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“Motorcycle Hall of Fame to induct class of 2001

“PICKERINGTON, Ohio — Twenty-eight legendary figures in the history of American motorcycling will be inducted into the Motorcycle Hall of Fame in ceremonies September 8 at the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum in Pickerington, Ohio.

“This year’s list of inductees includes everything from racers, tuners and engineers to media figures. Among the notables are Mike Baldwin, five-time AMA road-racing champion; Mark Barnett, winner of four motocross and Supercross championships; Allen Carter, the engineer responsible for some of the most significant motorcycles produced by the Indian brand; Charles Clayton, who, with his wife, Sharon, developed Cycle News into America’s weekly news magazine of motorcycling; Erv Kanemoto Jr., the tuner who helped Freddie Spencer and others win world road-racing championships; Larry Maiers, race announcer and TV personality; Fred Merkel, three-time AMA and two-time world Superbike champion; and Joe Parkhurst, founder of Cycle World magazine.

“The Motorcycle Hall of Fame recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to all aspects of motorcycling, including those who have excelled in motorcycle business, history, design and engineering, in addition to those known for their contributions to road riding, off-road riding and all categories of motorcycle racing. Honorees are chosen by six Hall of Fame induction committees consisting of Hall of Famers and independent volunteers who are experts in various disciplines.

“‘We see this as an important part of the mission of the museum,’ said Don Emde, chairman of the American Motorcycle Heritage Foundation, which runs the facility. ‘Preserving the heritage of American motorcycling means more than assembling a collection of classic machines. It means keeping alive the memory of those who built that heritage.’

“The 2001 Hall of Fame class will be inducted in ceremonies September 8 at the museum, located on the grounds of the American Motorcyclist Association. The ceremony, and a reception the night before, will be open to the public.

“The new inductees will join 241 others already enshrined in the Motorcycle Hall of Fame, which features plaques commemorating each of the inductees, along with displays of motorcycles, photos and memorabilia related to Hall of Famers.

“Meanwhile, the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum is gearing up for the opening of ‘A Century of Indians,’ a major new display commemorating the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Indian brand. The grand opening of that exhibit is scheduled for July 7.

“For more information on exhibits and events at the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum, call (614) 856-2222 or visit www.motorcyclemuseum.org.

“The full list of 28 2001 Motorcycle Hall of Fame inductees follows:

“Walt Axthelm: Third American to ride the ISDT (1959). Many-time winner of off-road events on Catalina Island.

“Mike Baldwin: 1978, ’82-’85 AMA Formula One Champion. 16 AMA National wins and a top contender in 1980s AMA Superbike racing.

“Mark Barnett: Factory Suzuki rider and off-road star of the 1980s. 1980-’82 AMA 125cc and 1981 AMA Supercross champion. On 1983 winning Motocross des Nations team.

“Mike Bell: Son of famous race tuner Bill Bell and top off-road star in his own right. Won the 1980 Supercross title.

“Ron Bishop: This Baja legend has ridden all 33 Baja 1000s, 27 Baja 500s, 17 Tecate 500 Enduros, and two ISDTs. Dealer in Escondido still prepping racebikes.

“Bill Brokaw: Trials competitor for 50 years. Three-time Southern California champion; enduro, hare and hound, ice-racing competitor. Dealer for 35 years.

“Don Brown: Former Cycle magazine editor, later executive for Johnson Motors Triumph, BSA Inc., Suzuki. Now a respected industry consultant.

“Allen Carter: Engineer at the Indian Motocycle Company in the 1930s. Played a key role in the design of many new models.

“Charles Clayton: With wife, Sharon, he turned a West Coast publication into the weekly Cycle News that serves to sport to this day.

“Babe DeMay: Successful dirt-track racer, won 1966 National at Lincoln, Illinois. Later tuned for Mark Brelsford and many other top riders.

“Dave Ekins: Won numerous off-road events, including Baja, Catalina and Greenhorn Enduro. 1964 and ’66 ISDT Gold Medal winner. Later, a motorcycle journalist.

“George Everett: 1957 & ’58 Peoria TT National winner, ranked in top six in points 1956-’57.

“Erv Kanemoto Jr.: Tuner for many top U.S. road-racers. With Freddie Spencer aboard, his machines won the 1985 250cc and 500cc World Road Racing Campionships.

“Crey Loftin: Ex-speedway racer who found great success in movie stunt work in the 1930s and ’40s. Member of traveling stunt show.

“Larry Maiers: Worked at Penton Imports and announced races in the 1970s and ’80s. Later moved onto television with “MotoWorld” and Speedvision.

“Fred Merkel: 1984-’86 AMA Superbike Champion; 1988-’89 World Superbike Champion; 20 career AMA Superbike National wins. 1982 250cc GP class runner-up.

“John McLaughlin: Winner of Catalina Grand Prix 250cc & 350cc classes the same year. Greenhorn Enduro winner. AFM #1 500cc three years.

“Joe Parkhurst: Founder/publisher of Cycle World magazine. He changed the way motorcycle magazines covered the sport. Co-founded Saddleback Park in Southern California.

“Mike Parti: Successful sidecar racer in scrambles and Bonneville speed trials. Today, he is one of the most respected restorers of antique motorcycles.

“Leo Payne: Famous drag racer who amassed many records and won numerous championships. First non-streamliner to go over 200 mph at Bonneville.

“Ronnie Rall: Top 1960s and ’70s Midwest dirt-track racer. Ranked third in AMA Grand National points in 1964; won five AMA Nationals.

“Jim Rice: Versatile 1960s and ’70s dirt-track star. He won six AMA Nationals during the 1970 season alone, and over his career.

“Dave Schultz: Six-time NHRA National Pro Stock Champion; 45 NHRA National event wins in 23-year racing career.

“Shell Thuet: Legendary race tuner. In the 1960s, his rider, Elliott Schultz, dominated Ascot. Later sponsored Wayne Rainey and Eddie Lawson.

“Marty Tripes: Won the inaugural Superbowl of Motocross race at age 16. Went on to win 11 AMA Nationals in his career.

“Ralph White: 1963 Daytona 200 winner; finished 1963 ranked third in AMA Grand National points. 1965 winner of Loudon, Indianapolis and Springfield Nationals.

“Jack Wilson: Dealer, tuner, sponsor in AMA Class C races; especially well-known for his role in numerous Bonneville speed records.

“Steve Wise: Superbikers Champion, top-10 ranking in AMA 250cc Supercross 1975, 1978 and 1980. Top-10 ranking in 125cc, 1976-’78. Later won an AMA Superbike National.”