AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Holds 2015 Induction Ceremony in Orlando

The 2015 Yamaha AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, presented by Harley-Davidson was held last night in Orlando, FL. as part of the AIM Expo that has been taking place there for the last few days. The new class including former 2-Time World Champion John Kocinski, former 3-Time 500cc World Champion Wayne Rainey, former Ascot AMA Flat Track Champ Alex Jorgensen and the founder of J&P Cycles, John Parham, among others, were inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame during the big ceremony on the east coast of Florida.

In the shot above, former 2-Time World Champion ('90 250cc & '97 World Superbike) & 3-Time AMA 250cc Champion ('87-'89) John Kocinski acknowledges the crowd while being interviewed after taking the win in the Bultaco Cup event at the Springfield Short Track during the Steve Nace AMA National All-Star Flat Track Series event on September 5, 2015 aboard his ultra-sano and hand-built Knight Frame/Honda CR250 'Red Rider' flat tracker. 

Kocinski holds the track record at Perris Speedway in California with this slick machine which is a combination of titanium and carbon fiber, built to the max with help from his father and a combination of race experts in California. To hear this alone sounds like a chain saw on acid with it's big time red line and Kocinski kept it on the pipe all night in winning several events by wide margins against a stacked field of riders including Joe Kopp and Chris Carr.

Kocinski was one of several of the inductees who were enshrined last night in Orlando, and you can check out the full press release below on what went down in Florida during the annual ceremony. A big congrats to all for your accolades last night, they are very well deserved!

AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame inducts six new members, honors one Legend at 2015 induction ceremony

PICKERINGTON, Ohio -- October 18, 2015 -- On Saturday, Oct. 17, the American Motorcyclist Association Hall of Fame welcomed the members of the Class of 2015 at the 2015 Yamaha AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, presented by Harley-Davidson.

The ceremony, hosted by actor, motorcyclist and AMA board member Perry King, inducted dirt tracker Alex Jorgensen, road racing champion John Kocinski, longtime Yamaha Motor Corp. U.S.A. race team manager Keith McCarty, entrepreneur and industry patron John Parham, off-road racing champion Rodney Smith and former Harley-Davidson CEO Richard Teerlink.  

Also honored was 1999 Hall of Fame inductee and three-time world road racing champion Wayne Rainey as the 2015 AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Legend, presented by MAG. AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Legends are existing Hall of Famers who are being recognized for their ongoing contributions to motorcycling.

"A strong future can only be built on a secure historical footing, and the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame is motorcycling's custodian of that history," said AMA Board of Directors Chair Maggie McNally, speaking at the ceremony. "It is the showcase of those who have built the foundation of American motorcycling. Tonight, it's my honor to welcome six more of these amazing individuals into the Hall of Fame."

Following the Hall of Fame VIP Reception, presented by Suzuki, attendees were treated to a video chronicling each inductee's motorcycling accomplishments. Then each new Hall of Fame member was presented with a Hall of Fame ring, sponsored by Zero Motorcycles.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Class of 2015 (l-r): Rodney Smith, John Parham, Alex Jorgensen, Keith McCarty, John Kocinski (with son) and Richard Teerlink. AMA Hall of Fame photo by Jeff Guciardo.

 

 

 

 

 

"With the greatest resolve, each of these icons has placed an indelible mark on motorcycling's past, present and future," said King, as he closed out the evening's ceremony. "From their motorcycles that set and broke world records, to inventions and innovations that revolutionized an industry, to the stories of hard-fought victories, from the racetrack all the way to the halls of government, each member of the Hall of Fame is an enduring testament to the steadfast and unwavering ability to dream big -- and never look back."

The evening concluded with a roll call for all attending Hall of Fame members to join the class of 2015 on the stage. The tribute drew a standing ovation from the room.

The 2015 Yamaha AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, presented by Harley-Davidson, was held in conjunction with AIMExpo. The AIMExpo is a diverse powersports event that welcomes members of the industry, motorcycle media and consumers.

Sponsors of the event included title sponsor Yamaha, presenting sponsor Harley-Davidson, reception sponsor Suzuki Motor of America, ring sponsor Zero Motorcycles, and Hall of Fame Legend sponsor Motorsport Aftermarket Group. Platinum level sponsors included American Honda, BMW of North America, GE Capital and Kawasaki Motors Corp. U.S.A. Manufacturer Elite sponsors were GEICO Motorcycle, Husqvarna Motorcycles and KTM North America. Motion Pro was an Aftermarket Gold sponsor, and Motul and Rea & Associates were Aftermarket Silver sponsors. Service sponsors included AVIS/Budget, Chet Burks Productions and Federal Motorcycle Transport.

John Kocinski

John Kocinski, who began racing as a teenager, won the AMA 250 Grand Prix Championship in 1987, 1988 and 1989 and took the 1989 600 Supersport win at Daytona International Speedway. In 1990, in his first full season with Team Roberts, he won the 250cc World Championship in Europe, claiming eight pole positions and notching seven wins on tracks he had never seen before. In 1997, he won the World Superbike championship, scoring 10 wins on a Honda RC45, the bike's crowning world title.

Kocinski went on to record 18 AMA 250 GP wins. During his career, he raced on teams that included AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame members David Aldana, Erv Kanemoto, Eddie Lawson and Wayne Rainey, including Team Roberts assembled by Kenny Roberts. He officially retired from racing in 2002. Kocinski was inducted into the Hall of Fame in the Road Racing category.

In his induction speech, Kocinski talked about his long career and how it all began with a spark of inspiration, witnessing legendary tuner Bud Aksland work on a Yamaha TZ250 at Daytona in 1982.

"I really can't thank Bud enough for everything he did for me," Kocinski said. "I would like to thank the AMA for being a world-class federation and giving me a place to hone my skills. I want to thank my family for their sacrifices."

Richard Teerlink

Richard Teerlink was part of the executive team responsible for Harley-Davidson's financial turnaround in the late 1980s. As president and CEO, Teerlink helped establish the company's new mission, values, objectives and strategies. His approach included working closely with employees at all levels of the organization, as well as with union leaders. In addition, he believed a participative approach with dealers, suppliers and riders would lead to the development of mutually beneficial relationships.

Teerlink joined Harley-Davidson in 1981 as chief financial officer. That year, the company posted an operating loss of $15.5 million on revenue of $210 million. When Teerlink retired as chairman and CEO in 1999, Harley posted operating profits of $416 million on revenue of $2.45 billion and held nearly 50 percent of the U.S. market for 650cc and larger motorcycles.

"Joining Harley-Davidson as chief financial officer was a life changing experience," Teerlink said. "As CFO and later as CEO, I was able to meet customers face to face, and share the experience and the camaraderie of the open road. And through the Harley Owners Group, my wife and I have had the opportunity to build relationships with riders, customers and friends from all over the world. To be admitted to the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame is an honor beyond belief."

Rodney Smith

Rodney Smith started riding motorcycles in the hills of Northern California with his family in the '70s. From there, he blossomed into a local motocross standout and then an international contender. Smith accepted an offer to race in Brazil in 1985 and won five Brazilian national championships. He then moved to the world level and finished third in the 1988 Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme 250cc World Motocross Championships before returning to America in 1990.

Back in the United States, Smith turned his focus to off-road racing, where he became one of the most dominant riders of the late 1990s and early 2000s. Smith won 13 AMA-sanctioned national championship series, including five Grand National Cross Country titles, three AMA National Hare Scrambles titles and five AMA National Reliability Enduro Championships. He also excelled in the International Six Days Enduro, winning multiple gold medals, competing on the premier U.S. Trophy Team and twice earning top-American honors.

"From Day 1 when I was a kid, we were just an average family riding dirt bikes," Smith said. "I never thought in those days, that it would come to this. What a great honor. I never thought I would be up here being inducted into the Hall of Fame."

John Parham

John Parham opened his first shop with a partner in 1975 in his hometown of Anamosa, Iowa. Four years later, he branched out with his wife Jill, starting J. Parham Enterprises. This company came to be known as J&P Cycles. By the 1990s, J&P Cycles had grown into one of the largest motorcycle accessory mail order companies in the world.

Parham stayed on board to run J&P Cycles after selling it to Motorsports Action Group in 2001. At that time, he also focused additional energy and resources on preserving motorcycling history. In 2001, Parham relocated the National Motorcycle Museum to Anamosa, where it has continued to thrive and grow into one of the world's foremost motorcycle museums.

"J&P Cycles was successful because of all of our wonderful employees," Parham said. "Everyone's goal was to provide the best customer service that we could, no matter whether it was to the retail customer, your fellow employees, or the companies we did business with. I wish to thank all of our employees past and present."

Keith McCarty

Keith McCarty's first job as a motorcycle mechanic was for U.S. Suzuki in 1973 for rider Mike Runyard. In 1975-76, he wrenched for AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Tony DiStefano, winning two 250cc AMA National Motocross Championships. When the motocross schedule didn't conflict, he worked with the Hall of Fame duo of Erv Kanemoto and Gary Nixon in road racing.

In January 1977, McCarty began his long career with Yamaha as the mechanic for AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Legend Bob "Hurricane" Hannah. McCarty has remained in Yamaha's racing division ever since, working as mechanic, supervisor, department manager and, most recently, division manager for all of Yamaha's U.S. racing activities.

McCarty, who lives in Orange, Calif., is known not only for his technical knowledge, but also for inspirational prowess and organizational acumen that transcends racing disciplines, making him not only an asset for Yamaha but also a valued member of the motorcycling community.

"I want to congratulate the other inductees tonight," McCarty said. "I want to thank my Yamaha family. The thing about being in a family is being certain that someone has your back no matter what, though wins and losses. I'm so proud to be a member of the AMA and to receive this honor tonight."

Alex Jorgensen

Alex "Jorgy" Jorgensen exemplifies the talent, skill and diverse abilities that are trademarks of the greatest AMA Grand National competitors in history. Of the handful of riders who have wins in all four dirt-track disciplines -- short track, TT, half mile and mile -- Jorgensen is the only rider who achieved the feat in his first four Grand National wins, while competing on four different motorcycles -- Can-Am, BSA, Norton and Harley-Davidson.

Jorgensen's career boasts a number of special wins. He is the last rider to win an AMA Grand National on a Norton or BSA, both wins coming at Ascot. He earned Can-Am its first AMA Grand National win.

He also logged the first AMA Grand National victory on Rotax's four-stroke single at the Ascot TT. From 1982 to 2004, the Rotax engine would dominate the highest levels of short-track and TT competition. Along with Gary Scott, Jorgensen holds the record of most AMA Grand National wins at Ascot with six.

"I'm very honored to be here tonight," Jorgensen said. "I want to thank all of the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famers who voted for me. I'm so lucky that I raced motorcycles. It allowed me to meet so many people I wouldn't have. I want to thank the AMA for giving me this chance. It's something I'll remember for the rest of my life."

AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Legend Wayne Rainey

Wayne Rainey was the top World Championship 500cc Grand Prix rider of the early 1990s, winning three consecutive World Championships riding for Yamaha in 1990, 1991 and 1992. In addition to his accomplishments on the world level, Rainey was also a star of AMA Superbike racing during the 1980s, winning that title in 1983 with Kawasaki and again for Honda in 1987.

Following a career-ending injury while leading the Italian Grand Prix in September 1993, Rainey, who also was in the points lead for a fourth straight title at the time, returned to the sport the next year as a team owner and manager. Rainey retired from that role following the 1998 season.

Today, Rainey is the president of MotoAmerica, the AMA and FIM North America championship road racing series. Rainey was the motive force behind the creation of the new series, serving as both its inspiration and most prominent advocate, insisting the series was necessary to prepare today's American road racers for success on the world stage.

Rainey treated the attendees on a heartfelt ride through his life, recounting his career from the time he started racing to his U.S. championships to his world championships, his injury, his return as a team owner, and finally his commitment to MotoAmerica.

"I want to thank the AMA for originally inducting me in '99," Rainey said. "It's pretty cool that everybody here tonight is connected through motorcycles. Anything is possible. To my son, Rex, when you go through the challenges of your life, I hope you see how I dealt with tough times and let that guide you."

 

About the American Motorcyclist Association

 

Founded in 1924, the AMA is a not-for-profit member-based association whose mission is to promote the motorcycle lifestyle and protect the future of motorcycling. As the world's largest motorcycling rights and event sanctioning organization, the AMA advocates for riders' interests at all levels of government and sanctions thousands of competition and recreational events every year. The AMA also provides money-saving discounts on products and services for its members. Through the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in Pickerington, Ohio, the AMA honors the heroes and heritage of motorcycling.

 

For more information, visit www.americanmotorcyclist.com.

  

Not a member? Join the AMA today: www.americanmotorcyclist.com/membership/join  

Media contact: James Holter
Phone: (614) 856-1900, ext. 1280
E-mail: jholter@ama-cycle.org

Road racer John Kocinski, former Harley-Davidson executive Richard Teerlink elected to AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame

Road racer John Kocinski, former Harley-Davidson executive Richard Teerlink elected to AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame

Class of 2015 to be inducted Oct. 17 in Orlando, Fla.

PICKERINGTON, Ohio -- Motorcycle road racer John Kocinski and former Harley-Davidson Motor Co. President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman Richard Teerlink have been elected to the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Class of 2015.

"These two men represent the best of motorcycling -- John through his performance on the track and Richard through his performance in the executive suite," said Ken Ford, a member of the Hall of Fame executive committee and treasurer of the AMA board of directors. "It will be my honor to welcome both of them into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame this October."

The Class of 2015 includes three competition category inductees and three non-competition category inductees. Others in the Class of 2015 include racer Rodney Smith, entrepreneur and patron John Parham, racer Alex Jorgensen and Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A. Racing Division Manager Keith McCarty.

Kocinski and Teerlink are the final inductees to be announced for 2015.

Kocinski, who began racing as a teenager, won the AMA 250 Grand Prix Championship in 1987, 1988 and 1989 and took the 1989 600 Supersport win at Daytona International Speedway. In 1990, in his first full season with Team Roberts, he won the 250cc World Championship in Europe, claiming eight pole positions and notching seven wins on tracks he had never seen before. In 1997, he won the World Superbike championship, scoring 10 wins on a Honda RC45, the bike's crowning world title.

Kocinski went on to record 18 AMA 250 GP wins. During his career, he raced on teams that included AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame members David Aldana, Erv Kanemoto, Eddie Lawson and Wayne Rainey, including Team Roberts assembled by Kenny Roberts. He officially retired from racing in 2002. Kocinski will be inducted into the Hall of Fame in the Road Racing category.

Teerlink was part of the executive team responsible for Harley-Davidson's financial turnaround in the late 1980s. As president and CEO, Teerlink helped establish the company's new mission, values, objectives and strategies. His approach included working closely with employees at all levels of the organization, as well as with union leaders. In addition, he believed a participative approach with dealers, suppliers and riders would lead to the development of mutually beneficial relationships.

Teerlink joined Harley-Davidson in 1981 as chief financial officer. That year, the company posted an operating loss of $15.5 million on revenue of $210 million. When Teerlink retired as chairman and CEO in 1999, Harley posted operating profits of $416 million on revenue of $2.45 billion and held nearly 50 percent of the U.S. market for 650cc and larger motorcycles. He will be inducted into the Hall of Fame in the Ambassadors and Industry category.

Kocinski and Teerlink will be inducted at the 2015 AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on Oct. 17, in Orlando, Fla. The ceremony is open to the public and, for the second consecutive year, takes place in conjunction with the AIMExpo -- the fast-growing and high-impact event that brings together consumers, dealers, manufacturers, and the world press in one location for global product launches, demo rides, motorcycling seminars, and much more.

Tickets to the 2015 AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony are available now at www.motorcyclemuseum.org. Regular entry is $25 per person. VIP tickets that include an exclusive reception, reserved seating and the AIMExpo show admission are $90 per person.

For updates on the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, keep an eye on MotorcycleMuseum.org, as well as the AMA's social media channels, including Facebook (www.facebook.com/AmericanMotorcyclist and www.facebook.com/AMAHallofFame) and Twitter: @AMA_Riding.

AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famers are selected through a nomination and voting procedure that includes ballots cast by living Hall of Fame members, members of the American Motorcyclist Association and AMHF boards of directors, and members of, and advisers to, the Hall of Fame category committees.

To nominate a future Hall of Famer, visit: www.motorcyclemuseum.org/induction.

About the American Motorcyclist Association

 

Founded in 1924, the AMA is a not-for-profit member-based association whose mission is to promote the motorcycle lifestyle and protect the future of motorcycling. As the world's largest motorcycling rights and event sanctioning organization, the AMA advocates for riders' interests at all levels of government and sanctions thousands of competition and recreational events every year. The AMA also provides money-saving discounts on products and services for its members. Through the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in Pickerington, Ohio, the AMA honors the heroes and heritage of motorcycling.

 

For more information, visit www.americanmotorcyclist.com.

  

Not a member? Join the AMA today: www.americanmotorcyclist.com/membership/join  

Media contact: James Holter
Phone: (614) 856-1900, ext. 1280
E-mail: jholter@ama-cycle.org

AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame to induct Keith McCarty, Alex Jorgensen

AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame to induct Keith McCarty, Alex Jorgensen

Class of 2015 to be inducted Oct. 17 in Orlando, Fla.

PICKERINGTON, Ohio -- The American Motorcyclist Association has announced two more inductees of the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Class of 2015. Race team manager Keith McCarty and dirt-track racer Alex Jorgensen will be inducted Oct. 17 in Orlando, Fla., as part of the 2015 AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at the Orange County Convention Center.

"I'm pleased to welcome two additional inductees to the Class of 2015," said Ken Ford, a member of the AMA and American Motorcycle Heritage Foundation boards of directors. "Keith McCarty was instrumental in the launch and growth of numerous Hall of Fame careers. His mastery of the preparation, skill and strategy necessary to excel in racing have contributed to numerous AMA National Championships. Alex Jorgensen enjoyed one of the longest successful dirt-track careers. He also is one of the sport's most versatile athletes, with wins across eras, disciplines and brands."

 McCarty and Jorgensen join motocrosser and off-road racer Rodney Smith and entrepreneur and patron John Parham in the Class of 2015. The two final inductees of the Class of 2015 will be announced shortly.

Keith McCarty's first job as a motorcycle mechanic was for U.S. Suzuki in 1973 for rider Mike Runyard. In 1975-76, he wrenched for AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Tony DiStefano, winning two 250cc AMA National Motocross Championships. When the motocross schedule didn't conflict, he worked with the Hall of Fame duo of Erv Kanemoto and Gary Nixon in road racing.

In January 1977, McCarty began his long career with Yamaha as the mechanic for AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Legend Bob "Hurricane" Hannah. McCarty has remained in Yamaha's racing division ever since, working as mechanic, supervisor, department manager and, most recently, division manager for all of Yamaha's U.S. racing activities. McCarty, who lives in Orange, Calif., is known not only for his technical knowledge, but also for inspirational prowess and organizational acumen that transcends racing disciplines, making him not only an asset for Yamaha but also a valued member of the motorcycling community.

Alex "Jorgy" Jorgensen exemplifies the talent, skill and diverse abilities that are trademarks of the greatest AMA Grand National competitors in history. Of the handful of riders who have wins in all four dirt-track disciplines -- short track, TT, half mile and mile -- Jorgensen is the only rider who achieved the feat in his first four Grand National wins, while competing on four different motorcycles -- Can-Am, BSA, Norton and Harley-Davidson.

Jorgensen's career boasts a number of special wins. He is the last rider to win an AMA Grand National on a Norton or BSA, both wins coming at Ascot. He earned Can-Am its first AMA Grand National win. He also logged the first AMA Grand National victory on Rotax's four-stroke single at the Ascot TT. From 1982 to 2004, the Rotax engine would dominate the highest levels of short-track and TT competition. Along with Gary Scott, Jorgensen holds the record of most AMA Grand National wins at Ascot with six.

The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame induction ceremony is open to the public and, for the second consecutive year, takes place in conjunction with the AIMExpo -- the fast-growing and impactful event that brings together consumers, dealers, manufacturers, and the world press in one location for global product launches, demo rides, motorcycling seminars, and much more.

Tickets to the 2015 AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony are available now at www.motorcyclemuseum.org. Regular entry is $25 per person. VIP tickets that include an exclusive reception, reserved seating and the AIMExpo show admission are $90 per person.

For updates on the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, keep an eye on MotorcycleMuseum.org, as well as the AMA's social media channels, including Facebook (www.facebook.com/AmercanMotorcyclist and www.facebook.com/AMAHallofFame) and Twitter: @AMA_Riding.

About the American Motorcyclist Association

 

Founded in 1924, the AMA is a not-for-profit member-based association whose mission is to promote the motorcycle lifestyle and protect the future of motorcycling. As the world's largest motorcycling rights and event sanctioning organization, the AMA advocates for riders' interests at all levels of government and sanctions thousands of competition and recreational events every year. The AMA also provides money-saving discounts on products and services for its members. Through the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in Pickerington, Ohio, the AMA honors the heroes and heritage of motorcycling.

 

For more information, visit www.americanmotorcyclist.com.

  

Not a member? Join the AMA today: www.americanmotorcyclist.com/membership/join  

Media contact: James Holter
Phone: (614) 856-1900, ext. 1280
E-mail: jholter@ama-cycle.org

Presenting the 2014 AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Class

Seven inductees, one legend honored at 2014 American Honda AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, presented by Harley-Davidson Motor Company

ORLANDO, Fla. -- October 17, 2014 -- The seven members of the Class of 2014 were recognized for their achievements and contributions to motorcycling during the 2014 American Honda AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, presented by Harley-Davidson Motor Company, at the Chapin Theater in the Orange County Convention Center on Friday.

During a ceremony hosted by actor, motorcyclist and American Motorcyclist Association board member Perry King, the new inductees are: race tuner and innovator Byron Hines; motocross pioneer Pierre Karsmakers; Tom White, acclaimed motorcycle collector, former nationally ranked racer and founder of White Brothers Cycle Specialties; George Barber, founder of the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum and the Barber Motorsports Park; national off-road racing champion Scott Summers; AMA motocross champion and current Supercross/motocross team manager Mike LaRocco; and legendary tuner, engine builder and team owner Rob Muzzy.

Also honored was AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Legend William "Willie G." Davidson. Willie G. is the grandson of Harley-Davidson founder William A. Davidson and is responsible for many of the innovative motorcycle designs that ushered in a new era for the iconic company.

AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Legends are existing members of the Hall of Fame whose lifetime accomplishments are showcased as part of the annual induction ceremony of new Hall of Famers.

Scott Summers, Rob Muzzy, Tom White, Pierre Karsmakers, Mike LaRocco, Byron Hines; not shown: George Barber, the 2014 AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Class inducted on October 17 in Orlando, FL. Photo courtesy of the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame.







"In surveying the Hall of Fame Class of 2014, I am struck by the wealth of talent, intelligence, competitive spirit, vision and imagination that these men represent," said Ken Ford, a member of the Hall of Fame executive committee and treasurer of the AMA board of directors. "And it is inspiring that these new inductees, along with all the other members of the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame, devoted so much of their time, energy and resources to building, sustaining and expanding motorcycling."

The audience was treated to a short video chronicle of each inductee's motorcycling history. Then each new Hall of Fame member was presented with a Hall of Fame ring, sponsored by Zero Motorcycles.

"There's really something extraordinary about motorcycling, something that absolutely transcends its description as a 'sport' or a 'lifestyle.'" King said. "It's as if motorcycling captures the essence of who we are: The exhilaration we feel when we ride, the competitive spirit we tap into when we race, and the unbreakable bonds of lifetime friendship forged with other motorcyclists. And that is exactly what makes the mission of the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame so noble: This unwavering desire to honor, preserve and protect the legacy of this passion that we share. It is, quite simply, beyond words."

Pierre Karsmakers

Pierre Karsmakers was one of the first European motocross champions to bring his expertise to America. A three-time motocross champion in his native Holland, Karsmakers came to the United States to gain wider exposure and attract the attention of the Japanese motorcycle makers.  Racing for Yamaha in 1973, Karsmakers won the 500cc motocross national championship series, scoring 2,659 total points. The second-place racer scored 1,427. Karsmakers also was winner of the inaugural AMA Supercross Championship in 1974. He retired from racing in 1979.

"I came to America in the early '70s, after I had gotten an offer from Yamaha to race for them in the national motocross championships," Karsmakers said. "Together we were pretty successful. I had a great time racing and working in America, although in motocross there are many ups and downs, like everybody knows. I hope that I was a good example for the young American motocross riders, and that we all made motocross stronger and more popular over here."

Byron Hines

Byron Hines is one of the most successful engine builders in motorcycle racing. As a tuner, Hines has won in the 1970s, '80s, '90s and 2000s. He has won in drag racing and road racing on brands as varied as Yamaha, Ducati and Harley-Davidson.

He found early success as a young tuner in the 1970s when he joined forces with motorcycle drag racer and AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Terry Vance. The pair earned national drag-racing championships into the 1980s, along the way leveraging their on-track achievements into the successful aftermarket company Vance & Hines.  The company branched into road racing in the 1980s, becoming one of the top AMA Pro Superbike teams, winning individual races as well as class titles, including the 1990 AMA SuperSport Championship with rider David Sadowski. His totals include 23 NHRA national drag racing championships, 130 national drag racing wins and scores of ET and top-speed records.

In the late 1990s, they switched to Ducati and experienced further success with Anthony Gobert and Ben Bostrom at the controls. Today they compete in, and sponsor, the AMA Pro Racing Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson Racing Series, part of the AMA Pro Road Racing program.

"Throughout my career, motorcycle drag racing has been my primary focus, but I've always had interest in all forms of motorcycle competition," Hines said. "Along the way, I've had the opportunity to meet and work with some outstanding individuals and some great race teams. I would like to thank everyone for the support on this very special occasion. It's once in a lifetime achievement, and I deeply appreciate the honor."

George Barber

George Barber is arguably the world's most prolific collector of motorcycles. He is the founder of the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum and creator of the Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Ala.

Barber's early interest in motor vehicles manifested itself in Porsche racers during the 1960s, when he wrenched his own cars and notched 63 first-place finishes. But he became intrigued with motorcycles, especially the variety of ways different designers and engineers chose to solve similar problems.

He began collecting motorcycles and decided to open a museum when the collection reached about 60. Today, the world-renowned Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum holds a collection of more 1,400 motorcycles, with more than 700 on display at any given time. Each year, hundreds of thousands of people visit the 830-acre Barber Motorsports Park that includes a 2.38-mile roadracing track.

Barber was unable to attend the ceremony. Brian Slark, an AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame member and Barber museum's technical director, accepted the award on Barber's behalf. In an acceptance speech video, Barber thanked those who contributed to his museum and invite the motorcycling community to visit and enjoy both his collection and track.

Scott Summers

Scott Summers raced Honda XR600Rs to nine AMA national off-road racing championships by racing his way -- on a motorcycle that most others appreciated for its proficiency in wide-open desert racing.

Although Summers acknowledged that the XR600R had a weight disadvantage compared to the much smaller two-strokes ridden by his rivals, he noted that the Honda's smoother power delivery and torque gave him a performance edge with his riding style.

Summers won the 1990, 1991 and 1992 Grand National Cross Country championships against riders on much lighter and more agile motorcycles. After a three-year GNCC dry spell, Summers reclaimed the AMA national No. 1 plate in 1996 and successfully defended his title the following year. Summers also won AMA Harescrambles National Championships in 1990, 1991, 1993 and 1995. In addition, he collected three gold medals competing for the U.S. team at the International Six Days Enduro.

"I have to admit though, 95 percent of what got me here tonight is luck. My story is all about luck," Summers said.

Among the "lucky" aspects of his life, Summers listed: being born in America, having parents and a grandfather who were motorcyclists, being part of a family with the financial means to support his endeavors, and earning the trust of his parents. "Now all of these things don't just happen to everybody in the world," he said. "I didn't know it at the time, but at 7 years old, I was already on my second dirt bike and I had won the dirt bike family lottery. I'm so grateful though to have lived this life that I have. What I realize now, more than ever before, is that I have been blessed with an amazing amount of luck. We lived the dream."

Tom White

Tom White is an acclaimed racer, founder of White Brothers Cycle Specialties and a lifetime advocate of motorcycling and the sport of motocross.

White first tasted motorcycling at the age of 15. By the time he was in his early 20s, White was ranked among the top 100 motorcycle racers in America, earning AMA National No. 80. Soon after, he founded White Brothers Cycle Specialties in 1975, which became one of the top off-road motorcycle accessory companies in America. When White sold the company in 2000, the firm listed more than 30,000 products. Today, White feeds his passion by racing motocross, working as a race announcer, and serving as owner and curator of the Early Years of Motocross Museum in Villa Park, Calif., which features 160 motorcycles and related displays.

White's lasting contributions also include the Edison Dye Motocross Lifetime Achievement Award, which recognizes the person or persons who have made the largest impact on the growth of motocross in America, and creating the World Veteran MX Championship and the World Four-Stroke Championship, which has become the World Two-Stroke Championship.

"How does a kid that couldn't even make it around the block on a Honda 50 without hitting a parked Cadillac end up in the Motorcycle Hall of Fame?" White said. "I'm not sure, but I know how it makes me feel! I want to dance, jump for joy, hug every friend that helped me along the path, and I want to ride my motorcycle -- well, motorcycles, as I have a few. I want to cry and pray -- with lots of thanks to give to my parents for paying to fix the friend's Honda 50 and still allowing me to buy a motorcycle."  He continued: "This is special for me because it comes from my peers in the industry and existing Hall of Famers. I am humbled to think that my heroes, these great people of the sport, believe that I'm worthy of this acknowledgement of my life and career."

Mike LaRocco

Mike "The Rock" LaRocco competed for 19 years on the professional circuit, collected 228 Supercross starts, and then added national championships in AMA 500cc Motocross, AMA 250cc Motocross and a Supercross world title.

LaRocco began his professional racing career in 1988 at age 17 and retired in 2006 as the elder statesman on the circuit. He won Supercross races in three decades in two classes, 125cc and 250cc, but said the 1994 AMA 250 Motocross National Championship meant the most to him.  His retirement in 2006 came after a broken wrist made him question his future in the sport. Since 2010, LaRocco has managed the GEICO Honda Supercross/Motocross Team, which has won a title each year he has been involved.

"It's an honor to be up here," LaRocco said. "I've had a great time in my career."  LaRocco thanked his parents for guiding him "in the right way. This is an honor and I appreciate it," he said.

Rob Muzzy

Rob Muzzy is a top tuner, engine builder and race team owner whose successes stretch across seven decades.

Muzzy got started in drag racing during the 1950s and raced dirt track as a novice in Southern California. He always built and tuned his own race engines, which often were the quickest on the track, and other riders began asking him to build engines for them. 

During the 1980s, Muzzy built and tuned engines for the Kawasaki and Honda racing teams. The Kawasaki team scored AMA Superbike championships in 1981, 1982 and 1983.

In 1984, Muzzy moved to Honda as crew chief for the team that won the AMA Grand National Motocross Championship. From 1985 through 1987, Muzzy-tuned machines won the 125cc AMA National Motocross Championship, the Daytona 200 and the AMA Superbike Championship.

Winning with Muzzy as crew chief or tuner were Hall of Famers Eddie Lawson, Ricky Graham, Scott Russell and Doug Chandler as well as Ron Lechien, Miguel Duhamel, Rickey Gadson and numerous others.

In January 1988, Muzzy re-opened his own business, producing engines and exhaust systems for racers.

Later in 1988, Muzzy teamed with Kawasaki to build a race bike and hire a rider. He recruited Russell and Chandler, who subsequently finished first and second in the 1990 AMA 750cc Supersport Championship. Chandler also won the AMA Superbike Championship that year. Kawasaki then asked Muzzy to run its FIM World Superbike team. He accepted, and the team won two world championships.

Muzzy Performance Products is still operating in Bend, Ore., and Team Muzzy is still racing.

"My love for two-wheeled vehicles started 60 some years ago, when my cousin Doug let me ride his Whizzer," Muzzy said. "Doug also taught me later how to paint my own Whizzer using a garden sprayer.  "I raced for many years myself before realizing what I liked most was wrenching and tuning. I have been blessed with a long and rewarding career."

Hall of Fame Legend William "Willie G." Davidson

The grandson of Harley-Davidson founder William A. Davidson, Hall of Famer William "Willie G." Davidson helped craft what is perhaps America's most enduring motorcycle motif, the V-twin-powered cruiser. He also played a critical role in the rebirth of America's largest motorcycle company, contributing a long list of innovative designs that ushered in a new era for the iconic company.

Davidson was elected to the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 1999.

Davidson, who graduated from the University of Wisconsin with a degree in graphic arts and then attended the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, Calif., joined the design department at Harley-Davidson in 1963.

From the outset, Davidson's designs broke convention. Among his earliest projects was the FX Super Glide. The Super Glide was one of Harley-Davidson's factory customs, a production motorcycle with styling cues that reflected the custom motorcycles being built in shops across the country at the time. Today, the Super Glide is considered to be a milestone in the history of Harley-Davidson. The original FX led to many variations that would produce some of the company's best-selling machines. In addition to his work at the design table, Davidson was a savvy businessman. He was one of the 13 company executives who raised the funds to buy Harley-Davidson back from conglomerate AMF in the 1980s. He played a crucial role in laying the foundation for Harley-Davidson to become one of the most successful, profitable and fastest-growing corporations in the United States over the next three decades.

Davidson reminisced about his lifetime in motorcycling, sharing anecdotes and coaxing smiles and laughter from the audience. He told of putting a leather jacket on the pope. And he said his involvement in buying back the company in the 1980s was "one of the happiest times in my life."  Davidson said he enjoys being "one-on-one with the riders," many of whom have become close friends. But, in closing, he turned to motorcyclists' rights. Freedom is everything," he said. "When I write 'Ride Free, Willie G.,' that's everything. Motorcycling has been a very exciting life for me," he said. "Ride free, all of you!"

The evening concluded with a roll call for the dozens of attending Hall of Fame members to join the class of 2014 on the stage. The tribute drew a standing ovation from the packed room.

The induction ceremony took place during the 2014 AMA National Convention, Oct. 16-19, in conjunction with the AIMExpo (American International Motorcycle Expo).

The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame would like to thank its sponsors for the evening: title sponsor American Honda Motor Company; presenting sponsor Harley-Davidson Motor Company; Hall of Fame ring sponsor Zero Motorcycles; Kawasaki Motors Corporation, USA, presenting sponsor for the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame VIP Reception; Hall of Fame Legend sponsor Vance & Hines; platinum sponsors BMW of North America, GE Capital, and GEICO Powersports; manufacturer elite sponsors Hagerty Insurance, Husqvarna Motorcycles North America Inc., and KTM North America; aftermarket gold sponsor Motion Pro; aftermarket silver sponsors Motul S.A. and The Owen Collection; rental car supplier Avis/Budget; and logistical sponsor Federal Motorcycle Transport.

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.  

Contact: James Holter
Phone: (614) 856-1900, ext. 1280
E-mail: jholter@ama-cycle.org 

Vance & Hines to Sponsor Willie G. Davidson at AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Ceremony on October 17

Vance & Hines sponsors AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Legend at 2014 ceremony

 

Hall of Famer 'Willie G.' Davidson to be honored

PICKERINGTON, Ohio -- October 7, 2014 -- The American Motorcyclist Association welcomes Vance & Hines as the Legend sponsor for the 2014 American Honda AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on Friday, Oct. 17, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla.

The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Legend is an existing Hall of Famer whose career is honored alongside the new class at the annual induction ceremony. The 2014 AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Legend is William "Willie G." Davidson, a member of the Hall of Fame Class of 1999.

In addition, Vance & Hines founder Byron Hines is a member of the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Class of 2014.

"Vance & Hines is one of motorcycling's most recognizable brands, and the company's support is much appreciated as we celebrate not only the careers of the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Class of 2014, but the incredible accomplishments of AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Legend Willie G. Davidson," said AMA Chief Operations Officer Jeff Massey.

Hines will officially join the Hall of Fame at the 2014 induction ceremony along with motocross pioneer Pierre Karsmakers; Tom White, acclaimed motorcycle collector, former nationally ranked racer and founder of White Brothers Cycle Specialties; George Barber, founder of the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum and the Barber Motorsports Park; national off-road racing champion Scott Summers; AMA motocross champion Mike LaRocco; and legendary tuner and team owner Rob Muzzy.

Tickets for the American Honda AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony range from $25 to $150 and are available online at www.motorcyclemuseum.org/events/halloffame2014.aspx.

"When you think of American motorcycling, you think of Harley-Davidson, and when you think of Harley-Davidson, you think of Willie G. Davidson," said Terry Vance. "We're pleased to support this honor and help recognize the contributions of the Class of 2014."

The American Honda AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony is part of the AMA National Convention being held in conjunction with the American International Motorcycle Expo Oct. 16-19. The AIMExpo is a diverse powersports event that is open to trade and media Oct. 16-17 and open to the general public Oct. 18-19. AMA National Convention and induction ceremony attendees who are not members of the industry or media are welcome to attend AIMExpo Oct. 18-19.

AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famers are selected through a nomination and voting procedure that includes ballots cast by living Hall of Fame members, members of the boards of directors of the AMA and AMHF, and members of, and advisers to, the Hall of Fame category committees.

Anyone may nominate a future Hall of Famer. To do so, visit www.motorcyclemuseum.org/induction.

To join the conversation and get the latest updates on the American Honda AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, use the hashtag #AMAHoF. Fans and supporters can also connect on Facebook at www.facebook.com/AMAHallofFame, and on Twitter and Instagram at @ama_riding.

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.  

Contact: James Holter
Phone: (614) 856-1900, ext. 1280
E-mail: jholter@ama-cycle.org  

American Honda Motor Co. Announced as Title Sponsor for 2014 AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on October 17

American Honda Motor Co., Inc. is title sponsor of 2014 AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony

PICKERINGTON, Ohio -- September 11, 2014 -- The American Motorcyclist Association welcomes American Honda Motor Co., Inc. as the title sponsor of the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony being held Friday, Oct. 17, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla.

Tickets for the American Honda AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony range from $25 to $150 and are available online at www.motorcyclemuseum.org/events/halloffame2014.aspx.

"The history of American motorcycling is interwoven with the achievements of Honda racers, engineers and executives, starting with the great Soichiro Honda, founder of Honda Motor Company, Inc. and a member of the Hall of Fame class of 2000," said Ken Ford, a member of the Hall of Fame executive committee and treasurer of the AMA board of directors. "American Honda's support of the 2014 induction ceremony is a testament to the company's respect for motorcycling's heritage. Their commitment will help shine a brighter spotlight on the amazing people of the Hall of Fame Class of 2014."

Honda's Mike Snyder, Senior Manager, Powersports Marketing said that the company was proud to be a part of the gala event.  "Motorcycling's heroes and legends have earned their place in history, and that status is secured by induction into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame," Snyder said. "The Hall of Fame Class of 2014 features an amazing group of racers, tuners and industry leaders, and it's American Honda's pleasure to honor their induction this Oct. 17."

The Class of 2014 includes race tuner and innovator Byron Hines; motocross pioneer Pierre Karsmakers; Tom White, acclaimed motorcycle collector, former nationally ranked racer and founder of White Brothers Cycle Specialties; George Barber, founder of the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum and the Barber Motorsports Park; national off-road racing champion Scott Summers; AMA motocross champion Mike LaRocco; and legendary tuner and team owner Rob Muzzy.


The event also will honor the career of existing Hall of Famer Willie G. Davidson, a member of the Hall of Fame Class of 1999. Davidson will be recognized as an AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Legend at this year's event.

The American Honda AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony is part of the AMA National Convention being held in conjunction with the American International Motorcycle Expo (AIMExpo) Oct. 16-19. The AIMExpo is a diverse powersports event that is open to trade and media Oct. 16-17 and open to the general public Oct. 18-19. AMA National Convention and induction ceremony attendees who are not members of the industry or media are welcome to attend AIMExpo Oct. 18-19.

The American Honda AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony is a fund-raising event for the American Motorcycle Heritage Foundation, the 501(c)(3) organization that raises money for the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame. AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famers are selected through a nomination and voting procedure that includes ballots cast by living Hall of Fame members, members of the boards of directors of the AMA and AMHF, and members of, and advisers to, the Hall of Fame category committees.

Anyone may nominate a future Hall of Famer. To do so, visit www.motorcyclemuseum.org/induction.

The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame is active in social media. To join the conversation and get the latest updates on the American Honda AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, use the hashtag #AMAHoF. Fans and supporters can also connect on Facebook at www.facebook.com/AMAHallofFame, and on Twitter and Instagram at @ama_riding.

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.  

Contact: James Holter
Phone: (614) 856-1900, ext. 1280
E-mail: jholter@ama-cycle.org  

 

 

AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame to Honor Willie G. Davidson as Legend at 2014 Induction Ceremony

Willie G. Davidson to be honored as an AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Legend at 2014 induction ceremony

Event tickets available online now

PICKERINGTON, Ohio -- August 8, 2014 -- AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Willie G. Davidson, the grandson of Harley-Davidson founder William A. Davidson, will be honored as an AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Legend at the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony Oct. 17, in Orlando, Fla. "Willie G.," as he is known to his admirers, is responsible for many innovative motorcycle designs that ushered in a new era for the iconic company.

The induction ceremony is part of the AMA National Convention being held in conjunction with the American International Motorcycle Expo (AIMExpo) Oct. 16-19. Tickets for the induction ceremony range from $25 to $150 and are available online at www.motorcyclemuseum.org/Events/HallofFame2014.aspx.

"Few motorcycle designers have contributed more to the modern motorcycle landscape than Willie G. Davidson," said Ken Ford, a member of the Hall of Fame executive committee and treasurer of the AMA board of directors. "Willie G.'s name is synonymous with style, freedom and the American-made motorcycle. We're very excited to recognize him as an AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Legend at this year's induction ceremony." 

AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Legends are existing members of the Hall of Fame whose lifetime accomplishments are showcased as part of the annual induction ceremony of new Hall of Famers.

"I feel the same humility today receiving Legend status as I did 15 years ago when I was inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame," said Davidson, who was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1999. "It's an honor to know that the creativity and emotion that's part of every Harley-Davidson motorcycle has helped fulfill dreams of personal freedom for millions of motorcyclists around the world. By securing this place in history as part of an iconic American brand like Harley-Davidson, I'm living out my dream and those of my family members who founded the company 111 years ago," Davidson said.

Davidson, who graduated from the University of Wisconsin with a degree in graphic arts and then attended the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, Calif., joined the design department at Harley-Davidson in 1963.

Willie G. Davidson is shown in a file photo from the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony in 2013. Davidson was inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 1999. Photo courtesy of the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame.











From the outset, Davidson's designs broke convention. Among his earliest projects was the FX Super Glide. The Super Glide was one of Harley-Davidson's factory customs, a production motorcycle with styling cues that reflected the custom motorcycles being built in shops across the country at the time. Today, the Super Glide is considered to be a milestone in the history of Harley-Davidson. The original FX led to many variations that would produce some of the company's best-selling machines. In addition to his work at the design table, Davidson was a savvy businessman. He was one of the 13 company executives who raised the funds to buy Harley-Davidson back from conglomerate AMF in the 1980s. As such, he was crucial in laying the foundation for Harley-Davidson to become one of the most successful, profitable and fastest-growing corporations in the United States over the next three decades.

The Hall of Fame Legend recognition takes place in concert with the official inductions of the current year's AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame class. The Class of 2014 includes tuner and innovator Byron Hines; motocross pioneer Pierre Karsmakers; Tom White, acclaimed motorcycle collector, former nationally ranked racer and founder of White Brothers Cycle Specialties; George Barber, founder of the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum and the Barber Motorsports Park; national off-road racing champion Scott Summers; AMA motocross champion Mike LaRocco; and legendary tuner and team owner Rob Muzzy.

AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famers are selected through a nomination and voting procedure that includes ballots cast by living Hall of Fame members, members of the American Motorcyclist Association and AMHF boards of directors, and members of, and advisers to, the Hall of Fame category committees.

To nominate a future Hall of Famer, visit: www.motorcyclemuseum.org/induction.

Join the conversation! Follow along with us at #AMAHoF to get the latest updates on the 2014 AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. Don't forget to connect with us too! Facebook.com/AMAHallofFame and @ama_riding on Twitter and Instagram.

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.  

Contact: James Holter
Phone: (614) 856-1900, ext. 1280
E-mail: jholter@ama-cycle.org

Vance & Hines' Byron Hines Elected to 2014 AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame

The seventh and final member of the 2014 AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame class was announced today, and mega-tuner Byron Hines of Vance & Hines Racing fame will join the class that will be inducted at the ceremonies to be held in Orlando, FL. on October 17. Hines joins another super-wrench, Rob Muzzy, that was announced a couple of days ago, in the 2014 class.

Probably best known for his and his partner's (Terry Vance) drag racing prowess and winning ways, Hines and his partner also fielded a very successful AMA Pro Road Racing team in the AMA Superbike Championship Series starting in the late '80s and going on for the better part of the next 13-14 years. The team first fielded '90 Daytona '200' winner Dave Sadowski aboard Suzuki GSX-R750s in the late '80s before turning their focus into the Yamaha factory team at the start of the 1990 season. The team won their first race with Sadowski at the helm of one of their potent Yamaha 750s, and along with team mate Thomas Stevens also competed in the AMA 600 Supersport Series.

In '91, the team picked up '89 AMA Superbike Champion Jamie James to take over Sadowski's seat, and James took his first win for the team at Road America in June '91, with team mate Stevens winning the Mid-Ohio round in late July/early August to help seal the deal in his winning the '91 AMA Superbike Championship for the team. Stevens off-season signing with Muzzy Kawasaki for the '92 season was somewhat of a letdown for the team in not being able to carry the #1 plate on the front of their immaculately prepared Yamahas. The team added the late Larry Schwartzbach to their 600 Supersport and Superbike efforts in late '91 and for the '92 season, but Schwartzbach was critically injured during the running of the Mid-Ohio round in late July/early August and was taken off life support just shy of two days after the gut wrenching accident that occurred on the front straight at the Lexington, OH. facility.

The team then added '92 250GP Champion & future 2-Time World Superbike Champion Colin Edwards to the squad for the '93-'94 seasons, which saw Edwards catch fire at the Mid-Ohio round in mid '94 by winning it and two other races to close out the season. Edwards then moved on to helm Yamaha's World Superbike efforts for the '95 season.

In the shot above, James wheelies his #2 Vance & Hines/Dunlop/Bell/Bel-Ray Yamaha 750OWO1 during his victory lap after taking the win in the AMA Superbike round at the Coca-Cola Super Cycle Classic at Road America on June 30, 1991. James repeated the win for the team the next year at the 4.0 mile long facility located outside Elkhart Lake, WI. James also won a handful of races on the V&H 600 Supersport machine to claim the #1 title for them in the '94 season, and narrowly missed re-taking the Superbike crown at the season-finale round at Road Atlanta when a mechanical problem caused him to lose the championship by just a couple of points to rookie sensation & Australian, and future multi-time World Superbike Champion Troy Corser on one of the Fast by Ferracci Ducatis.

The team stepped away from the AMA Superbike Championship with Yamaha after the '94 season as Yamaha took their program back in-house, but the powerhouse duo of Terry Vance and Byron Hines kept on with their drag racing program in the NHRA. The duo has won multiple drag racing crowns over the decades dating back to the '80s when Vance was still the team's rider.

V&H returned to the AMA Superbike Championship in the mid-late '90s, this time fielding a team as the U.S. factory reps for the Italian marque Ducati, with Stevens and Australian Anthony Gobert as the team's lead pilots. Gobert caught fire and won a couple of races for the team, notably the '98 Road America round, before substance abuse demons caused him to lose his ride with the team during the '99 season. '98 AMA Superbike Champion Ben Bostrom, who had captured the crown via a very consistent season riding the factory Honda RC45s, and doing so without winning a single race, then signed with V&H for the '99 season, thus allowing the Vance & Hines team to finally be able to carry that coveted #1 on the front of their premier class machines.

With the class of 2014 now complete, Hines closes out what will be a stellar year of elected motorcycle racing folks to this year's honors. You can check out the full press release below courtesy of the folks from the AMA Motorcycle HOF, and we send a huge congratulations out to Byron Hines, another of the men who have dotted the history-making timeline of the AMA Superbike Championship along with Rob Muzzy who was just announced the other day. Congrats Byron and thanks for all of the great memories!

Tuner, innovator, entrepreneur Byron Hines elected to AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame

PICKERINGTON, Ohio -- July 10, 2014 -- Byron Hines, one of the most successful engine builders in motorcycle racing, has been elected to the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame.

"One mark of exceptional talent is the ability to forge success regardless of your circumstances," said Ken Ford, a member of the Hall of Fame executive committee and treasurer of the AMA board of directors. "As a tuner, Byron Hines has won in the 1970s, '80s, '90s and 2000s. He has won in drag racing and road racing. He has won on brands as different from each other as Yamaha, Ducati and Harley-Davidson. Few understand the ingredients to long-term success in motorcycle racing as well as he, and it's my pleasure to welcome Byron Hines to the 2014 class of the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame." 

Hines, who was elected to the Design/Engineering category, will be inducted at the 2014 AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony Oct. 17, in Orlando, Fla. The induction ceremony is part of the AMA National Convention being held in conjunction with the American International Motorcycle Expo (AIMExpo) Oct. 16-19. Tickets for the convention and the induction ceremony go on sale soon. Check back at www.motorcyclemuseum.org for updates.

"Being inducted into the Hall of Fame is a huge honor, but it feels a little odd because I'm not done yet," Hines said. "Being in a competitive arena, it seems like you're never done. You're going to keep doing what your doing and striving to be the best at what you do."

Hines is the seventh and final member of the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Class of 2014 to be announced. He joins motocross pioneer Pierre Karsmakers; Tom White, acclaimed racer and founder of White Brothers Cycle Specialties; George Barber, founder of the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum and the Barber Motorsports Park; national off-road racing champion Scott Summers; AMA motocross champion Mike LaRocco; and legendary tuner and team owner Rob Muzzy.

Hines said his attraction to motorcycles came at an early age.

"I just always liked the physical size of the motorcycle," he said. "Cars were too hard to work on and a lot of times you had to have someone with you to move stuff around. Also, I had this perception of motorcycles as being capable of a higher state of tune, and it was easier to make them go fast. To me, motorcycles just represented a more technologically advanced and capable package."

Hines took full advantage of those capabilities, as well as his ability to unlock them. He found early success as a young tuner in the 1970s when he joined forces with motorcycle drag racer and AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Terry Vance. The pair earned national drag-racing championships into the 1980s, along the way leveraging their on-track achievements into the successful aftermarket company Vance & Hines. The company branched into road racing in the 1980s, becoming one of the top AMA Pro Superbike teams, winning individual races as well as class titles, including the 1990 AMA SuperSport Championship with rider David Sadowski. In the late 1990s, they switched to Ducati and experienced further success with Anthony Gobert and Ben Bostrom at the controls. Today they compete in, and sponsor, the AMA Pro Racing Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson Racing Series, part of the AMA Pro Road Racing program.

Hines said that one element of his lasting success across disciplines and motorcycle brands has been an appreciation for the fundamentals of motorcycle tuning.  "There are principles of engine performance and operation that will always be there -- basic cam timing, compression ratios, cylinder head porting, the basic concept of how engines are put together," Hines said. "It's part of the same foundation that we all build upon. There's a certain set of rules, and you can't break those rules. As soon as you go outside those boundaries, your performance is going to suffer."

Vance & Hines, based in Santa Fe Springs, Calif., remains competitive in professional racing and continues to develop and sell aftermarket products for a wide range of motorcycles today. Hines is directly involved in all aspects of the business. "What have been most important to me are the people I've run into, the acquaintances I've made and the relationships I've maintained," Hines said. "I'm thankful to work someplace where everything just clicks, meeting the right people and having enough staying power to work out the kinks and have an opportunity to achieve what I want to achieve."

AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famers are selected through a nomination and voting procedure that includes ballots cast by living Hall of Fame members, members of the American Motorcyclist Association and AMHF boards of directors, and members of, and advisers to, the Hall of Fame category committees.

To nominate a future Hall of Famer, visit: www.motorcyclemuseum.org/induction.

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.  

Contact: James Holter
Phone: (614) 856-1900, ext. 1280
E-mail: jholter@ama-cycle.org