Cypress California – Yamaha Motor Corporation takes great pride in announcing that the legendary “King” Kenny Roberts will make an historic return to the world famous “Indy Mile” on Saturday evening, August 29th during this year’s event held in association with the Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix at the world famous Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The 2-time AMA Grand National Champion, and 3-time World 500cc Champion, plans to take several hot laps on the infamous Yamaha TZ-750 powered dirt tracker, as built and tuned by former 250 World Champion Kel Carruthers. The TZ-750 powered dirt tracker, thought to be unrideable by many, took a historic last lap win at the 1975 Indy mile that ultimately proved to be one of the most famous wins in American Dirt Track history. “After the race in 1975 I said they didn’t pay me enough to ride that thing,” said Kenny Roberts, “and this year will be no different! But it should be fun for the fans to hear that Yamaha TZ once again up against the bales.” “This will truly be a memorable event for motorcycle fans the world over.” said Bob Starr, General Manager of Communications for Yamaha Motor Corporation, “Kenny’s accomplishments years ago formed the basis of what Yamaha’s performance image is today and we are all excited to have him and this extraordinary motorcycle on the track once again.” Amongst the enthusiastic spectators planning to attend this historic event will be none other than 8-time World Champion Valentino Rossi. “For sure Kenny’s win at this event on the Yamaha 34 years ago was monumental” said Valentino Rossi, “and the fact that I was not born yet makes it even more exciting for me to be there this time!” To see a brief video clip of the 1975 race, go here: ~http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nj97mObeEyw&feature=related~ Ticket information for the Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix and Indy Mile is available at: ~https://imstix.brickyard.com/SelectedEvent.aspx~ Tickets To Indy Mile ~http://www.familyevents.com/event/108~ AMA Pro Racing is the premier professional motorcycle racing organization in North America, operating a full schedule of events and championships for a variety of motorcycle disciplines. From its Daytona Beach headquarters, the organization operates and manages AMA Pro Road Racing, which includes AMA Pro American Superbike, AMA Pro Daytona SportBike, AMA Pro SuperSport and AMA Pro SunTrust Moto-GT. AMA Pro Racing also manages and works closely with the day-to-day operational organizations of the AMA Pro Flat Track Championship and the AMA Pro Supermoto Championship Series in addition to other two-wheel and ATV series. Learn more about AMA Pro Racing at www.amaproracing.com More, from a press release issued by Yamaha: Yamaha and “King Kenny” to Make Historic Return to the Indy Mile Cypress California – Yamaha Motor Corporation takes great pride in announcing that the legendary “King” Kenny Roberts will make an historic return to the world famous “Indy Mile” on Saturday evening, August 29th during this year’s event held in association with the Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix at the world famous Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The 2-time AMA Grand National Champion, and 3-time World 500cc Champion, plans to take several hot laps on the infamous Yamaha TZ-750 powered dirt tracker, as built and tuned by former 250 World Champion Kel Carruthers. The TZ-750 powered dirt tracker, thought to be unrideable by many, took a historic last lap win at the 1975 Indy mile that ultimately proved to be one of the most famous wins in American Dirt Track history. “After the race in 1975 I said they didn’t pay me enough to ride that thing,” said Kenny Roberts, “and this year will be no different! But it should be fun for the fans to hear that Yamaha TZ once again up against the bales.” “This will truly be a memorable event for motorcycle fans the world over.” said Bob Starr, General Manager of Communications for Yamaha Motor Corporation, “Kenny’s accomplishments years ago formed the basis of what Yamaha’s performance image is today and we are all excited to have him and this extraordinary motorcycle on the track once again.” Amongst the enthusiastic spectators planning to attend this historic event will be none other than 8-time World Champion Valentino Rossi. “For sure Kenny’s win at this event on the Yamaha 34 years ago was monumental” said Valentino Rossi, “and the fact that I was not born yet makes it even more exciting for me to be there this time!” To see a brief video clip of the 1975 race, go here: ~http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nj97mObeEyw&feature=related~ Ticket information for the Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix and Indy Mile is available at: ~https://imstix.brickyard.com/SelectedEvent.aspx~ More, from a press release issued by Sponsor Park: SponsorPark Offers Organizations 10 Key Tips to Finding a Sponsor for Their Next Event or Program 10 Tips Could Help Groups Be More Successful in Landing Their Next Sponsor OMAHA, Neb. Finding a sponsor for an upcoming festival, fair or non-profit program has become a lot more difficult with the downturn in the economy. Not only are corporate sponsors more limited in the amount of dollars available for potential sponsorships, but they are also more careful in measuring a return on investment from their sponsorship and charitable donation dollars. Omaha-based SponsorPark helps event and program organizers seeking donors to more effectively put together a proposal and submit it to potential sponsors across the nation. In order to help bridge the gap between sponsor expectations and organizations seeking sponsors, the company offers event and program organizers ten easy tips to be more effective in the sponsorship solicitation process. 1. Write a relevant initial proposal This is not the final customized piece (which comes after you have already established interest). The initial proposal communicates the most relevant information up front; which quickly established whether a partnership is realistic. SponsorPark has developed a proposal template that walks you through this information. 2. Offer tiered packages / benefits When you communicate the benefits of partnering to a sponsor, a quick way to kill interest is not to offer options, or worse, no insight at all as to what your asking price might be. Your tiers should also be cascading make it worth a sponsors while to offer more support in exchange for a more extensive package of benefits. 3. Cast a vision Clearly as one who represents a sponsorship opportunity you have a passion for what you are doing, paint that picture for why it’s a big deal – tell your story. But be careful to pair feelings with thinking. Pair qualitative with quantitative reasoning. 4. Quantify your value in as many ways as possible While there are some benefits you can’t assign a number to, such as popularity or the loyalty of your customer base; there are many things that you can, such as: target audience information, media and broadcast exposure, and category exclusivity you could offer. The economy has made consumers more aware of corporate spending and required accountability with decision makers. Make it clear and easy to defend as to why they should partner with you. 5. Pursue those who have reason to be interested in you This means you will need to do your homework and be sure to know something about what that company is doing and where they are going. SponsorPark does this for you by sending your proposal out to sponsors who have already indicated their interests and established search criteria. 6. Build a strong network If two equally beneficial opportunities are presented to a sponsor, they are going to pick the one that they have existing ties with. Connect with as many people as possible a great time to start this is with current sponsors! 7. Consider using an agency or connecting resource Agencies generally speaking get paid when you see results, so they are working harder than ever right now. Best of all, SponsorPark allows sponsors to use our outsourcing tool for free present yourself where sponsors are looking! 8. Give yourself plenty of Time Sponsorship can take 4-6 months to connect with the most appropriate person, negotiate a partnership, and sign a contract. The larger the sponsorship deal the longer it can take to close. This is also why it’s a good idea to pursue more than one sponsor at a time. Work smarter not harder! 9. Don’t sell yourself short Even in a world where you might have to add perks you wouldn’t normally add to sell the sponsorship, or consider additional assets to bundle for more package options, make sure your pricing aligns with the value you’re offering a sponsor. When the economy bounces back, you don’t want to be stuck in a rut because you undersold your sponsorship previously. 10. Ask your sponsor what they want out of the Partnership Once interest has been established and an initial meeting set, ask your sponsor what they want. At this point you have done enough research to know the basics about what they might consider a goal of the partnership, but stay on top of the ever-changing corporate world. Who knows, they might come up with even better ideas than you initially considered. “Some homework can really go a long way to not only securing more sponsorships for events and programs, but also more long lasting and mutually beneficial partnerships,” said Emily Taylor with SponsorPark. “The key is really to understand what sponsors are looking for, which we’ve outlined in the ten tips, and delivering it to them in a clear and concise way. This can be really hard work, which is the beauty of SponsorPark we connect likely partners based on cohesive and complementary interests. SponsorPark can help drive your organization’s sponsorship outreach to an entirely new level.” The comprehensive web tool at www.sponsorpark.com is currently free to help sponsors and sponsorship opportunities to connect. The company is focusing initially on the arts, entertainment, sports, causes and festivals/fairs, but any profit or non-profit organization needing a sponsor or looking for a sponsorship opportunity is welcome to participate. To check out the current list of organizations seeking a sponsor, or to register your sponsorship opportunity, please check them out on the web at www.sponsorpark.com. More, from a press release issued by Confederate Motors, Inc.: CONFEDERATE MOTORS, INC. ANNOUNCES FIRST UNVEILING OF P120 FIGHTER AT PRESTIGIOUS QUAIL MOTORSPORTS GATHERING Birmingham, AL — Confederate Motors, Inc., the premiere American luxury motorcycle manufacturing company, announced today their plans to introduce their latest design, the P120 Fighter Combat, to the motoring community at the Quail Motorsports Gathering in Carmel this August during the world-renowned Pebble Beach car week. “We are thrilled to be a part of this legendary event,” said Matt Chambers, CEO and founder of Confederate Motors. “Considering the level of discerning motorsport enthusiasts gathered from around the world in one place at one time, we could not think of a better forum at which to unveil our cutting-edge Fighter Combat.” As with previous Confederate models, the new Fighter should cause a sensation. Incorporating a massive 120ci motor (1966cc) into a lightweight aluminum frame, producing an astounding 145 foot pounds of torque and 160 rear wheel horsepower, the agile and powerful machine also takes Confederate’s hallmark design to new heights, resulting in a creation that can only be described as breathtaking. Confederate Motors is proud to be an official sponsor of “The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering” where the yet-to-be-unveiled P120 Fighter will be displayed. Press and event attendees will have the opportunity to see these distinct motorcycles in the flesh, speak to company representatives, and appreciate firsthand these high-design, high-performance pieces of functional art. The seminal event will take place Friday, August 14th, on the greens of the Quail Lodge golf course in Carmel Valley, California. About Confederate Motors, Inc. Founded in 1991 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Confederate Motors, Inc. designs and handcrafts limited edition motorcycles for the motoring aficionado and purist. The antithesis of mass production, our bespoke creations embody the credo Art of Rebellion, where preconceptions are purposefully rejected and innovation embraced. In our uncompromising approach to excellence, Confederate has adopted a distinctive, minimalist work model with the goal to be on the cutting-edge of performance and world design. As the winner of numerous international awards and holder of an AMA world speed record, Confederate Motors, Inc. is proud to be at the forefront of the American motorcycle industry, with offices located in Birmingham, Alabama. For additional information on Confederate Motors, Inc. and our F131 Hellcat, B120 Wraith or P120 Fighter motorcycles, please visit www.Confederate.com. About The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering In its seventh year, “The Quail” continues to be recognized as one of the world’s premier automotive and lifestyle events, notable for its intimate size and up-close-and-personal opportunity to admire exceedingly rare collections of sports and racing motorcars and mingle with their owners. The 2009 event will honor the 50th anniversary of America’s legendary Daytona Speedway; the 30th anniversary of BMW’s “M” division featuring the M1 car, one of the rarest automobiles ever produced; and pay tribute to the storied career of world champion German racecar driver Hans-Joachim Stuck Jr., a former F1 driver, two-time winner of 24 Hours of Le Mans and one of the most versatile racers of the 20th century. Attendees will have the opportunity to test drive new automobiles, try on fine couture jewelry, and enjoy a culinary journey equally as impressive as the vehicles. Guests will also have access to the highly anticipated Bonhams auction that includes Hans Stuck’s legendary Auto Union Grand Prix D-Type racer, the world’s only existing car of its type (est. $8 million). For additional information, please visit www.QuailLodgeEvents.com About Quail Lodge Nestled on 850 acres in the heart of sunny Carmel Valley, Quail Lodge Resort is managed by The Peninsula Hotels, owned and operated by HSH. Amenities include 97 well-appointed guest rooms, an 18-hole championship golf course, swimming pools, tennis courts, two restaurants, a spa, The Land Rover Experience Driving School, and trails through the remarkably beautiful environment of ponds, lush gardens and rolling hills. For additional information, please visit www.QuailLodge.com More, from a press release issued by motovid.com: MOTOVID.COM & TRAQMATERENTAL.COM ANNOUNCE PARTNERSHIP New Trackside services; Traqmate GPS data acquisition/video session & One-on-One Video Sessions for All Levels Motorcycle Track Days & Riding Clinics participants at Blackhawk Farms Raceway. Through a joint partnership between Motovid.com (~http://www.motovid.com~) and Traqmaterental.com, (~http://www.traqmaterental.com~) three new trackside services are now being offered to Blackhawk Farms Raceway All Levels Motorcycle Track Days and Riding Clinics participants; Traqmate GPS Data Acquisition Unit rentals, Traqmate On-bike Video Session and One-on-One Video Instruction with data overlay integration using Traqmate systems. All three services deliver an archive post event with the customer’s data. One-on-One Video Instruction provides video integrated with data for lap by lap analysis with the participant and Motovid.com instructor after the on-track session. “Motovid.com has been a firm believer in recent technological advances enabling data integration with onboard video as a tool to help riders better understand what truly is happening on their motorcycle at speed.” said Michael Casey, motovid.com. “The Motovid.com partnership with Traqmaterental.com provides the tools and expertise to deliver these exciting services to our customers to improve their skills and performance.” These new services are being introduced at the upcoming Blackhawk Farms Raceway All Levels Motorcycle Track Day sponsored by Wisconsinsportbikes.net scheduled on Weds. July 1 and at the next Rider Clinic Fri. July 24th. Each student who participates in the Riders Clinic Program receives a One-on-One Video Instruction Session with data analysis as part of the package. More, from another press release issued by AMA: Special guest announced for AMA International Women & Motorcycling Conference, presented by Harley-Davidson and Buell Deborah Grey to be Keynote Speaker for Friday International Street Party PICKERINGTON, Ohio — The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) is pleased to announce that Canadian Deborah Grey will be the keynote speaker at the Friday evening International Street Party during the fifth AMA International Women & Motorcycling Conference, presented by Harley-Davidson and Buell, on Aug. 19-22 in Keystone, Colo. Grey, who is legendary as the first-ever Reform Party Member of the Canadian Parliament, is also an avid motorcyclist. The Friday night International Street Party is being organized by the Motorcyclists’ Confederation of Canada (MCC). Liz Jansen, an MCC director and chair of its Women Riders Council, said she was delighted by Grey’s selection as the keynote speaker. “We are proud and thrilled that Deborah Grey will be delivering the keynote address at the International Street Party,” Jansen said. “She is a role model as a Canadian, woman and motorcyclist. Above all, her life exemplifies the conference theme of ‘Riding to New Heights.'” A master storyteller and the author of “Never Retreat, Never Explain, Never Apologize: My Life, My Politics,” Grey is renowned for her ability to combine her no-nonsense attitude, wit and humor into a compelling presentation. “Throughout her political career, Deborah Grey has exemplified the highest standards of integrity and leadership,” said Tigra Tsujikawa, marketing and special events manager for the AMA. “We are honored to have such an inspiring woman and fellow motorcyclist address our conference attendees.” The 2009 AMA International Women & Motorcycling Conference, presented by Harley-Davidson and Buell, is the country’s premier event for women motorcyclists. With the theme “Riding to New Heights,” the conference not only honors the contributions of women riders to motorcycling’s past and present, it also celebrates the fast-growing role that women riders are playing in the future of motorcycling. The registration fee covers admission to all seminars, as well as opening ceremonies on Aug. 19, a barn dance on Aug. 20, the International Street Party on Aug. 21 and a closing banquet on Aug. 22. Both the barn dance and closing banquet include dinner. Registration, which includes a commemorative t-shirt, is $165 through Aug. 3. Registration after Aug. 3, as well as on-site registration, will cost $185. Participants can register now at ~https://home.ama-cycle.org/iwmc/registration/register.aspx~ or by phone by calling (800) AMA-JOIN. While the event focuses on women riders, it is not limited to women. Men are welcome to participate with a paid registration. Sign up for conference e-mail alerts at ~http://visitor.constantcontact.com/d.jsp?m=1101360655061&p=oi&id=preview, and follow conference updates on Twitter at http://twitter.com/womenandmoto~. About the American Motorcyclist Association Since 1924, the AMA has protected the future of motorcycling and promoted the motorcycle lifestyle. AMA members come from all walks of life, and they navigate many different routes on their journey to the same destination: freedom on two wheels. As the world’s largest motorcycling organization, the AMA advocates for motorcyclists’ interests in the halls of local, state and federal government, the committees of international governing organizations, and the court of public opinion. Through member clubs, promoters and partners, the AMA sanctions more motorsports competition and motorcycle recreational events than any other organization in the world. AMA members receive money-saving discounts from dozens of well-known suppliers of motorcycle services, gear and apparel, bike rental, transport, hotel stays and more. Through its Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum, the AMA preserves the heritage of motorcycling for future generations. More, from a press release issued by Milwaukee Harley-Davidson: Harley-Davidson Dealer Redefines Business Model, Grows Despite Tough Times Milwaukee Harley-Davidson bucks system to capture double-digit sales increase Milwaukee, Wis. Success stories in the auto industry are hard to come by these days, especially if you’re an American manufacturer. However, Milwaukee Harley-Davidson (MHD), a progressive dealer in the hometown of Harley-Davidson, is proving that to win in today’s economy it pays to be a bit of a rebel. As the dealer known for throwing some of the biggest parties throughout the year, MHD has not only weathered the economic storm, it pummeled it””to the tune of a 30 percent sales increase in the first quarter of the year. The company’s secret: reestablish the Harley lifestyle. MHD’s seemingly simple business strategy comes courtesy of owner Chaz Hastings, who is serving it up in a way no other dealer in the country has done before””transforming his dealership into a lifestyle destination that offers the camaraderie and freedom Harley riders seek while extending the experience beyond the parking lot. Over the past few years Hastings has purchased three historic bars that when strung together make for a scenic””not to mention entertaining””ride from the dealership to Holy Hill, one of the most popular routes in the Midwest. “We’re changing the way riders interact with our dealership,” said Hastings. “The Harley lifestyle is about the ride and what you encounter along the way. That’s what we’re doing””creating an experience that starts at our dealership and builds from there.” Each of Hastings’ three bars offers an element of intrigue while embodying the true Harley spirit. Madam Belles Silver Dollar Saloon, the century-old former brothel in Richfield, Wis., boasts “old time décor” and has returned to its original biker bar status that made it a popular stop in the 70’s. Tally Ho, an 1870’s Irish tavern in Erin, Wis., has its own story. Legend has it that Emily, a former farm hand, was buried in the basement””making it one of the most intriguing and eerie watering holes around. And Bottom’s Up, a saloon with plank floors and good music, is a short trip from Milwaukee Harley-Davidson, making it a welcoming first stop on the ride. According to Hastings, the addition of the bars allows the company to create events that make the ‘the ride’ an essential element to the MHD experience. And since MHD’s events bring in just as many non-riders as they do riders, MHD is letting its events do the selling. “The market is what it is, but it doesn’t mean people don’t want to get out and ride. In fact, there’s never been a better time to ride,” said Hastings. “We just want to be the dealership that lets riders live out the authentic Harley lifestyle they signed up for.” The authentic experience MHD is after has been slowly building. When Harley-Davidson became a primary sponsor of the UFC last year, Hastings had already taken the concept of connecting the aggressive sport with the Harley brand one step further. He reached out to Gladiator Cage Fighting, a Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) promoter, and asked them to bring their fights to his dealership. The company has now held six events with maxed out attendance at each one. MHD is having success with other non-traditional events, as well, such as Wisconsin’s annual Chili Cook-off finals, which brings thousands of people from throughout the state there to compete, and the Competitive Eating Championships. Both events have brought in new customers to the dealership, and more unusual events are in the works for this summer. By reinventing itself, MHD is inventing ways to stay profitable in a down economy. The company reports it is doing more in sales this year than it did five years ago””when the economy was in much better shape. “We’re progressive, but in a way that’s authentic Harley,” said Hastings. “We’re the place you go to let loose, to get away from the monotony of life. And you won’t find any pancake breakfasts here. The events we pull off are wild, but not in a way that’s out of hand. Our mission is to deliver an authentic Harley experience every time you visit us.” While events are nothing new to the Harley dealer recipe, MHD is doing what the company feels many dealers have walked away from over the years””stay true to the edgy, rebellious ways that made the Harley brand what it is today. During the 105th anniversary, the dealership’s aggressiveness made them “party central,” landing performances by Kid Rock and Scarlet Haze. The festivities weren’t limited to music, either. MHD staged the world’s largest beer bong event and is awaiting Guinness World Record authentication. It’s events like this that have given MHD national recognition while giving its customers reason to come back. For MHD, remaining competitive represents more than just fun and games. When the market changed back in 2005, Hastings acted swiftly. Although not an easy decision, he cut his staff from 48 to 22, brought in a new enthusiastic and passionate sales team and changed his sales process. Instead of relying on old techniques that weren’t producing the kind of sales he wanted, Hastings scrapped the old training manual and committed to doing something bold to get his staff excited about selling bikes. That something turned out to be renting a NASCAR track in Las Vegas and flying his team out to test ride every one of his bikes and the competitors’. “Our closing rate improved 40 percent almost overnight,” he said. “That’s a testament to the team’s dedication and determination.” That determination is something MHD is pouring into its customer service, as well. Hastings moved the sales offices from the back of the store to the front, turning his sales people into greeters. He also piloted new customer information software for Harley-Davidson that the sales team now uses to engage customers, providing daily information and insight into everything from where a customer is in the sales process and when they need required maintenance to when their birthday is and where they’re taking their bike this summer. According to Hastings, MHD has one of the highest rates of customer retention in the industry. He chalks that up to a combination of great customer service and personal touches, including true-to-Harley-form customer appreciation activities. Hastings, or someone on the management team, personally meets every new bike owner and throws them a party. They and their guest are treated to dinner and drinks with Hastings and his sales associates at Madam Belles. “Getting a new motorcycle is a reason to celebrate and who better to do that for them than their dealer,” said Hastings. Reinventing the dealer concept also means breaking the traditional customer mold. And for that, MHD has personally reached out to African-American riding groups, who now represent MHD’s fastest growing segment, according to Hastings. The company currently has three employees and hundreds of customers who are African-American, many of whom are personal friends of the dealership. Milwaukee Harley-Davidson’s 36,000-square-foot facility features more than 200 bikes as well as general merchandise, parts & accessories, service department and sales and finance. The company is one of the most active dealers in the country, bringing in more than 10,000 people to its dealership through events and general sales every year. For more information, visit milwaukeeharley.com. More, from a press release issued by Advanstar: Cycle World International Motorcycle Shows® Tour Dates announced 2009-2010 Show Schedule Now Available Online Irvine, Calif. The Cycle World International Motorcycle Shows today has announced the official tour dates for the 29th annual coast-to-coast powersports show series. Motorcycle fans from California to New York will get an up-close look at more than 500 new model motorcycles including street bikes, dirt bikes, fuel efficient bikes, cruisers, scooters, ATVs and watercraft from the major manufacturers. They’ll be able to check out the latest gear and aftermarket accessories and enjoy demo rides, educational seminars, new rider programs, interactive entertainment and more. “Each market was carefully screened and evaluated and the following eleven markets were chosen based on their geographic location, market strength and the audience they deliver,” said Show Director Jeff D’Entremont. “The Cycle World International Motorcycle Shows offer the premier platform for connecting buyers and sellers of motorcycles and powersports-related products. Our shows deliver a highly qualified buying audience who will spend over $4.5 Billion on their passion in the next twelve months.” The Cycle World International Motorcycle Shows delivers real results by connecting your brand with existing enthusiasts and potential new riders including women and minorities. No other powersports event compares to the Cycle World International Motorcycle Show’s multi-city, nationwide tour in reach, demographics or buying power. The 2009-2010 Cycle World International Motorcycle Shows® schedule: November 13-15, 2009 Dallas Convention Center Dallas, TX November 20-22, 2009 San Mateo County Event Center San Mateo, CA December 4-6, 2009 Long Beach Convention Center Long Beach, CA December 11-13, 2009 Qwest Field & Event Center Seattle, WA January 1-3, 2010 Rock Financial Showplace Novi, MI January 8-10, 2010 Carolina First Center Greenville, SC January 15-17, 2010 Washington Convention Center Washington D.C. January 22-24, 2010 Jacob K. Javits Convention Center New York, NY January 29-31, 2010 I-X Center Cleveland, OH February 5-7, 2010 Minneapolis Convention Center Minneapolis, MN February 19-21, 2010 Donald E. Stephens Convention Center Chicago, IL For the 17th consecutive year, Cycle World, the world’s most popular motorcycle magazine, is the title sponsor for the series. The Cycle World International Motorcycle Shows is the world’s largest motorcycle show series. For more information, call 800/331-5706 or visit www.motorcycleshows.com. Advanstar Communications Inc. (www.advanstar.com) is a leading worldwide media company providing integrated marketing solutions for the Fashion, Life Sciences and Powersports Industries. Advanstar serves business professionals and consumers in these industries with its portfolio of 147 events, 68 publications and directories, 267 electronic products and Web sites, as well as educational and direct marketing products and services. Market leading brands and a commitment to delivering innovative, quality products and services enables Advanstar to “Connect Our Customers With Theirs.” More, from a press release issued by Mark Gardiner: Jay Leno recently chose Riding Man as the very first motorcycle book ever included under the Jay’s Book Club banner on JayLenosGarage.com. Although he’s better known for his collection of vintage cars, Leno’s an avid rider and the owner of over 100 motorcycles, including several vintage race bikes with their own Isle of Man histories. Like many motorcyclists, he vividly remembers seeing on-board TT videos but knew little of the actual TT experience until reading Riding Man. He called Riding Man “An amazing story,” and said, “It’s a fascinating read,.. I highly recommend it.” In fact, he’s done more than recommend the book, he’s made it the subject of a 12-minute interview with Mark on his web site. The book, written by Mark Gardiner, is memoir of a year spent attempting to first qualify for, then finish, a TT race on the Isle of Man. Mark often describes himself as, “the only average guy whose ever ridden in the TT.” That may be, but Leno’s selection of Riding Man suggests that Mark is far from average as a writer. “A few weeks ago,” says Mark, “I interviewed Jay for Classic Bike magazine. He told me that he was planning to tape some new segments of ‘Jay’s Book Club’ for his JayLenosGarage.com web site. Sure enough, a short time later he called and asked me to come back up to the garage to tape an interview. He’s a total gearhead, an avid motorcyclist. Like so many riders, he’s fascinated with the Isle of Man even though he’s never been there. I think he appreciated the travelogue aspect of Riding Man, and the ability to vicariously come along for the ride.” “Jay totally understands the living-out-a-dream aspect of Riding Man,” adds Mark “but I have to say that I would not have dared to dream that one day he’d be interviewing me about my book. I gave up everything I had to ride in the TT: I quit a lucrative advertising job, sold all my possessions, and spent my life’s savings to have my Isle of Man adventure. From the beginning, my goal was not just to ride in the TT, but to write about it. I felt that no one had ever really given motorcycle racing a fair shake in literature. What I didn’t realize was that while choosing to race on The Island involved taking a controlled risk, publishing a book about it involved jumping into uncharted waters. I wasn’t sure how it would work out, but with Jay’s help, that decision may prove to have been slightly less crazy than the decision to enter the TT.” Gardiner hopes that the exposure his book gets on JayLenosGarage.com will help to make more motorcyclists aware of Riding Man. Leno opens each book club segment with a little jab at Oprah, saying, “There’s no weight loss or self-help here,” but the fact is for guys with grease under their fingernails, Jay’s Book Club is more influential than hers. “I’ve always known that the first audience for Riding Man would be avid motorcyclists,” says Gardiner. “But I also believe that Riding Man’s underlying themes about the pursuit of dreams at any cost, and the search for a spiritual home are universal. Maybe this exposure will also help to attract the attention of reviewers from outside the motorcycle segment.” “Although I enjoy doing public readings from Riding Man and have occasionally interviewed celebrities in my work as a journalist, this was the first time a celebrity’s interviewed me. It could have been stressful, but Jay’s totally down to earth. Being interviewed by him in his garage is more like a bench racing session with an old friend.” The JayLenosGarage web site is produced by NBC Universal, and the Riding Man segment makes extensive use of documentary footage from the film One Man’s Island (www.onemansisland.com). Jay’s interview with Mark can be seen here: ~http://www.jaylenosgarage.com/video/video_player.shtml?vid=1137648~ More, from another press release issued by AMA Pro Racing: Al Wilcox Named Honorary Grand Marshal Hagerstown Grand National Honorary Grand Marshal Named for AMA Pro Flat Track Hagerstown Grand National DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – AMA Pro Racing and Hagerstown Speedway announced today that Al Wilcox will serve as the honorary Grand Marshal for the Hagerstown AMA Pro Grand National Flat Track races on Saturday, July 25. Wilcox, of Trenton, N.J., raced Flat Track from 1947 to 1966. He competed in more than 3,000 races, racing three-to-four times each week on more than 360 tracks throughout the United States and Canada. He competed on the Daytona Beach, Fla. course 11 times and finished third in the 1949 amateur Daytona Beach race, besting nearly 150 competitors. In 1950, Wilcox earned the National No. 49 plate, a position he held for 15 years. The Harley-Davidson Motor Company sponsored Wilcox from 1948 to 1951. Following a successful racing career, he began working at AMA on the East Coast as a starter. Wilcox flagged AMA dirt track races for 22 years with the honor of flagging the Daytona races with Duke Pennell for 15 of those years. This year marks 50 years for Wilcox as the “Starter to the Stars.” Wilcox signed up as an AMA member in 1942 and is Life Member No. 107. He is the official starter for Roger Lyle’s Motorcycle Xcitement Track Days and Racing School. In 2000, “The Al Wilcox Start/Finish Line at Summit Point Raceway” was dedicated with a beautiful sign made of iron and stainless steel on the starter’s bridge at Summit Point. At 90 years old, Wilcox will be commended for his lifelong dedication to motorcycle racing during the opening ceremonies at Hagerstown Speedway. Ticket information: 301-582-0640 AMA Pro Racing is the premier professional motorcycle racing organization in North America, operating a full schedule of events and championships for a variety of motorcycle disciplines. From its Daytona Beach headquarters, the organization operates and manages AMA Pro Road Racing, which includes AMA Pro American Superbike, AMA Pro Daytona SportBike, AMA Pro SuperSport and AMA Pro SunTrust Moto-GT. AMA Pro Racing also manages and works closely with the day-to-day operational organizations of the AMA Pro Flat Track Championship and the AMA Pro Supermoto Championship Series in addition to other two-wheel and ATV series. Learn more about AMA Pro Racing at www.amaproracing.com