Husqvarna steps up sponsorship of AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Legends Weekend, presented by Husqvarna PICKERINGTON, Ohio — The American Motorcyclist Association is pleased to announce that Husqvarna Motorcycles, which had previously dedicated its support as a sponsor for the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on Friday, October 18, has increased its commitment to become the AMA Legends Weekend presenting sponsor. The AMA Legends Weekend, presented by Husqvarna, includes both the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Dave Mungenast Memorial Legends Reception. The two-day celebration takes place Friday and Saturday, October 18-19, at the Green Valley Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, Nev., with tickets available to the general public. “In a year when Husqvarna celebrates an amazing milestone with 110 years of motorcycling history, we’re pleased to help showcase that heritage alongside the impressive accomplishments of the Hall of Fame Induction Class of 2013,” said Jeffrey V. Heininger, chairman of the American Motorcycle Heritage Foundation, which oversees the Hall of Fame. “It’s fitting, too, since Husqvarna has strong ties to two existing Hall of Famers who will be honored as Hall of Fame Legends this year: Torsten Hallman and Mark Blackwell.” Hallman and Blackwell are well known for their motocross achievements while riding for Husqvarna, and both played a significant role in introducing the sport of motocross to America in the 1960s. “Every one of us at Husqvarna Motorcycles is fortunate for the opportunity to pay tribute to Torsten Hallman and Mark Blackwell,” said Husqvarna’s Andy Jefferson. “The impact of their contributions remains significant, and their achievements within the motorcycle industry are legendary. We are really looking forward to honoring them both at this year’s ceremony.” The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will officially honor the incoming class of 2013: AMA Supercross and Motocross Champion Ricky Carmichael; AMA and desert racing champion Danny Hamel; racer, promoter and motorcycle industry icon Norm McDonald; AMA roadracing champion Randy Renfrow; and motorcycling fundraisers and Ride For Kids founders Mike and Dianne Traynor. Also part of the weekend’s activities is the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Dave Mungenast Memorial Legends Reception on Saturday, October 19, where the class of 2013, the 2013 Hall of Fame Legends and AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famers from previous years will be honored and interviewed on-stage in a relaxed setting that allows fans and friends to get up close and personal with motorcycling’s heroes. Tickets for the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Legends Weekend, presented by Husqvarna, are on sale now at www.motorcyclemuseum.org. The price is $140 for Friday night’s induction ceremony, and $20 for Saturday’s midday reception, which includes a continental breakfast. Additionally, rooms at the Green Valley Ranch can be reserved now for a special rate at https://resweb.passkey.com/Resweb.do?mode=welcome_gi_new&groupID=19471407 or by calling (866) 782-9487 and using the code GCIAMHF. Additionally, fans in town that weekend also have a chance to enjoy the AMA Supercross Monster Energy Cup Saturday night at Sam Boyd Stadium in Las Vegas. Tickets for the race are available now at www.supercrossonline.com. The AMA Legends Weekend is a fundraiser for the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame, which is overseen by the American Motorcycle Heritage Foundation. The mission of the AMHF is to celebrate, elucidate and preserve the rich tradition of motorcycling in America. For more information, please visit 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. More, from another press release issued by American Motorcycle Heritage Foundation: Polaris sponsors AMA Motorcycle Hall Of Fame Legend Mark Blackwell at 2013 induction ceremony PICKERINGTON, Ohio — The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame is pleased to announce that Polaris Industries, which powers Victory Motorcycles and the resurgent Indian brand, will sponsor the 2013 AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony’s Legend presentation of Mark Blackwell. The induction ceremony, part of the AMA Legends Weekend, presented by Husqvarna, takes place at Las Vegas’ Green Valley Resort & Casino on Friday, Oct. 18, with tickets available to the general public. Blackwell, a pioneering racer in American motocross and six-time AMA championship race team manager, built his post-racing career as an executive at motorcycling companies, ultimately serving as vice president of Victory Motorcycles. “Mark Blackwell is one of those people who is living the American motorcyclist’s dream, turning a successful AMA racing career into a career in the motorcycle industry that has carried him to the highest levels,” said Jeffrey V. Heininger, chairman of the American Motorcycle Heritage Foundation, which oversees the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame. “We’re excited to have Polaris come on board in support of Mark’s Hall of Fame Legend recognition.” Said Polaris’ President and COO Bennett Morgan: “Mark Blackwell was an instrumental leader in developing and then building an excellent foundation for Victory’s bright future during his long and successful tenure as vice president of Victory Motorcycles. His influences, outreach and support continue to this day within Polaris Industries, and we are proud and honored to support the AMA in his addition to the Legends roster.” The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, presented by Husqvarna, will officially honor the class of 2013: AMA Supercross and Motocross Champion Ricky Carmichael; AMA and desert racing champion Danny Hamel; racer, promoter and motorcycle industry icon Norm McDonald; AMA Roadracing Champion Randy Renfrow; and motorcycling fundraisers and Ride For Kids founders Mike and Dianne Traynor. In addition to Blackwell, another Motorcycle Hall of Fame Legend will also be honored at the event: Torsten Hallman, a four-time FIM World Motocross champion who was instrumental in introducing the sport of motocross to America and later founded the Thor brand. The induction ceremony is just the first must-do event of the gala weekend. On Saturday, Oct. 19, the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Dave Mungenast Memorial Legends Reception will honor the Class of 2013, the 2013 Legends and AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famers from previous years. The reception hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and the assembled Hall of Famers will be interviewed on-stage in a relaxed setting that allows fans and friends to get up close and personal with motorcycling’s heroes. Tickets for both events are on sale now at www.motorcyclemuseum.org. The price is $140 for Friday night’s induction ceremony and $20 for Saturday’s reception, which includes a continental breakfast. The AMA Legends Weekend is a fundraiser for the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame, located on the AMA campus in Pickerington, Ohio. The Hall of Fame’s mission is to celebrate, elucidate and preserve the rich tradition of motorcycling in America. 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. More, from another press release issued by American Motorcycle Heritage Foundation: Perry King, Laurette Nicoll to emcee 2013 AMA Legends Weekend, presented by Husqvarna PICKERINGTON, Ohio — Two well-known personalities will emcee back-to-back events during the 2013 AMA Legends Weekend, presented by Husqvarna: Perry King and Laurette Nicoll. The festivities take place Friday and Saturday, Oct. 18-19, at the Green Valley Resort in Las Vegas, Nev. King, a star of stage, television and film, is a longtime motorcyclist and a board member of the American Motorcyclist Association. He will serve as the master of ceremonies for the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, presented by Husqvarna, on Friday evening. On Saturday morning, Laurette Nicoll, a familiar voice on Fox Sports San Diego, the X Games, Nitro Circus Live and AMA EnduroCross will take the helm and conduct live interviews with Hall of Fame members during the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Dave Mungenast Memorial Legends Reception. “To have talent of this caliber at both of our events is fantastic,” said Jeffrey V. Heininger, chairman of the American Motorcycle Heritage Foundation, which oversees the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame. “Perry and Laurette are both motorcyclists, and their enthusiasm really comes through to our audience.” King, a longtime supporter of the Hall of Fame, said he’s looking forward to introducing the Class of 2013. “As a lifelong motorcyclist, I’m in awe of the accomplishments of these incredible men and women,” said King. “It is my honor to pay tribute to them as the master of ceremonies of the 2013 AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, presented by Husqvarna.” Added Nicoll: “The members of the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame are the icons who have significantly impacted the sport, lifestyle and business of motorcycling. The Saturday reception is the ideal setting to hear these great Hall of Famers tell their stories first hand. I’m thrilled to be a part of that.” The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, presented by Husqvarna, will officially honor the class of 2013: AMA Supercross and Motocross Champion Ricky Carmichael; AMA and desert racing champion Danny Hamel; racer, promoter and motorcycle industry icon Norm McDonald; AMA Roadracing Champion Randy Renfrow; and motorcycling fundraisers and Ride For Kids founders Mike and Dianne Traynor. In addition, two existing members of the Hall of Fame will be honored as Legends at the event: Mark Blackwell, a pioneering racer in American motocross, a six-time AMA championship race team manager and a well-respected executive in the motorcycle industry; and Torsten Hallman, a four-time FIM World Motocross champion who was instrumental in introducing the sport of motocross to America as well as founder of the Thor brand. On Saturday, Oct. 19, the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Dave Mungenast Memorial Legends Reception will honor the Class of 2013, the 2013 Legends and AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famers from previous years. The reception hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with a continental breakfast from 10 a.m. to noon. The assembled Hall of Famers will be interviewed on-stage in a relaxed setting that allows fans and friends to get up close and personal with motorcycling’s heroes. Tickets for both events are on sale now at www.motorcyclemuseum.org. The price is $140 for Friday night’s induction ceremony and $20 for Saturday’s reception, which includes a continental breakfast. The AMA Legends Weekend is a fundraiser for the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame, located on the AMA campus in Pickerington, Ohio. The Hall of Fame’s mission is to celebrate, elucidate and preserve the rich tradition of motorcycling in America. 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. More, from another press release issued by American Motorcycle Heritage Foundation: Bike Week Radio show to sponsor Torsten Hallman Legend presentation at AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, presented by Husqvarna Motorcycles PICKERINGTON, Ohio — The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame is pleased to announce that the Bike Week Radio Show will sponsor the Hall of Fame Legend presentation of Torsten Hallman at the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, presented by Husqvarna, at Las Vegas’ Green Valley Resort & Casino, Friday, Oct. 18, with tickets available to the general public. Hallman, a four-time FIM World Motocross champion who played a key role in the introduction of the sport of motocross in the U.S., and later founded the THOR brand, joins fellow Hall of Famer Mark Blackwell as honored Legends at this year’s event. Bike Week Radio Show, hosted by AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Broc Glover, airs every Sunday at 9 a.m. on San Diego’s sports radio leader The Mighty 1090 AM, and is streamed from the show’s website at www.bikeweekradioshow.com. “In 2012 the guys from Bike Week Radio Show, a weekly must-listen across the heart of the motorcycle industry and for moto-enthusiasts everywhere, came to our ceremony with microphones in hand,” said Jeffrey V. Heininger, chairman of the American Motorcycle Heritage Foundation, which oversees the Hall of Fame. “That set the stage for their support of the man who showed Americans motocross for the first time. It’s great to have the Bike Week Radio Show-and Hall of Famer Broc Glover-sponsor Torsten’s Legend presentation.” Glover said he was happy to have the opportunity to honor a true motorcycling hero like Hallman. “Torsten Hallman was always someone who embodied elegance and innovation,” said Broc Glover. “He was and is a world-class racer, businessman, and pioneer with few equals. Even the design of his early products like the Hallman GP goatskin leathers said something about what he was like as a person — elegant and high quality. Who knows where motocross would have gone without Torsten Hallman?” The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, presented by Husqvarna Motorcycles, will officially honor the class of 2013: AMA Supercross and Motocross Champion Ricky Carmichael; AMA and desert racing champion Danny Hamel; racer, promoter and motorcycle industry icon Norm McDonald; AMA Roadracing Champion Randy Renfrow; and motorcycling fundraisers and Ride For Kids founders Mike and Dianne Traynor. In addition to the Induction Ceremony Friday, Oct. 18, on Saturday, Oct. 19, the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Dave Mungenast Memorial Legends Reception will honor the Class of 2013, the 2013 Legends and AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famers from previous years. The reception hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and the assembled Hall of Famers will be interviewed on-stage in a relaxed setting that allows fans and friends to get up close and personal with motorcycling’s heroes. Tickets for both public events are on sale now at www.motorcyclemuseum.org. The price is $140 for Friday night’s induction ceremony, which includes dinner, and $20 for Saturday’s reception, which includes a continental breakfast. The AMA Legends Weekend, presented by Husqvarna, is organized by the American Motorcyclist Association. It is a fundraiser for the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame, located on the AMA campus in Pickerington, Ohio. The Hall of Fame’s mission is to celebrate, elucidate and preserve the rich tradition of motorcycling in America. 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. More, from another press release issued by American Motorcycle Heritage Foundation: Rare racing motorcycles to be displayed at AMA Legends Weekend, presented by Husqvarna PICKERINGTON, Ohio — The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame is pleased to announce that a number of rare, one-of-a-kind bikes with ties to its newest inductees will be on display at the 2013 AMA Legends Weekend, presented by Husqvarna, at the Green Valley Ranch Resort in Las Vegas, Nev., Friday and Saturday, Oct 18-19. Tickets are available to the general public. “The icons of motorcycling that are enshrined in the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame made their names as racers and riders, and we’re very pleased to have amassed an impressive collection of motorcycles representing our Class of 2013,” said Jeffrey V. Heininger, chairman of the American Motorcycle Heritage Foundation, which oversees the Hall of Fame. “Many of the bikes that will be on display at our gala event are the very bikes that our Hall of Famers rode, which makes them extremely rare and historic,” Heininger said. “Attendees will get to see these famous machines during the induction ceremony itself on Friday night, as well as at the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Dave Mungenast Memorial Legends Reception on Saturday.” The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, presented by Husqvarna, takes place on Friday evening, Oct. 18. The gala event officially honors the class of 2013: AMA Supercross and Motocross Champion Ricky Carmichael; AMA and desert racing champion Danny Hamel; racer, promoter and motorcycle industry icon Norm McDonald; AMA Roadracing Champion Randy Renfrow; and motorcycling fundraisers and Ride For Kids founders Mike and Dianne Traynor. In addition, two existing members of the Hall of Fame will be honored as Legends that evening: Mark Blackwell, a pioneering racer in American motocross, a six-time AMA championship race team manager and a well-respected executive in the motorcycle industry; and Torsten Hallman, a four-time FIM World Motocross champion who was instrumental in introducing the sport of motocross to America as well as founder of the Thor brand. The bikes are also available for public viewing on Saturday, Oct. 19, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m, during the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Dave Mungenast Memorial Legends Reception. At the reception, the Class of 2013, the 2013 Legends and numerous AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famers from previous years will be interviewed on-stage in a relaxed setting that allows fans and friends to get up close and personal with motorcycling’s heroes. Fans will also have the opportunity to get autographs from Hall of Fame members at a special autograph session, which begins at 1:00 p.m. Bikes on display for the event include: Danny Hamel’s 1994 Kawasaki KX500 Built by Dave Pyle of Kawasaki Team Green with Pro Circuit additions, the KX500 is in unrestored race condition, just as it came out of the desert after Danny Hamel’s 1995 season. This was the machine that powered Hamel [d.1995], to his 1994 Baja 1000 Championship when he was teamed with AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famers Larry Roeseler and Ty Davis. It also played a part in his 1995 AMA National Hare & Hound Championship — his fifth title on Kawasakis. This historic KX500 is owned by Kawasaki Motors Corp. Randy Renfrow’s 1989 Pro Twins RS850D Race Bike Good race bikes are often not born, they are made, and that’s definitely the case with this Pro Twins RS850D, campaigned in 1989 by Randy Renfrow [d.2002]. Built with a Honda Racing motor originally destined for flat-track competition, the bike was purpose-built from the bottom up to be a small, light, reliable-yet-ferocious race machine. Renfrow campaigned it in the 1989 season, taking the championship all the way to the final race, which Dale Quarterly won in the last turn of the last lap. In the end, this bike either won or came in second in every race it finished. The bike has been restored to its original race condition by Martin Adams. 2010 Ride for Kids U.S. Grand Prix Moriwaki MD600 For the 2010 U.S. Grand Prix at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Honda cooked up something special: A vehicle to help spur donations for the Pediatric Brian Tumor Foundation’s Ride For Kids events, which were founded by Mike and Dianne Traynor. The race bike, a Moriwaki MD600, was campaigned in the Moto2 class by Roger Lee Hayden and overseen by a race team headed by AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Kevin Schwantz. The bike sported Ride For Kids stickers, and was used in part of a fundraising campaign for the Ride For Kids. This machine is on loan from American Honda. Ricky Carmichael’s 1997 Kawasaki KX125 All stories have a beginning, and for Ricky Carmichael’s AMA pro career, the beginning started with a Kawasaki KX125, built by Pro Circuit and tuned by Chad Watts. With this bike, Carmichael won eight outdoor AMA Motocross Nationals and three AMA Supercross main events, en route to winning the 1997 125 MX National Championship and the AMA Supercross East Championship. The bike remains in unrestored race condition and is on loan from Pro Circuit’s Mitch Payton, himself an AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer. Ricky Carmichael’s 2001 Kawasaki KX SR250 Built by the Kawasaki Race Team and tuned by Chad Watts, this KX SR250 propelled Ricky Carmichael to two championships in 2001. In the AMA Supercross series, Carmichael rode the bike to 14 race wins (13 in a row) for the title. In AMA Motocross, it took him to seven AMA National wins and the title. It is said to have been his favorite bike during his Kawasaki career. The bike is presented in unrestored race condition, and is on loan from Kawasaki Motors Corp. Norm McDonald-era Yamaha Ascot Scrambler Pulled together by John Stein in a mere 90 days to race at the Catalina Grand Prix, the faithful Yamaha Ascot Scrambler replica harkens back to the time when Norm McDonald rode a similar machine at Ascot Park in California. Built on a 1962 Yamaha YDS2, with engine work by Scott Clough Racing, frame work by CIP Powder Coating, Race Tech shock work and plenty of other new bits, the bike was run in the revived Catalina Grand Prix in 2010 finishing with the 22nd fastest time out of 104 entries. Mark Blackwell 1971 Husqvarna 400 This is an exact replica of the first Husqvarna that AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Mark Blackwell raced when he was sponsored by the brand’s firs U.S. importer, Hall of Famer Edison Dye. Blackwell himself acquired this machine and had it restored by Don Bailey as closely as possible to the original race machine. Arrangements are also being made to bring host several Husqvarnas from the era of Hall of Famer Torsten Hallman from the Kelly Owens Collection, as well as additional machines from Suzuki and Honda that were campaigned by Ricky Carmichael. Tickets for both public events are on sale now at www.motorcyclemuseum.org. The price is $140 for Friday night’s induction ceremony, which includes dinner, and $20 for Saturday’s reception, which includes a continental breakfast. The AMA Legends Weekend, presented by Husqvarna, is organized by the American Motorcyclist Association. It is a fundraiser for the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame, located on the AMA campus in Pickerington, Ohio. The Hall of Fame’s mission is to celebrate, elucidate and preserve the rich tradition of motorcycling in America. 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.