Fame is pleased to announce the first member of the induction class of 2012. The late Rod Bush, who helped establish and grow KTM North America and served as company president from 1987 until his death in 2005, will be inducted into the Hall of Fame as part of the 2012 AMA Legends Weekend at the Red Rock Resort in Las Vegas, Nev., Nov. 16-17.

“Rod Bush led KTM North America during its formative years in the United States, and under his leadership, the Austrian company grew from a small European alternative to the Japanese brands into an off-road racing powerhouse,” said Jeff Heininger, chairman of the American Motorcycle Heritage Foundation, which raises funds for the Hall of Fame. “His contributions to motorcycling are significant and lasting, and have helped shaped the off-road racing and riding environments in America for a generation.”

While leading KTM, Bush also made numerous contributions to U.S. teams in national and international competition, helping advance American off-road racing in general. A major influence in developing both rules packages and minicycle technology, Bush’s efforts helped revolutionize youth competition in America in the 1990s — a development that has continued to fuel the steady advancement of American motocross and off-road racers.

So much of the success KTM has seen in North America is built on the foundation that Rod worked so hard to create,” said current KTM North America President Jon-Erik Burleson. “As a mentor and friend of mine, his leadership and success were, and continue to be, great inspiration to continue to push forward. The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame represents the pinnacle of those who have achieved so much for our sport and industry. I am deeply happy for his family and his legacy for him to be honored with such prestigious recognition.”

Bush, who passed away on Sept. 12, 2005, is survived by wife Cheri Bush, who said his influence went beyond tangible milestones and infused both his employees and peers with confidence and enthusiasm.

“Rod had a tremendous amount of integrity, honesty and fairness,” she said. “He lived every day to the fullest, and everything he did involved motorcycles and KTM. KTM and the people who worked for him truly were a part of his family. I think that was recognized even at the highest levels of the company. His opinions were valued greatly in Austria, where they had great faith in Rod and what he was doing in America, and I think that was reflected when he was appointed one of three managing directors for the parent company.”

Cheri Bush said most people will likely remember Rod for his friendly nature as much as they’ll remember him for his accomplishments.

“Rod was very down to earth,” she said. “He would talk to anybody. His attitude is probably best captured by the simple way he signed his emails and letters: ‘see you down the trail…’ It conveyed so much about him — his friendliness, his expectation that he would see you again and, of course, his love for motorcycling.”

Born July 6, 1955, in Huntington, W.Va., Bush rode his first hare scrambles in 1970 and three years later opened a Penton dealership in Parkersburg, W.Va., with his father. Bush started taking his racing seriously, and began competing in the International Six Days Trial in 1974, ultimately winning gold medals in later ISDTs. In 1976, Bush started working for Penton Imports as a sales representative.

In 1978, Bush left Penton Imports to help form KTM America, later KTM North America, with Jack Lehto. In 1987, Bush took the position of KTM North America president when the company was selling about 2,500 motorcycles a year. When Bush died in 2005, KTM North America sold approximately 28,000 units annually and had 140 employees. During his tenure at KTM, Bush was elected as a partner and one of three managing directors of KTM Group, as well as a member of the AMA Board of Directors.

Bush is also survived by his son Robbie, his daughter Stacy and granddaughter Amaris.

Bush is the first member of the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame class of 2012 to be announced. The rest of the 2012 inductees will be announced in random order in the coming weeks.

The class of 2012 will officially be inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame on Nov. 16 as part of the AMA Legends Weekend. The weekend also includes the 2012 AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Dave Mungenast Memorial Concours d’Elegance on Saturday, Nov. 17, featuring some of the country’s most impressive original and restored classic motorcycles.

In addition to the current class, the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame induction ceremony shines the spotlight on two previously inducted members of the Hall of Fame, reminding the motorcycling community of the amazing careers of these Motorcycle Hall of Fame Legends. For 2012, the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Legends will be 1998 inductees Malcolm Smith, a pioneer in off-road motorcycling and a star in the motorcycle documentary “On Any Sunday,” and Mert Lawwill, the 1969 AMA Grand National Champion whose title defense was the central theme of the timeless film.

Tickets for the AMA Legends Weekend are now available through this online registration form: http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?oeidk=a07e5r7zy8ea4316694&llr=vw9ldxbab or by calling (800) 342-5464.

The AMA Legends Weekend will be held at the Las Vegas Red Rock Resort, a world-class spa, hotel and casino, featuring a range of entertainment, dining and family-friendly attractions. The facility’s expansive ballrooms provide a stunning backdrop for the AMA Legends Weekend. Room reservations are available now at a special group rate by calling (866) 767-7773 and referencing group code RCIAME or AMERICAN MOTORCYCLIST. Online room reservations are available at RedRockLasVegas.com.

More information about the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame can be found at MotorcycleMuseum.org.

About the American Motorcycle Heritage Foundation
Founded in 1990 by the American Motorcycle Heritage Foundation, the goal of the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum is to tell the stories and preserve the history of motorcycling. Located on the campus of the American Motorcyclist Association in Pickerington, Ohio, the Museum’s three major exhibition halls feature the machines and memorabilia of those who have contributed notably to the sport. The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to motorcycling, including those known for their contributions to road riding, off-road riding and all categories of racing, as well as those who have excelled in business, history, design and engineering. More information can be found at MotorcycleMuseum.org.

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Longtime motocross promoter to be inducted into Motorcycle Hall of Fame

PICKERINGTON, OH – June 3, 2011 – (Motor Sports Newswire) – The Motorcycle Hall of Fame is pleased to announce the fifth member of the class of 2011: Stu Peters, one of the most prolific and enduring motocross promoters in the history of the sport in America.

Peters, whose group, the Continental Motosport Club (CMC), has been promoting motocross races since 1968, will be honored at the 2011 Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on Nov. 18. The event marks the kickoff of the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) Legends & Champions Weekend at the Red Rock Resort in Las Vegas, Nev., Nov. 18-20.

“Thirty years ago, I pulled into the more than 1-mile-long line to get into Saddleback Park for the annual CMC Golden State Series event,” said Tom White, vice chairman of the American Motorcycle Heritage Foundation, which raises money for the Hall of Fame. “Almost 1,000 riders would compete that day, including every top factory rider at the time. If you wanted motocross stardom, you had to compete in CMC. That was 1981, and Stu Peters had already spent years of his life dedicated to motocross, and today — 1,000 races later — he is still promoting motocross events. Welcome to the Motorcycle Hall of Fame, Stu!”

Although Peters has expanded beyond his Southern California base, his early start and subsequent success in what became a hotbed of motocross competition in the 1970s, 1980s and beyond established his presence in the national consciousness of American motocross. Peters’ legacy with historic Southern California tracks, such as Carlsbad Raceway, Saddleback Park and Glen Helen, dates to their very beginning.

Peters, who raced motocross professionally in Europe in the 1960s, was already actively running local events when the AMA approached him to promote two rounds of the 1970 Trans-AMA Series, which became the sport’s first national championship series in the United States sanctioned by the AMA and recognized by the FIM (Federation Internationale de Motocyclisme), the world governing body for motorcycle sport.

Today, CMC has grown into one of the largest motocross racing organizations in the country. Its major series include the Golden State Nationals, the Copperstate series, and the Pac-West Nationals. The group runs events in Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Wyoming, California and Western Canada.

“We brought the word ‘motocross’ to the West Coast in the late ’60s,” Peters remembered. “Then, everything was called ‘rough scrambles’ or ‘scrambles.’ I wrote a press release that I sent to the L.A. Times back in January ’68. A guy named Shav Glick called me up and wanted to know where this word ‘motocross’ came from. I told him I brought it back from Europe.”

Glick, who died in 2007, became a leading editorial advocate for motocross and Supercross at the influential newspaper for over 30 years.

Peters says that his success is rooted in the basics.

“What makes a successful race is taking care of the racers, at any level,” he said. “Good rules, a fair race, a good track and decent prizes. Even when local pros, like Jeff Ward, started following the national series, they would still race the Golden State races, even if that meant taking a red-eye back from a Supercross to make it to a Sunday morning CMC race. For me, those are the highlights, being able to put on great races for so many years and providing a stepping stone for so many great racers.”

With the announcement of Peters, the 2011 class of inductees for the Motorcycle Hall of Fame is complete. Peters joins noted magazine editor Phil Schilling, industry leader Fred Fox, roadracing champion Doug Polen and motorcycling pioneer Norbert Schickel.

The Class of 2011 will officially be inducted into the Motorcycle Hall of Fame on Nov. 18. Other highlights of the AMA Legends & Champions Weekend include the 2011 Motorcycle Hall of Fame Concours d’Elegance on Saturday, Nov. 19, featuring some of the country’s most impressive original and restored classic motorcycles and the AMA Racing Championship Banquet on Sunday, Nov. 20, where AMA Racing amateur champions of all ages will be recognized for their 2011 accomplishments.

Tickets for the AMA Legends & Champions weekend are now available through this online registration form: http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=vw9ldxbab&oeidk=a07e3rn4juk2e3f80c1. Tickets may be ordered over the phone by calling (800) 262-5646.

The AMA Legends & Champions Weekend also includes the final round of the GEICO AMA EnduroCross National Championship Series on Saturday evening, Nov. 19. EnduroCross tickets are available at www.orleansarena.com/event-calendar/endurocross or by phone at (702) 284-7777 or (888) 234-2334.

The AMA Legends & Champions Weekend will be held at the Las Vegas Red Rock Resort, a world-class spa, hotel and casino, featuring a range of entertainment, dining and family-friendly attractions. The facility’s expansive ballrooms provide a stunning backdrop for the AMA Legends & Champions Weekend, which is certain to be memorable for the 2011 inductees, champions, families, friends and fans. Room reservations are available now at a special group rate by calling (866) 767-7773 and referencing group AMA or AMERICANMOTO. Online room reservations are available at RedRockLasVegas.com. For online reservations, use the promo code RCIMOTR.

More information about the Motorcycle Hall of Fame can be found at MotorcycleMuseum.org.

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Sidecar racing champion to be inducted into AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame

PICKERINGTON, OH – June 22, 2010 – (Motor Sports Newswire) – The AMA is pleased to announce the seventh member of the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Class of 2010: three-time AMA Sidecar Racing National Champion Larry Coleman. Coleman, who has set land-speed records on the Bonneville Salt Flats and runs his own motorcycle-industry marketing company, will be among the legends of motorcycling honored at the 2010 induction ceremony at the Red Rock Resort in Las Vegas Nov. 19.

“Motorcycle racing is one of the most diverse motorsports in the world, and sidecar racing is further evidence of that,” said AMA Director of Operations and Hall of Famer Jack Penton. “One of the best ever at this unique and exciting discipline is Larry Coleman — a three-time champ who really took the sport to new levels.”

Don Rosene, chairman of the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame selection committee, said: “I first met Larry Coleman in the mid-’70s while I was selling HiPoint Accessories and he was selling Kal-Gard. I wasn’t aware at that time that he was an AMA National Sidecar Champion. I heard it from someone else — he never mentioned it to me. Humble, indeed. Now, almost 40 years later, Larry is still setting records in a sidecar, only this time it’s in a straight line, at very high speeds, on the salt at Bonneville.”

A motorcyclist since he was a kid, Coleman’s interest in fast, grand-prix-style sidecar racing came when he was a U.S. serviceman in Europe in the 1970s. After two racing seasons as a sidecar passenger, he decided to pilot his own machine. Upon returning to the United States, Larry raced a Kawasaki 500 H1-based sidecar with Wendell Andrews, and was a success in both AFM and AMA racing.

The pair won two AMA national championships in 1976-77. Then, teaming with Mark Bevans as passenger, Coleman won the 1979 AMA national championship. For the 1980 season, Coleman built up a Yamaha TZ750-based bike that was one of the most advanced machines of its type and helped advance the cause of sidecar racing in the United States. After retiring from racing in 1981, Coleman worked in the motorcycle industry, ultimately starting his own marketing and public relations consultancy.

Coleman said he was honored to be named the to the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame.

“I’m really in awe,” Coleman said. “I’ve been to Pickerington, and read all the names on the wall. Being in the company of those people is such an honor. I don’t think there’s any finer honor than to be judged by your peers, and this is just amazing.”

As for sidecar racing, Coleman was smitten early.

“The attraction for me is the teamwork,” he said. “The guys who rode with me in those championships, Wendell Andrews and Mark Bevans, are as much a part of this as I am. They say that motorcycle racing takes 100 percent effort, and on a sidecar, it takes 200 percent.”

Coleman joins previously announced members of the AMA Hall of Fame Class of 2010: championship team owner Mitch Payton, AMA 250cc Roadrace Champion David Emde, off-road rights activist Clark Collins, dirt-track racer Don Castro and off-road gear pioneers John and Rita Gregory. More inductees will be announced soon.

Coleman, and the other members of the class of 2010, will officially be inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame on Friday, Nov. 19, as part of the AMA Legends & Champions Weekend. In addition to the induction ceremony, the weekend includes the 2010 AMA Concours d’Elegance on Saturday, Nov. 20, featuring some of the country’s most impressive original and restored classic motorcycles. The AMA Racing Championship Banquet closes out the weekend on Sunday, Nov. 21, where AMA Racing amateur champions of all ages will be recognized for their 2010 accomplishments.

The AMA Legends & Champions Weekend also includes the final round of the Geico Powersports AMA Endurocross National Championship Series on Saturday evening, Nov. 20. Ticket packages for the AMA Legends & Champions Weekend will also include access to the race, held at The Orleans Arena.

The AMA Legends & Champions Weekend will be held at the Las Vegas Red Rock Resort, a world-class spa, hotel and casino, featuring a range of entertainment, dining and family-friendly attractions. The facility’s expansive ballrooms will provide a stunning backdrop for the AMA Legends & Champions Weekend, which is certain to be memorable for the 2010 inductees, champions, families, friends and fans. More information is available online at RedRockLasVegas.com.

Lodging reservations can be made now at AmericanMotorcyclist.com/Accommodations. An announcement regarding ticket information will be made soon.

Located on the park-like campus of the AMA in Pickerington, Ohio, the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame honors individuals who have made lasting contributions to protecting and promoting the motorcycle lifestyle. Its members include those who have excelled in racing, road- and off-road riding, pushed the envelope in motorcycle design, engineering and safety, and championed the rights of riders in both the halls of government and the court of public opinion.

The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Committee includes nine members in addition to the chairman. There are eight committees, each representing a different aspect of motorcycling.

More information about the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame can be found at MotorcycleMuseum.org.

SOURCE: American Motorcyclist Association

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Dirt-track star to be inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame

PICKERINGTON, OH – June 14, 2010 – (Motor Sports Newswire) – The AMA is pleased to announce the fourth member of the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Class of 2010: dirt-track racer Don Castro. Castro — an extraordinary racer who competed handlebar-to-handlebar with some of the greatest motorcycle racers of all time in the 1970s — will be among the legends of motorcycling honored at the 2010 induction ceremony at the Red Rock Resort in Las Vegas this Nov. 19.

“Many consider the early 1970s one of the greatest periods for dirt-track racing in the history of the sport,” said AMA Director of Operations Jack Penton, a Hall of Famer himself. “Don battled famed racers Gary Scott, Kenny Roberts, Mert Lawwill, Chuck Palmgren, Gene Romero, Dave Aldana and others, and he excelled. We’re delighted that he has earned a spot alongside the other great racers in dirt-track history in the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame.”

Castro joined the professional ranks as an Expert in 1970, riding dirt-trackers and roadracers for Triumph. He finished his rookie season fifth in the standings. For 1973 he was picked up by Yamaha and accomplished what many consider to be his greatest victory: winning the San Jose, Calif., half-mile against the likes of Scott, Lawwill, Palmgren, Roberts and other extremely talented racers. Again, he finished the season fifth. Castro went on to win another national the next year: the 250cc roadrace at Daytona, defeating teammate and race favorite Roberts. Castro retired from the sport in 1976.

Another AMA Hall of Famer Bill Werner, dirt-track tuner extraordinaire who serves as chairman of the Hall of Fame’s dirt-track committee, said: “Don is very deserving to be in the Hall of Fame, and I was fortunate enough to see him compete in his prime. One time, he was at Louisville Downs qualifying and ran wide open. He took my breath away and everyone’s breath away. He was a very talented racer and is well deserving of the honor.”

Castro, who now operates Racer’s Edge, a motorcycle and all-terrain vehicle service center in Tres Pinos, Calif., was humbled and honored when he learned he had been inducted into the Hall of Fame.

“It’s just a shock,” Castro said. “It makes your mind think of all kinds of things. It brings back a lot of memories. I’m shocked, and don’t feel I deserve it.”

Castro recalled that the early ’70s was a great time to race not only because of the tight racing but also because of the camaraderie of the racers.

“It was a difficult time to win a National because there were always three or four racers going for the win,” Castro said. “Everybody had different lines because they had different bikes — Harleys, Triumphs, Yamahas. They ran different, so they had different lines, it wasn’t just follow the leader. And it was nice because you would caravan to the races together. They were like your brothers, really close friends.”

Castro joins previously announced members of the AMA Hall of Fame Class of 2010: championship team owner Mitch Payton, AMA 250cc roadrace champion David Emde and off-road rights activist Clark Collins. More inductees will be announced soon.

The Class of 2010 will officially be inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame on Nov. 19 as part of the AMA Legends & Champions Weekend. In addition to the induction ceremony, the weekend includes the 2010 AMA Concours d’Elegance on Saturday, Nov. 20, featuring some of the country’s most impressive original and restored classic motorcycles. The AMA Racing Championship Banquet closes out the weekend on Sunday, Nov. 21, where AMA Racing amateur champions of all ages will be recognized for their 2010 accomplishments.

The event will be held at the Las Vegas Red Rock Resort, a world-class spa, hotel and casino, featuring a range of entertainment, dining and family-friendly attractions. The facility’s expansive ballrooms will provide a stunning backdrop for the AMA Legends & Champions Weekend, which is certain to be memorable for the 2010 inductees, champions, families, friends and fans. More information is available online at RedRockLasVegas.com.

Lodging reservations can be made now at AmericanMotorcyclist.com/Accommodations. An announcement regarding ticket information will be made in mid-June.

Located on the park-like campus of the AMA in Pickerington, Ohio, the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame honors individuals who have made lasting contributions to protecting and promoting the motorcycle lifestyle. Its members include those who have excelled in racing, road- and off-road riding, pushed the envelope in motorcycle design, engineering and safety, and championed the rights of riders in both the halls of government and the court of public opinion.

The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Committee includes nine members in addition to the chairman. There are eight committees, each representing a different aspect of motorcycling.

More information about the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame can be found at MotorcycleMuseum.org.

SOURCE: American Motorcyclist Association

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Motocross/Supercross team owner to be inducted into AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame

PICKERINGTON, OH – May 26, 2010 – (Motor Sports Newswire) – The AMA is pleased to announce the first member of the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Class of 2010: accomplished race team owner Mitch Payton (below, left, in the above photo of last year’s AMA Team USA). Payton, whose Pro Circuit teams have collected 26 AMA Pro Championships in Motocross and Supercross since 1991, will be among the legends of motorcycling honored at the 2010 induction ceremony at the Red Rock Resort in Las Vegas this Nov. 19.

“In AMA Pro Motocross and Supercross, one team is perhaps more synonymous with winning than any other, Pro Circuit, and the motive force behind that team is one of the industry’s most driven individuals, Mitch Payton,” said Jack Penton, incoming AMA director of operations and a Hall of Famer himself. “Payton is an architect of not only championship teams, but champions, having developed some of this sport’s greatest racers.”

Payton’s parents, James and Norma Payton, introduced him and his brother, James Jr., to motorcycling at a young age. By the time he was 10, Payton was competing in family enduros and a few years later was racing competitively in AMA District 37. In 1977, at the age of 17, Payton was one of the district’s top desert racers and won the 125 class in that discipline. Unfortunately, the next year Payton’s racing career was cut short by injury.

Instead of allowing discouragement to turn him away from motorcycling, Payton refocused his efforts on the business side of the sport. At 18, he bought and ran a local Husqvarna shop. His skill and reputation as a tuner grew, and his parts were being used by some of the biggest motocross teams of the mid-1980s. Then, in 1991, Honda asked Payton to run its 125 team. Payton accepted, and over the next 19 years, racing other brands as well, his teams won more championships than any other.

Tom White is chairman of the Hall of Fame Motocross/Supercross committee, and the company he founded, White Brothers, was one of the first distributors of Payton’s products.

“I’ve known Mitch from when he was racing to when he was starting his company,” White said. “It is one of my proudest moments to see somebody who overcame what some might see as a major disability and not only build the best motorcycles, but to be able to pick the riders and bring them up to a level of performance that makes them better than they ever thought they could be. Mitch Payton is absolutely what the Hall of Fame is about — recognizing the people who have made the best and most lasting contributions to motorcycling.”

Payton, an AMA Life Member, said that he’s honored by his induction into the Hall of Fame. But, he said, he recognizes the legends he looked up to in his youth are the true heroes of the sport.

“I look around the industry, and there are a few guys I hold in real regard,” Payton said. “One is Malcolm Smith. When I was a kid, we’d go to Malcolm’s shop, and I was the 10-year-old punk who would bother the guys at the counter for stickers and sit on all the bikes. Another is Roger DeCoster. Those guys are just awesome.

“So, to be in the same Hall of Fame, for that honor, I’m really proud about that,” Payton continued. “It’s there forever. It means that anyone looking back on history years from now will see what you’ve done.”

Payton, and the other members of the class of 2010, will officially be inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame this Nov. 19 as part of the AMA Legends & Champions Weekend. In addition to the induction ceremony, the weekend includes the 2010 AMA Concours d’Elegance on Saturday, Nov. 20, featuring some of the country’s most impressive original and restored classic motorcycles. The AMA Racing Championship Banquet closes out the weekend on Sunday, Nov. 21, where AMA Racing amateur champions of all ages will be recognized for their 2010 accomplishments

The event will be held at the Las Vegas Red Rock Resort, a world-class spa, hotel and casino, featuring a range of entertainment, dining and family-friendly attractions. The facility’s expansive ballrooms will provide a stunning backdrop for the AMA Legends & Champions Weekend, which is certain to be memorable for the 2010 inductees, champions, families, friends and fans. More information is available online at RedRockLasVegas.com.

Lodging reservations can be made now at AmericanMotorcyclist.com/Accommodations. An announcement regarding ticket information will be made after June 1.

Located on the park-like campus of the AMA in Pickerington, Ohio, the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame honors individuals who have made lasting contributions to protecting and promoting the motorcycle lifestyle. Its members include those who have excelled in racing, road- and off-road riding, pushed the envelope in motorcycle design, engineering and safety, and championed the rights of riders in both the halls of government and the court of public opinion.

The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Committee includes nine members in addition to the chairman. There are eight sub-committees, each representing a different aspect of motorcycling.

More information about the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame can be found at MotorcycleMuseum.org.

SOURCE: American Motorcyclist Association

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