PICKERINGTON, Ohio — Harley-Davidson, whose motorcycles helped write the history of American dirt-track racing, will be the presenting sponsor of the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame’s Legends recognition for Mert Lawwill. Lawwill, a 1998 inductee, will be honored at the annual Hall of Fame induction ceremony on Friday, Nov. 16, at the Red Rock Casino, Resort & Spa in Las Vegas, Nev.
Each year during the induction ceremony for the new class of the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame, existing members of the Hall of Fame are recognized as Legends. The 2012 AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Legends are Lawwill, the 1969 AMA Grand National Champion, and 1998 inductee Malcolm Smith, a pioneer in off-road motorcycling. Both Lawwill and Smith starred in the timeless motorcycling documentary “On Any Sunday.” The pair will be introduced on stage by the director of that movie — and a Hall of Famer himself — Bruce Brown.
“The iconic images of motorcycling seen in ‘On Any Sunday’ were instrumental in bringing generations of new riders into the sport and continue to resonate with riders today,” said Scott Miller, Harley-Davidson Vice-President of Parts, Accessories and Customization and an AMA board member. “Mert Lawwill is truly one of the great legends of Harley-Davidson and AMA racing, and we could not be more proud to support this event that recognizes the immense impact that he and Malcolm Smith have had on the history of motorcycle racing through their achievements on and off the track.”
In addition, the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, presented by KTM, will officially welcome the class of 2012: the late Rod Bush, KTM North America president and industry visionary; world championship roadracing tuner Nobby Clark; off-road racing champion Ty Davis; 1975 AMA Supercross Champion Jimmy Ellis; pioneering female motocrosser Sue Fish; world-class bike restorer Brian Slark; and the late iconic race starter Al Wilcox.
“Harley-Davidson is synonymous with Grand National Championship racing, and having the Motor Company be a part of this amazing event where we will honor one of the sport’s most cherished champions, is a true pleasure,” said Jeffrey V. Heininger, chairman of the American Motorcycle Heritage Foundation, which oversees the Hall of Fame. “Mert Lawwill is an inspiration, and we’re looking forward to recognizing him, Malcolm and the new class of the Hall of Fame this Nov. 16.”
The 2012 AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, presented by KTM, is part of AMA Legends Weekend. The event also includes one of the country’s leading motorcycle shows and the finale of one of the most thrilling AMA-sanctioned national racing series. On Saturday, Nov. 17, the Red Rock will host the 2012 AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Dave Mungenast Memorial Concours d’Elegance, featuring many of the country’s most impressive original and restored classic motorcycles. That evening, at the nearby Orleans Arena, fans can catch the last round of the 2012 GEICO AMA EnduroCross National Championship Series.
Tickets for the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, presented by KTM, and the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Dave Mungenast Memorial Concours d’Elegance are available online at http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?oeidk=a07e5r7zy8ea4316694&llr=vw9ldxbab or by calling (800) 342-5464.
The induction ceremony and bike show will be held at the Las Vegas Red Rock Resort, a world-class spa, hotel and casino, featuring a range of entertainment, dining and family-friendly attractions. The facility’s expansive ballrooms provide a stunning backdrop for the AMA Legends Weekend. Room reservations are available now at a special group rate by calling (866) 767-7773 and referencing group code RCIAME or AMERICAN MOTORCYCLIST. Online room reservations are available at www.redrocklasvegas.com.
For tickets to the final round of the GEICO AMA EnduroCross Championship Series at the Orleans Arena, see www.endurocross.com.
About the American 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.