Reigning Polish Rookie 600 Championship winner Szymon Strankowski has joined the Suzuki GRANDys duo Team for 2012 to race the Junior Superstock 600 and selected Supersport events. After an impressive five victories last season, GRANDys duo Suzuki hopes that the 19 year old will be a main contender in the Polish Championship, with help from the team’s experienced riders Daniel Bukowski and Bartek Wiczynski. Jacek Grandys, Team Manager of Suzuki GRANDys duo, said: “Szymon is a young rider and we hope, under the supervision of our experienced riders, he will make a lot of progress. Last season he proved that he can win, but there is also a long way in front of him to racing at the highest level. We hope we achieve it together and are looking for victory in the Junior Superstock 600 and good positions in the Supersport class also.” Said Strankowski: “I am glad that I will be working with such a professional team like Suzuki GRANDys duo this year. I’m happy that I will get new opportunities that I hadn’t had before, which allows me to learn new skills from experienced team-mates like Daniel Bukowski and Bartek Wiczynski. I hope that it will be a successful season for me and the all team. I cannot wait for the first test on the new GSX-R600.” More, from a press release issued by American Motorcyclist Association: Sweepstakes winner announced in 2011 AMA Yamaha Super Ténéré National Adventure Riding Series PICKERINGTON, Ohio — American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) Life Member Roy Craft of Cocoa, Fla., had a Bike Week to remember this March. That’s because the long-time adventure and dual-sport rider took delivery of Yamaha’s new 2012 Super Ténéré — the world’s hottest adventure bike — for riding in the 2011 AMA Yamaha Super Ténéré National Adventure Riding Series, courtesy of series sponsor Yamaha. Craft was the winner in the annual drawing for a Yamaha Super Ténéré. The drawing included participants in the 2011 AMA Yamaha Super Ténéré National Adventure Riding Series. It was conducted by independent auditing and accounting firm Plante & Moran of Columbus, Ohio. “It’s difficult to put on these events, and it takes volunteers and support, and if it wasn’t for the AMA clubs and Yamaha supporting adventure riding the way they do, these opportunities wouldn’t exist,” Craft said. “Of course, winning this bike is frosting on the cake and an unbelievable feeling, but the rides are great, and the people you meet on these rides are great.” David Docktor, Motorcycle Marketing Manager of Yamaha’s Motorsports Group, said he’s pleased to see the grand prize go to such an enthusiastic and dedicated adventure rider. “Adventure riders embody some of motorcycling’s best elements — from exploring the unknown to pushing your limits — and we’re sure Roy will put his new Super Ténéré to the test,” Docktor said. “For everyone else, we plan to have a Super Ténéré at many AMA ride events, so make sure you come out and see this class-leading motorcycle first hand.” Designed to ride for days, on and over just about any kind of terrain in comfort and style, the Yamaha Super Ténéré serves as the perfect inspiration for the AMA national adventure riding series. Craft, who has participated in nearly all forms of motorcycling, said adventure riding is a new discipline that strikes all the right chords. “I became a member back in the mid-1970s to race motocross in places like Lake Sugar Tree,” said Craft. “Although I’ve moved away from competition, I still enjoy the camaraderie that you can find at organized rides, and you can find it at these adventure rides. You can experience great routes, go at your own pace and still bench race after the rides on Saturday night around a campfire.” With the 2012 season set to begin soon, stay tuned for exciting news on this year’s adventure riding series. See AmericanMotorcyclist.com > Riding > Yamaha Adventure Riding for the 2012 schedule, latest news and updates. 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 rights 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 the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame, the AMA honors the heroes and the heritage of motorcycling for future generations. For more information, please visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com. More, from a press release issued by Harley-Davidson: VIDEOS COMMEMORATE 100 YEARS OF HARLEY-DAVIDSON APPAREL “Made of a Hell of a lot More Than Just Leather” MILWAUKEE To commemorate 100 years of Harley-Davidson apparel, the Motor Company has created a series of three videos titled “Made of a Hell of a lot More Than Just Leather” that explores the uniqueness of this history and its heritage of innovation. “For more than 100 years, Harley-Davidson apparel has been built for riding,” said Karen Davidson, Harley-Davidson General Merchandise Creative Director. “The connection between our MotorClothes, motorcycles and riders is fundamental to our heritage. It’s that honesty and authenticity that inspires all of our riding gear.” Chapter One of the series details the relationship between the gear, the motorcycles and the legacy of the brand by mixing historical footage with images and interviews of people who design MotorClothes. It can be viewed on h-d.com/motorclothes, as well as the Harley-Davidson YouTube channel www.youtube.com/HarleyDavidson from which it can be embedded into other digital media. The second and third videos will be viewable by March 29. Harley-Davidson Motor Company, the only major U.S.-based motorcycle manufacturer, produces heavyweight motorcycles and a complete line of motorcycle parts, accessories and general merchandise. For more information, visit Harley-Davidson’s website at www.harley-davidson.com. More, from a press release issued by AMA Hall of Fame Museum: AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame to announce 2012 nominees on April 2 PICKERINGTON, Ohio — On Nov. 16 at the Red Rock Casino, Resort & Spa in Las Vegas, Nev., the American Motorcycle Heritage Foundation (AMHF) will welcome a new class into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame. This year, for the first time ever, the AMHF will announce not just the final class of inductees, but on Monday, April 2, will reveal the men and women who have been nominated for consideration of one of motorcycling’s highest honors. The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame, located on the campus of the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA), tells the stories of motorcycling heroes and legends and preserves the history of motorcycling. Nominees for annual induction are selected from applications submitted by the public and members of the AMHF Nominating Committee. “While in previous years only the inductees have been announced, this is the first time that we will announce the names of our nominees, each of whom is a worthy contender,” said AMHF Board of Directors Chairman Jeff Heininger. “Supporters and fans of the Hall of Fame have encouraged us to do this, and the enthusiasm generated by these announcements is one more way for us to acknowledge the tremendous contributions each of these individuals has made to the sport, business and lifestyle of motorcycling.” Nominees are selected from a number of specialties within two main categories. The non-competition category includes ambassadors/industry, design/engineering and leadership/motorcyclist rights advocates, and the competition category includes flat track, motocross/Supercross, off-road, roadracing, and specialty competition. A committee overseeing applicants for each specialty reviews the submissions, and determines which applicants meet the criteria to be considered as candidates to the Hall of Fame. The field of candidates is then narrowed by committee votes to select the nominees for a particular year. The voting group that selects Hall of Fame members is composed of experts in the various fields of motorcycling, living Hall of Fame members, and the board members of the AMHF and the AMA. In the coming weeks, six new members representing the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Class of 2012 will be elected from the nominees announced on April 2 — three from the non-competition categories and three from the competition categories. The Hall of Fame class of 2012 will be announced this summer, and the new members will be formally inducted into the Hall of Fame at a gala ceremony on Nov. 16, at the Red Rock Casino, Resort & Spa in Las Vegas, Nev., during the AMA Legends Weekend. Ticket information will be announced soon at MotorcycleMuseum.org. “One week from today, we’ll reveal who is in the running for induction into the Hall of Fame,” said Heininger. “It’s going to be a who’s who of motorcycling’s greats, and we can’t wait to share the excitement with motorcyclists everywhere.” For more information about the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame and the induction process, please visit 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 MotorcycleMuseum.org. More, from a press release issued by NEXX USA: NEXX USA Enters Into Agreement With Impact Racing’s Jeremy Simmons BUENA PARK, CA Nexx USA, a recent entry to the American helmet market, has entered into an agreement with Impact Racing rider Jeremy Simmons to provide helmets and support for the 2012 road race season. “Nexx is really excited to have Jeremy join our team. Jeremy is a prominent figure in the Southern California motorcycle scene that will bring great exposure to our helmets,” said Stephen Lim of Nexx USA. As promoter of the once legendary Hollywood Bikenight, Simmons has been an influential part of the street riding scene for more than a decade and is still a regular participant in local events and rides. Aboard his Yamaha YZF-R6, Simmons will be competing with the 2012 AMA Pro Road Racing Supersport series, AFM, and WERA. Jeremy can also be found overseas participating in the Cannonball Bike Run in Morocco and is planning to race the Manx GP in preparation of the Isle of Man TT in 2013. Nexx Helmets entered the U.S. market in 2008, distributed by Nexx USA. Nexx USA recently announced its commitment to road racing with a generous contingency package for AMA Pro road racers and had a great showing at this year’s opening round in Daytona. Contact Nexx USA at 213-435-4653 or visit www.nexx-usa.com. More, from a press release issued by American Motorcyclist Association: Special hotel rates added for AMA International Women & Motorcycling Conference PICKERINGTON, Ohio — The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) is pleased to announce the addition of more special-rate hotels for the upcoming AMA International Women & Motorcycling Conference. The conference, which takes place July 26-29 in Carson City, Nev., is the country’s premier event for women riders, featuring inspirational speakers, great roads, demo rides, product showcases and unmatched camaraderie. “We are thrilled with the response that we are getting from women riders around the country and beyond,” said AMA Marketing Manager Tigra Tsujikawa. “Although the host hotel, the Gold Dust West, has now sold out, there are many other hotels just as conveniently located that are offering our conference attendees special rates.” The good news does not stop there. Through April 30, AMA members can rack up significant savings through member-only pre-registration, which offers a discounted price of $125 to attend the conference. After April 30, that fee increases to $175. Attendees can register now here: ~http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=vw9ldxbab&oeidk=a07e5b2rc65a3dc83f3~ Tsujikawa pointed out the advantage of becoming an AMA member. “In addition to the dozens of benefits we already enjoy as AMA members, the conference adds yet another,” she said. “With non-member registration rates at $235, a $49 AMA membership not only pays for itself, but opens the door to anyone who wants to take advantage of the early registration discount.” Included in the registration fee to the AMA International Women & Motorcycling Conference is entry to seminars, the marketplace and moto action center, the Saturday Women’s Health Fair, priority registration for manufacturer demo rides, the Friday night cook-out and Saturday night Closing Celebration banquet, as well as a conference t-shirt and gift bag. Full conference details, as well as info on how to become an AMA member, are available at AmericanMotorcyclist.com > Events > Women & Motorcycling. 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 rights 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 the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame, the AMA honors the heroes and the heritage of motorcycling for future generations. For more information, please visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com. More, from a press release issued by Ryan Kerr Racing: AMA PRO SUPERSPORT RIDER RYAN KERR OFFERS THANKS TO MANY SPONSORS FOR 2012 SEASON Johnstown, Ohio – AMA Pro SuperSport rider Ryan Kerr and the Ryan Kerr Racing team reflect on the season ahead and the many sponsors who make racing possible. Kerr explains, “without the help of my many sponsors, racing in the 2012 season would not be feasible. I am truly grateful for all of the wonderful support and plan on showing my gratitude by achieving top finishes at the AMA Pro Supersport racing events in 2012!” Kerr would like to recognize and thank RFC, KobieC.com, Sunstar, Arai, K Tech, Held, Motonation, MJ USA, 614 Paintworx, M J MotoGear, Mid Ohio School, Digital Impressions, HEL, M4, and Dynojet. Kerr’s diverse group of sponsors offer top quality products and technical support which allow Kerr to have the utmost confidence in his equipment as he pulls off of the grid. Throughout the off season, Kerr has worked with a physical fitness trainer off the track and a coach while on the track. The motivated, young AMA Pro Supersport rider shares, “I feel that I am beginning the 2012 season as a much stronger rider as well as a rider with much more experience. The combination of personal strength and track experience will make me a top contender for the chase for the championship.” Finally, Kerr offers a special thanks to RFC; made up of family members and friends who have sacrificed countless hours and made monetary donations to allow him to compete in his third season as an AMA Pro Supersport rider. Kerr gratefully expresses, “I would not be where I am today without the support of my family and friends on and off the track. I look forward to being a top competitor in my upcoming third season as an AMA Pro SuperSport rider and welcome stands full of Ryan Kerr Racing fans at every event!” To learn more about sponsorship opportunities for Ryan Kerr and the Ryan Kerr racing team visit www.flyinryankerr.com.