TACOMA, Wash. (August 28, 2012) Pacific Northwest sunshine greeted motorcycles, scooters and more than 2,000 attendees at the inaugural “Meet at the Ace” vintage motorcycle festival at LeMay America’s Car Museum (ACM) this past weekend. The two-day event, officially known as “Meet at the Ace A Summer Shakedown 2012″ and co-produced by Ace Cafe London, culminated with a 200-person ride from the museum’s plaza to Mt. Rainier on Sunday. On Saturday, more than 200 pre-1980 motorcycles and scooters vied for top honors in 13 judged classes while attendees enjoyed live musical performances by NBC’s “The Voice” finalist Kim Archer, aerial acrobatics by BMX stunt team “Ride and Glide” and panel discussions led by Ace Cafe’s Mark Wilsmore, motorcycle photographer Michael Lichter and “Riding Man” author Mark Gardiner, who also had a book signing. “ACM is more than a museum; as this weekend proved, it’s a world-class attraction and host for unique, special events like Meet at the Ace,” said ACM President and CEO David Madeira, who has ridden motorcycles through more than 25 countries. “The public and participants responded very positively to the festival’s blend of vintage bikes, entertainment and family fun. We’ve placed our motorcycle show in great position to become a premier Pacific Northwest event.” When the exhaust cleared Saturday, Meet at the Ace’s concours winners were announced, revealing an eclectic selection of motorcycles and scooters led by Ron Rumbolz’s Best in Show-winning 1963 Norton Atlas. Here’s a list of Meet at the Ace’s first-place winners by category: Best Antique Pre-War 1913 Sears unrestored and owned by Art Redford Classic British 1941 1980 1964 AJS 33 CRR owned by Dean Nissen Classic German 1938 BMW R-51 owned by Gary Lewis Classic Italian 1955 Capriola Sport owned by Beall Korry Classic Japanese 1965 Honda 305 Dream owned by Roy Ivalters Classic American 1948 Harley S-125 owned by Terry Johnson Best Scooter 1957 Lambretta LD owned by Beall Korry Best Café Racer 1967 Norton Atlas owned by Dennis Merwood Best Competition Bike 1955 BMW R-50 with sidecar owned by Kevin Brooks Best Custom Bobber 1968 Honda Trail 90 owned by Bill Shupe Best/Worst Rat Bike 1974 Honda owned by John Hawley Best Off-Road 1968 Maico owned by Ron Orr Best of Show 1963 Norton Atlas owned by Ron Rumbolz Madeira said that next year’s festival is formally scheduled for Aug. 24 and 25. For more information on upcoming events at ACM, go to www.lemaymuseum.org. About America’s Car Museum (www.lemaymuseum.org) State Farm Presents LeMay America’s Car Museum, which opened June 2, 2012 in downtown Tacoma, Wash., explores how the automobile has fulfilled a distinctive role at the core of the American experience and shaped our society. The spacious Museum with rotating exhibits is designed to be the centerpiece for automotive history as well as an educational center and library. The campus, located adjacent to the Tacoma Dome, also contains a 3.5-acre show field, theatre, café, banquet hall and meeting facilities. To get information on museum hours, becoming an ACM member, volunteer opportunities or to make a donation, visit www.lemaymuseum.org.
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